Bill > H1528

This bill seeks to amend the existing Massachusetts law related to determining the best interest of children in Probate and Family Court decisions. The key provisions of the bill include: 1. Defining key terms such as "Shared Decision-Making Responsibility," "Sole Decision-Making Responsibility," "Shared Residential Responsibility," and "Primary Residential Responsibility" to clarify the different types of parental responsibilities. 2. Establishing that the rights of parents shall be held equal, and the happiness and welfare of the children shall determine the distribution of parental responsibility, considering factors such as the child's living conditions, safety, and well-being. 3. Providing guidelines for the court to consider when determining parental responsibilities, such as the parent-child relationship, the child's adjustment to their environment, the willingness of each parent to support the child's relationship with the other parent, and the demonstrated capability and desire of each parent to meet the child's needs. 4. Requiring the court to consider factors related to the safety of the children and the parties, such as substance abuse, abuse, and sexual offenses, when determining the parental responsibility arrangement and parenting plan. 5. Directing the court to seek to create a parenting plan that is workable and realistic, considering factors such as the parties' geographic locations, cooperation, and ability to provide required caregiving functions.

Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/192/H1528