Jurisdiction We're In This Together

Austin Lawyers for Jurisdictional Matters

Navigating You Through the Maze of Family Law

The most difficult aspect of legal matters concerning family relationships often seems to be in determining where the suit should be filed. Jurisdictional issues can arise involving different state, county, and venue guidelines and borders. The laws are complex. In order to ensure that you are entering into your legal proceedings in a proper and valid manner, you should contact an attorney to help walk you through the process.

Contact Andrae Law's Austin Attorneys for Legal Support today by calling (512) 668-7133.

Comprehensive Overview of the UCCJEA in Texas

The Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act or UCCJEA replaced the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction Act or UCCJA in order to correct inconsistencies between national and state laws. It also served to further enforce child custody determinations across state lines. The UCCJEA helped create firmer guidelines for determining when a state court has jurisdiction to make or alter custody orders, as well as how the decisions should be enforced by the courts.

The section of the UCCJEA focused on jurisdiction helps clarify the role of the state in custody proceedings including:

Why Choose Andrae Law, PLLC?

  • Committed to Giving Back
    Our firm is involved with giving back to the legal profession and the community.
  • Board Certified
    Amanda Andrae is Board Certified in Family Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.
  • Experienced Attorneys
    Our attorneys have over 40 years of combined legal experience.

How it Works in Texas

One of the most important considerations for Texas courts is determining if Texas can be considered the child’s home state. If it appears that Texas courts do have proper jurisdiction, the family lawsuit may be filed.

However, a Texas court can have temporary emergency jurisdiction for any of the following situations:

  • The child is present in Texas
  • The child has been abandoned
  • The child needs to be protected because they are being threatened

Confused? We understand. Schedule an appointment to come in and discuss your jurisdiction concerns with our Austin attorneys with over 35 years of collective experience.

Contact Us Today!

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  • "I can't say enough great things about J.!"
    I can't say enough great things about J.!
    Former Client
  • "excellent work from J.!"
    excellent work from J.!
    Madhu S.
  • "Knowledgeable and compassionate"
    Amanda is a very knowledgeable and compassionate attorney who expertly guides her clients to fair settlements and, when needed, to very good outcomes in the courtroom.
    Anon
  • "They were great with communication"
    I am very pleased with Andrae Law. I got divorced and had a child custody matter I needed help with and they handled it. They were very direct with what my options were. If I was confused about something they were very good about explaining the process and what had to be done. They were great with communication, via email and phone. I've had attorneys in the past that wouldn't return my call for up to a week, I was very happy that didn't happen with this firm. I feel I definitely got my money's worth. I highly recommend Amanda Andrae & Sally Pretorius with Andrae Law.
    Anon
  • "Andrae Law is a great choice"
    J. Riggs and Amanda Andre are both wonderful attorneys. I’ve had the opportunity to work with both of them and they offer nothing shy of professional advocacy. Andrae Law is a great choice for any of your family law matters.
    Avery R.
  • "They are knowledgeable"
    Amanda Andrae and J. Riggs make a great team. They are knowledgeable about the law and will ensure you are well taken care of. Do not hesitate to put your trust in them with your family law case.
    Clare M.
  • "Amanda is the one to call!"

    I cannot recommend Amanda Andrae highly enough! From the very beginning, she demonstrated an incredible depth of experience in my child custody matters, guiding me through every step with professionalism and care. They truly took the time to understand my situation with my ex, offering thoughtful advice while always keeping my children’s best interests at heart.

    What stood out most was their balance of compassion and strength—providing the support I needed while being firm and strategic when it mattered most. Thanks to their dedication and expertise, I felt confident and well-represented throughout the entire process. If you’re looking for an attorney who genuinely cares but will also fight for you, Amanda is the one to call!

    Andrew S.
  • "Deeply moved by your incredible generosity"

    Amanda, "Thank you" is insufficient, as I am deeply moved by your incredible generosity. Your support, along with Joan and Alex, has been beyond remarkable. I don't know how I would've gotten through this experience without all of you. You and Joan are just as much therapists as you are lawyers. You both fought for me and didn't let me back down when I was emotionally exhausted but you did so with respect and integrity. You provided me with the validation I needed when I doubted myself. I now carry this forward with me and the value of such is priceless. You turned one of the worst experiences of my life into one of my proudest. As a result of the dedication and unwavering support I received from you both, my family will forever be shaped for the better. In sincere gratitude, I wish you all the best.

    Anonymous