Why does it matter where my child lives?
If you want to file for custody or visitation, you usually have to do it in your child’s home state—the state where your child has lived for the past six months. If your child just moved, you may need to file in the last state where they lived for at least six months.
This guide explains how custody and visitation cases work when parents live in different counties or states. It covers the “home state” rule, what happens if your child is under 6 months old, and how courts decide where a case should be heard.
Last Reviewed: July 16, 2025