Title 25, IndiansRelease 119-102
§1921 Higher State or Federal Standard Applicable to Protect Rights of Parent or Indian Custodian of Indian Child
Title 25 › CHAPTER 21 — INDIAN CHILD WELFARE › SUBCHAPTER I — CHILD CUSTODY PROCEEDINGS › § 1921
Summary
Courts must use whatever law gives a parent or an Indian custodian of an Indian child stronger rights in a child custody case. If a state or federal law offers more protection than the rules in this subchapter, the court must follow that state or federal law.
Full Legal Text
Title 25, §1921
Indians, Source: USLM XML via OLRC
In any case where State or Federal law applicable to a child custody proceeding under State or Federal law provides a higher standard of protection to the rights of the parent or Indian custodian of an Indian child than the rights provided under this subchapter, the State or Federal court shall apply the State or Federal standard.
Reference
Citations & Metadata
Citation
25 U.S.C. § 1921
Title 25, Indians
Last Updated
Aug 21, 2026
Release point: 119-102