H4017

To eliminate parental alienation

Introduced·4/10/25
Introduced Text

Massachusetts H4017 aims to address parental alienation in custody disputes by defining related terms and establishing support services.

Massachusetts H4017 seeks to combat parental alienation by defining terms such as "alienated child" and "alienating parent." The bill mandates the Department of Children and Families to create support services for affected parents and children, including counseling and therapy. It also requires the development of guidelines for assessing and treating parental alienation cases and training for relevant personnel. Courts are directed to recognize parental alienation as psychological child abuse and to establish expedited procedures for related cases.

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

Jun 10, 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 20, 2025

Joint

Hearing scheduled for 06/10/2025 from 01:00 PM-05:00 PM in A-2

Oct 20, 2025

House

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