The Ann Arbor Michigan Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (McCrea) is a set of laws that governs the procedures and guidelines for determining child custody and enforcing child custody orders in cases involving multiple states or jurisdictions. It is an essential piece of legislation that ensures the protection and welfare of the children involved in these complex situations. Under the McCrea, the primary objective is to determine which state has the jurisdiction to make or modify child custody decisions. This act establishes guidelines and procedures that help courts determine the most appropriate jurisdiction to handle child custody matters in cases where the involved parties reside in different states or have recently relocated. The Ann Arbor McCrea helps prevent jurisdictional conflicts and promotes cooperation among different states by outlining clear rules for identifying the home state of the child. The home state is usually defined as the state where the child has resided for the past six months or since birth if the child is less than six months old. This provision aims to provide stability and consistency for the child and prevent forum shopping, where parents seek a more favorable jurisdiction to gain custody. Additionally, the McCrea addresses the enforcement of child custody orders across state lines. It mandates that all states must give full faith and credit to valid custody orders issued by another state. This means that if one parent obtains a child custody order in their state, it must be recognized and enforced in any other state as long as it meets certain requirements. This provision ensures the continuity and efficiency of child custody arrangements, even if the parties reside in different states. It is important to note that the Ann Arbor McCrea is not a singular act but rather a version of the McCrea adopted by the state of Michigan. Each state has its own version of the McCrea, which may have minor variations in language or procedures. However, the core principles and objectives remain consistent across state lines. In conclusion, the Ann Arbor Michigan Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act is a crucial piece of legislation that establishes rules and guidelines for determining jurisdiction and enforcing child custody orders in cases involving multiple states or jurisdictions. Its primary aim is to protect the best interests of the child and promote cooperation among states to ensure a consistent and stable environment for the child.