Bill > H47

This bill proposes to enact the Uniform Child-Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act in Massachusetts. The key provisions of the bill include: 1. Defining key terms related to child custody proceedings, such as "child-custody determination," "child-custody proceeding," "home state," and "modification." 2. Establishing the jurisdictional requirements for a court in Massachusetts to make an initial child custody determination, maintain exclusive, continuing jurisdiction, and modify a child custody determination made by another state. 3. Providing for temporary emergency jurisdiction if a child is abandoned or in need of protection from abuse. 4. Requiring notice and an opportunity to be heard for parties in child custody proceedings. 5. Outlining procedures for registering and enforcing child custody determinations made by courts in other states. 6. Authorizing the use of warrants to take physical custody of a child in certain emergency situations. 7. Allowing for the recovery of costs, fees, and expenses by the prevailing party in an enforcement proceeding. The bill also amends an existing state law to subject the jurisdiction of Massachusetts courts to modify child custody orders to the provisions of this new uniform act.

Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/190/H47