Legal Insights

Few legal matters are more emotionally difficult than disputes involving child custody. In Massachusetts, custody cases often arise during divorce proceedings, paternity actions, post-divorce disputes, or situations involving disagreements over parenting decisions, relocation, school choice, or visitation schedules.

Historical article. Historical background as of 08/12/2024: Governor Maura Healey signed the Massachusetts Parentage Act on 08/09/2024. Its principal parentage changes were scheduled to take effect on 01/01/2025. This article discusses that enactment in its original 2024 context; it is not a guide to later filing procedures.