Custody, Parenting Time & Visitation
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Overview of custody, parenting time and visitation
Going through a separation or divorce, or leaving an abusive relationship, is not easy. Your life is disrupted, and if you have children, their lives are disrupted, too. If you have children, the legal, financial, and emotional issues are...
How do I get or change a custody or parenting time order?
Most of the time, you ask for custody and parenting time by filing a case in a Probate and Family Court. The type of case you file depends on whether or not you are married to the other parent of your child. To change a custody order, you...
Can the other parent take our child away?
Whether the other parent can take your child away depends on which parent has physical custody. Who has physical custody depends on whether you are married or not, and whether you have a court order about custody. Physical custody can be...
Custody and parenting time when there is domestic violence
Protecting children from domestic violence is in their best interest. If you have a 209A Abuse Prevention Order, the judge must consider it when they decide custody. You do not have to have a 209A order for the judge to take domestic...
Grandparent visitation
Sometimes grandparents have the right to visit their grandchildren. But they only have this right if they have a court order. If grandparents and parents agree about visitation, they do not have to go to court. If they cannot agree...
How to show the judge it is in your child's best interest for you to have custody or parenting time
Judges decide which parent should have custody based on your “child’s best interest.” They give custody to the parent who meets your child’s needs best. If you want the judge to give custody to you, you must show them it is in your child’s...
Supervised visitation
Sometimes, it may not be safe to leave your child alone with a parent during visitation. In these situations, the court can order supervised visitation. Supervised visitation means another person stays with the visiting parent during visits...
Supervised Visitation Centers in Massachusetts
Each of the centers listed here is a member of the Massachusetts Coalition for Supervised Visitation. They receive state funding to serve families affected by domestic violence or that otherwise need supervised contact between children and...