Denton Divorce Lawyer

Uniform Interstate Family Support Act

Modifying child support payment plans or enforcing child support can be difficult, no matter what state the parents and child inhabit. However, it can become even more complicated when the parents live in separate states, or if the child moves to another state. This is why all states have adopted the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act, or UIFSA.

UIFSA was first drafted in 1992 at the National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws. The Act was then revised in 1996. Afterward, the national government pushed for all states to adopt UIFSA when it passed the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Act by January 1, 1998. Congress ordered that states could choose to adopt UIFSA, or face the loss of federal funds for child payment enforcement.

The purpose of UIFSA is to create an interstate plan regarding the court that is in charge of child support. Normally, the court where the original ruling and filing took place is considered to have continuing exclusive jurisdiction. However, if a child moves, his or her new home state can become the state in charge of enforcing child support.

Because states' laws regarding child support vary widely, UIFSA is very helpful in establishing which state's laws will take precedence. Additionally, it can help coordinate interstate child support enforcement. For example, a caregiver in one state can ask a court in the state of the other parent to enforce the established payment plan.

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Even with UIFSA, modifying child support can be difficult. If you or someone you know is looking to alter your child support plan, you should speak to a lawyer to help you deal with the legal issues regarding modification.

For more information regarding child support modification, contact a Denton family lawyer of Alexander & Associates today by calling 972-420-6560.