When is a child custody order not effective?

A child custody order is generally not effective when it has been issued by a judge from another state if it does not follow the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA) or lacks proper jurisdiction. For an order to be enforceable, it typically must be issued by a court that has jurisdiction over the child based on the child's home state. If a custody order is issued by a judge in a different state without meeting the jurisdictional requirements—such as lacking previous connections to the child or the family—it may not be recognized legally in the state where enforcement is sought.

The other options suggest scenarios where custody orders are generally recognized and effective, such as being issued by a local judge or filed within the appropriate family court system, both of which adhere to established legal procedures. Additionally, mutual agreements between parents do not inherently nullify the effectiveness of a court-issued custody order, but rather can create conditions which modifications or new orders might follow. Thus, a custody order's effectiveness is closely tied to appropriate jurisdiction and compliance with legal frameworks.