Bill > H1457

This bill amends Chapter 208 of the Massachusetts General Laws to establish new definitions and guidelines for determining the best interest of children in Probate and Family Court decisions. The key provisions include: 1. Defining "Shared Decision-Making Responsibility" where parents have mutual responsibility for major decisions, and "Sole Decision-Making Responsibility" where one parent has the authority. 2. Defining "Shared Residential Responsibility" where the child spends time with both parents, and "Primary Residential Responsibility" where the child primarily resides with one parent. 3. Providing guidance to the court in determining the distribution of parental responsibilities, including considering factors such as the child's adjustment, the parents' abilities, and any concerns related to substance abuse, domestic violence, or sexual offenses. 4. Requiring the court to consider the parties' proposed parenting plans and to create a plan that is workable and meets the child's physical and emotional needs. 5. Ensuring that a parent's responsibility for child support is governed by the Massachusetts Child Support Guidelines, regardless of the residential arrangement. The overall aim of the bill is to establish a framework for determining the best interest of children in Probate and Family Court proceedings.

Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/193/H1457