What is the primary purpose of the Illinois Child Custody Jurisdiction Enforcement Act?

The Illinois Child Custody Jurisdiction Enforcement Act primarily serves to establish jurisdiction in custody disputes involving children. This law is designed to provide a clear framework for determining which state's courts have the authority to make custody decisions, especially in situations where parents may live in different states or where there are multi-state considerations. It seeks to ensure that custody issues are handled consistently and efficiently, minimizing the potential for conflicting rulings from different jurisdictions or courts.

By focusing on jurisdiction, the Act aims to protect the best interests of the child by ensuring that custody decisions are made in the most appropriate forum while also preventing parental kidnapping and the instability that can arise from unresolved jurisdictional disputes. This legal structure plays a crucial role in providing clarity and promoting cooperation among states in custody matters.