UIFSA (Uniform Interstate Family Support Act)

What if you are in Georgia and your ex-spouse has moved to another state? How do the laws vary with regard to child support? If these are concerns of yours, do not worry.

The Uniform Interstate Family Support Act (UIFSA) was enacted to bring uniformity to the laws relating to common domestic relations proceedings involving spousal support (alimony) and child support. The UIFSA creates uniformity in how to address contempt (noncompliance) of support orders issued in one state that require enforcement in another state due to the child or former spouse being in that state.

Given the high mobility of society these days, parents and children move around and the UIFSA sets a framework for determining which state has jurisdiction (authority) in enforcing orders and what role the state that issued the order plays in the process.

In Georgia, the following proceedings may be brought under the UIFSA:

(1) Establishment of an order for spousal or child support

(2) Enforcement of a support order and income-withholding order of another state without registration

(3) Registration of an order for spousal or child support of another state for enforcement in Georgia

(4) Modification of an order for spousal or child support issued by a tribunal of Georgia

(5) Registration of an order for child support of another state for modification

(6) Determination of parentage

(7) Assertion of jurisdiction over nonresidents (from Ga. Divorce, Alimony, & Child Custody § 14:28 (2012-2013 ed.)

If you are a party on either side of a spousal support or child support enforcement case, call Hecht Family Law at 678-926-9234. You need a competent, articulate divorce attorney who is familiar with the intricacies of UIFSA, who can explain your rights and responsibilities in a way you will understand and who will vigorously represent you.