UTAH Part 9

Where can I file for child custody? (Which state has jurisdiction?)

In most situations and in most states, you can file for custody in the "home state" of the child.  The "home state" is basically the state where the child has lived (with a parent or a person acting as a parent) for at least the last six consecutive months - however there are exceptions to this rule. (Note: Temporary absence from the state does not affect the six-month calculation.)  If your child is less than six months old, the "home state" is usually the state where the child has lived from birth.