Obviously the Judge cannot ignore the law, otherwise you can appeal. However, the law is more nuanced than you present as the UCCJEA also includes an exception to "continuing, exclusive jurisdiction" if the Judge finds the home state to be an "inconvenient forum." In a nutshell, the Judge would need to determine that all or most of the witnesses & evidence on the issue of custody no longer exist in GA - usually this is when the child's been residing in NY for many years. For a 2d opinion, schedule a consult with a Westchester Family Law attorney.  -- David Bliven, Westchester Family Law attorney (www.blivenlaw.net