Out of State Custody Battle

My husband and I moved to NC over two years ago. Shortly after we moved here, he left to move back to california. I have filed paperwork through Social Services for Child Support, and have a court date in California later this month. I have just been made aware, however, that he is now trying to get some sort of custody or visitation order through California. Two questions: Isn’t that sort of thing supposed to take place in the State where the child resides? And what sort of leg would he have to stand on after two and half years of never seeing her?

Gratefully,
erinbearlina