H2012

Relative to child-centered family law

Introduced·2/27/25
Introduced Text

Massachusetts H2012 amends family law to prioritize child-centered parenting plans, replacing terms like "visitation" and "custody" with "parenting.

Massachusetts H2012 revises family law to emphasize child-centered parenting plans, replacing outdated terms like "visitation" and "custody" with "parenting time" and "residential responsibility." The bill mandates that parenting plans detail schedules, extracurricular activities, and transportation of the child, among other provisions. It also introduces the concept of shared residential responsibility, where a child spends significant time with both parents, unless it's deemed unsafe.

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