H1963

Relative to child custody

Introduced·2/27/25
Introduced Text

Massachusetts H1963 amends child custody laws to accommodate military service members.

Massachusetts H1963 modifies child custody laws to better accommodate parents who are military service members. The bill ensures that a service member's deployment, mobilization, or temporary duty does not negatively impact their custody or visitation rights. Courts may hold expedited hearings or allow testimony via electronic means to accommodate these service members. Additionally, a service member's absence due to military duty will not be considered in modifying custody or visitation orders.

Included in complete analysis

  • Overview
  • Core Provisions
  • Implementation
  • Impact
  • Legal Framework
  • Critical Issues

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Where it stands

Current
In committee
Next
Committee decision

Sponsors

D
1
0
Democratic CaucusRepublican Caucus

Calendar

Apr 22, 2025

1:00 PM

Joint Committee on The Judiciary Hearing

History

Mar 26

House

Accompanied a study order, see H5281 (under House Rule 27)

Oct 14, 2025

Joint

Hearing scheduled for 04/22/2025 from 01:00 PM-05:00 PM in A-2

Oct 14, 2025

House

Reported by committee to Clerk’s Office for processing, will accompany a study order