Pennsylvania law sections 5422 and 5423 establish rules for child custody jurisdiction. Section 5422 grants exclusive, continuing jurisdiction to the court that made the initial custody decision until certain conditions are met. Section 5423 outlines when a Pennsylvania court can modify a custody order made by another state, emphasizing jurisdictional requirements.
It means the court that made the initial custody decision retains authority over the case until specific conditions, like significant connection or residence changes, occur.
A Pennsylvania court can modify an out-of-state custody order only if it has jurisdiction to make an initial custody determination under Pennsylvania law.
The court assesses whether the child or parents still have significant connections to Pennsylvania or if they no longer reside in the state.
Temporary emergency jurisdiction allows courts to make immediate decisions in urgent situations, but it does not affect the exclusive, continuing jurisdiction rules.