Bill > H1506

This bill amends Massachusetts law to address child custody and parenting time issues when a parent is on active military duty. The key provisions include: 1) A parent's absence, relocation, or failure to comply with custody/parenting orders due to military activation, deployment, or temporary duty cannot be considered when determining modifications to custody or parenting orders. 2) The court can issue temporary custody/parenting orders during the period of the parent's military absence, and can delegate the absent parent's parenting time to a close family member or stepparent to maintain the child's contact with the parent. 3) The court must either hold an expedited pre-deployment hearing on custody/parenting issues or allow the absent parent to participate electronically if their military duty will materially affect their ability to appear in person. The bill defines key military terms like "deployment," "mobilization," and "temporary duty" to provide context and clarify the scope of these provisions.

Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/193/H1506