Child Custody Guidelines by Location

Typically the court where your child lives has jurisdiction to decide your case. But sometimes a court in another area where you have a connection hears your case instead. If you're unsure, consult each jurisdiction's residency requirements.

If you move to a new jurisdiction after you get a court order, you can register the order there so they can enforce it. For example, if you got a court order outside of the United States, a court within the U.S. may enforce it, as the U.S. State Department explains.

These location-based guides tell you how to file a custody case and what to expect.

Information for where you live

Australia
Custody is fairly uniform across Australia. Here's what you need to know.

Canada
Get information on parenting after separation by province.

Ireland
Use our guides to Irish parenting plans, custody schedules, parental rights and more.

UK
Learn about child arrangements in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

USA
In the United States, child custody depends on your state.

General articles

We also have hundreds of articles that aren't location specific.

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