2019 Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes
Title 23 - DOMESTIC RELATIONS
Chapter 52 - Uniform Child Abduction Prevention
Section 5202 - Definitions

Universal Citation: 23 PA Cons Stat § 5202 (2019)
§ 5202. Definitions.

The following words and phrases when used in this chapter shall have the meanings given to them in this section unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

"Abduction." The wrongful removal or wrongful retention of a child.

"Child." An unemancipated individual who is under 18 years of age.

"Child custody determination." Any judgment, decree or other order of a court providing for the legal custody, physical custody or visitation with respect to a child. The term includes a permanent, temporary, initial and modification order.

"Child custody proceeding." A proceeding in which legal custody, physical custody or visitation with respect to a child is at issue. The term includes a proceeding for divorce, dissolution of marriage, separation, neglect, abuse, dependency, guardianship, paternity, termination of parental rights or protection from domestic violence.

"Court." An entity authorized under the law of a state to establish, enforce or modify a child custody determination.

"Petition." A motion or its equivalent.

"Record." Information that is inscribed on a tangible medium or that is stored in an electronic or other medium and is retrievable in perceivable form.

"State." A state of the United States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands or any territory or insular possession subject to the jurisdiction of the United States. The term includes a federally recognized Indian tribe or nation.

"Travel document." Records relating to a travel itinerary, including travel tickets, passes, reservations for transportation or accommodations. The term does not include a passport or visa.

"Wrongful removal." The taking of a child that breaches rights of custody or visitation given or recognized under the laws of this Commonwealth.

"Wrongful retention." The keeping or concealing of a child that breaches rights of custody or visitation given or recognized under the laws of this Commonwealth.

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