No parent ever wants to experience the trauma and despair of a child being abducted by a parent or family member. Unfortunately, parental child abduction is an issue that affects thousands of families in the United States every year. To combat this heartbreaking epidemic, Congress in 1980 passed the Parental Kidnapping Prevention Act (PKPA) to protect the rights of children in custody disputes.
What Does PKPA Do?
PKPA clarifies which state has jurisdiction over a custody dispute, establishing a uniform rule in cases concerning children who have been taken or kept across state lines. Essentially, the act makes sure children are not dragged through multiple states while their parents fight for custody. Additionally, it prohibits state courts from making any decisions while a case is already being heard in another court in a different state. Additionally, it gives federal courts power to enforce custody and visitation orders from other states.
PKPA has been a lifesaver for countless families in the United States and makes sure that parents who have custody of a child aren’t able to take them away without legal repercussions. This is especially important in cases of domestic violence where a parent or family member may force a child to flee the state. Without PKPA, children could find themselves moving from state to state as their parents continue to battle for custody, subjecting them to an emotionally draining experience.
Conclusion
The Parental Kidnapping Prevention Act makes sure that every child’s rights are respected, regardless of where they are located. It ensures that children have the same legal protection in all states and offers parents a way to protect themselves and their children in the event of a custody dispute. By providing families with guaranteed protection, PKPA helps keep families stay connected and together, just as they should be.