Legal Question in Family Law in Washington

Child Custody

I have a friend who lived in Nevada. His girlfriend took their 2 year old child and left the state. THey were not married. They had just moved to Nevada from Georgia. I believe that is the state the child has residency in. How can the Father retain custody of his child?


Asked on 12/12/07, 4:28 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

Elizabeth Powell ELizabeth Powell PS Inc

Re: Child Custody

By not promptly asking the Georgia Court to assert jurisduction.

I think what you are asking is how can the father regain time with his child.

All the States have signed onto what is called the UCCJEA "Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Something Act".

Each state understands the terrible problem with one parent absconding with a child, and the other parent not being able to find them. There are two courts available to your friend - one, the Court in Nevada that handles family law cases, and the other is the Court in Georgia. I am not licensed in those states, but I imagine that a Google search will find mandatory forms for these states, and you can review them.

Custody actions will have a section for the litigant to recite the facts about the child, including how old they are, and where they have been residing, and any other court cases the litigant is aware of.

Your friend should talk to a local family law attorney who can help him decide where to file a custody action, and file for orders placing the child with him pending final orders.

This is complicated and expensive law. Start with the best LOCAL family law attorney you can find.

I hope this helps. Elizabeth Powell

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Answered on 12/12/07, 4:38 pm


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