It is common for Minnesotans to move to Wisconsin, and Wisconsin residents to cross the border to move into Minnesota. However, many individuals and families do not realize the impact that moving can have on any legal issues that involve their children and family. When dealing with family law matters across state lines, it is to your benefit to enlist an attorney who is licensed in both states.
Multi-state Families
When parents live in two different states, family law matters, such as child custody arrangements and child support, can become even more complicated. Divorce issues can also become complicated if one or both parents move out of state.
Regardless of your situation, if you are a multi-state family or are divorcing and are about to become a multi-state family, it is important that you educate yourself on your rights. You need to know which state’s laws govern your situation, where a divorce should be filed, where child custody and support orders are filed, and more.
Who Has Jurisdiction In Family Law Matters?
If your family is spread across the state lines of Minnesota and Wisconsin, it is essential to determine which state will have jurisdiction over divorce proceedings, including custody and support orders. Regardless of which state has jurisdiction, it is beneficial to have an attorney who can handle all of your legal matters in either or both states.
The state that has jurisdiction over your divorce may not necessarily be the same as the state that has jurisdiction over your child custody agreement. The Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA) of 1997 established that the child’s home state — or where they reside primarily — will have continuing jurisdiction over the custody agreements, unless circumstances change. This act also comes into play if one parent moves and relocates the child as well.
If you would like to discuss this issue and how it relates to your situation, please contact Hellmuth & Johnson Family Law attorney Michelle Kniess by phone at 952-460-9259 or email at [email protected].
*This article was originally published on the Kniess Family Law website.