Bill > S1032

This bill updates Massachusetts family law by replacing the term "visitation" with "parenting time" across multiple legal chapters, and introduces a comprehensive framework for determining parental responsibilities in child custody cases. The bill establishes new definitions for key terms like "decision-making responsibility" (which can be shared or sole) and "residential responsibility" (also shared or primary), emphasizing that every child has the right to a safe, healthy, and meaningful relationship with both parents. When determining parental responsibilities, courts must prioritize the child's best interests by considering factors such as the child's relationship with each parent, the child's reasonable wishes, parents' ability to communicate and cooperate, geographical considerations, each parent's caregiving history, the child's special needs, potential safety concerns, and various other relevant circumstances. The bill requires a detailed parenting plan for every custody case, which must outline decision-making responsibilities, residential arrangements, parenting time schedules, and other critical aspects of co-parenting. Additionally, the bill provides potential remedies for non-compliance with parenting plans, such as adjusting the plan, requiring parenting education, awarding legal fees, or reimbursing expenses incurred due to a parent's failure to follow the agreed-upon plan.

Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S1032