New proposals regarding child custody in MA
As you may be aware, Massachusetts is in the process of reshaping its laws around divorce. At the Law Office of Robert W. Kovacs, Jr., P.C., we are here to help guide you. Among these changes, are laws that would give children significant time with both parents. This is not for all cases but this comes from the belief children will benefit from time spent with both parents. This new proposal goes on to say that children should be spending at least 1/3 of the time with each parent (ideally). Other states have been updating their custody laws in this manner and Massachusetts is following suit.
Child advocates claim that these changes, if known going into settlement negotiations, really set the scene for a focus on the child's needs and interests rather than the parents'. Judges would continue to have broad discretion in these cases and may limit contact in matters of domestic abuse or substance abuse. These proposals are based on studies that show that quality time with each parent is very valuable to child growth.
