Although family matters are historically a matter of state law, there are numerous instances in which uniformity may be desirable or even essential. In fact, many of the current laws and procedures that affect domestic relations are based on uniform model laws. For instance, many states’ divorce statutes are variations on the Uniform Marriage and Divorce
Act. All family law practitioners are aware of the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA), which has now been enacted in 49 states as the successor to the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction Act that was in effect in all 50 states. This act has significantly reduced the number of interstate custody disputes. Practitioners may not, however, be aware of the process by which these uniform acts are promulgated.
