Massachusetts Law about Child Custody and Parenting Time

Free Legal Aid provides useful information about child custody. In addition to the video here, be sure you check out other resources.

Child Support and Visitation in Massachusetts

In Massachusetts, the courts follow Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 208-28 as a basic layout of the rules for determining the amount of support that is to be paid.  Massachusetts guidelines for support are rebuttable by the parties, and the court may deviate from the standard guidelines if the amount of support would otherwise be inappropriate. In Massachusetts, if the non-custodial spouse violates the visitation order, you may file an order to hold him or her in contempt of the court. check to learn more.

Massachusetts Child Custody Laws

In the state of Massachusetts, when courts make custody determinations, they consider the happiness and welfare of the child, also taking into account whether the child's present or past living conditions have a negative impact on his or her physical, mental, moral, or emotional health. check to learn more.