Sunday, October 6, 2024

Child custody bill would bring Mass. in line with other states

From WLLP News:

The Senate on Thursday gave initial approval to legislation aimed at simplifying child custody jurisdiction laws to make an “easier and more streamlined process” for interstate custody disputes, but process concerns disrupted leadership’s plans before the bill could win passage in the upper chamber.

Massachusetts would be the last in the nation to adopt the standard framework known as the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act, if the bill the Senate advanced Thursday becomes law. The uniform framework, which dates back to 1997, has been adopted by all 49 other states, according to the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges.

Senate Ways and Means Chair Michael Rodrigues (D-Westport) said current Massachusetts child custody jurisdiction laws are obsolete.

“As a result, Massachusetts residents can face complications in child custody cases that involve multiple states, including jurisdictional disputes and enforcement delays,” he said. “This bill establishes clear rules for determining which state has jurisdiction over child custody matters prioritizing the home state of the child, and ensures that Massachusetts courts can work effectively with courts in other states.”

The bill also addresses virtual participation in custody proceedings and notice requirements for proceedings happening simultaneously in more than one state.

Read more here

https://lawprofessors.typepad.com/family_law/2024/10/child-custody-bill-would-bring-mass-in-line-with-other-states.html

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