The Uniform Reciprocal Enforcement of Support Act (URESA) was established in 1950 to simplify the process of obtaining support from individuals residing in different states. It was subsequently replaced by the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act (UIFSA) in 1997. The UIFSA ensures that support orders issued in one state are acknowledged and upheld in other states, ensuring that parents and children receive the necessary support regardless of their location. This law was implemented to promote fairness and consistency for all parties involved.
The Uniform Reciprocal Enforcement of Support Act (URESA) was created in 1950 to standardize the processing of interstate support matters and the recognition of orders from one jurisdiction in another. It was later amended in 1958 and 1960 but was eventually replaced by the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act (UIFSA) in 1997. The UIFSA, established in 1992, aims to establish a system where alimony or child-support decrees issued in one state can be enforced against a former spouse residing in another state. This act has been adopted in all states and serves as the basis for jurisdiction in child-support cases. Its purpose is to enhance the effectiveness, consistency, and efficiency of pursuing interstate child support and paternity cases by requiring all states to recognize and enforce support orders issued in other states. For instance, if a parent who owes child support moves to a different state, the UIFSA allows the custodial parent to enforce the support order in the new state, ensuring that the child receives the necessary support regardless of the parents’ location. Prior to the UIFSA, there were significant discrepancies among states in handling interstate child-support proceedings due to variations in the earlier uniform law, URESA. The UIFSA was further revised in 1996 to enhance the consistency and efficiency of interstate child support enforcement.
URESA is a law that allows for the enforcement of child support and alimony orders across state lines.
URESA allows a person seeking support to file a petition in their home state, which is then forwarded to the respondent’s state for enforcement.
URESA can be used by anyone seeking to enforce a support order across state lines, including custodial parents, guardians, and state agencies.
URESA can be used to enforce child support and alimony orders.
The petitioner must file a petition with their local court, which will then be forwarded to the respondent’s state for enforcement.
If the respondent does not comply with the URESA order, the court in their state can take enforcement actions, such as wage garnishment or contempt of court.
URESA can only be used to enforce existing support orders, not to modify them.
The timeline for URESA enforcement can vary depending on the specific circumstances of the case and the cooperation of the parties involved.
URESA is a domestic law and only applies to enforcement across state lines within the United States.
While it is not required to have a lawyer to use URESA, it is recommended to seek legal advice to ensure the process is handled correctly.
This site contains general legal information but does not constitute professional legal advice for your particular situation. Persuing this glossary does not create an attorney-client or legal adviser relationship. If you have specific questions, please consult a qualified attorney licensed in your jurisdiction.
This glossary post was last updated: 17th April 2024.
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