Massachusetts Child Custody and Parenting Time Resources

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Custody in Massachusetts is decided in the Probate and Family Court. Most states split the question in two: who makes the big decisions for the child, and what the day to day schedule looks like. Both usually end up written into one order or parenting plan the judge approves.

The wording differs from state to state, so read the official Massachusetts documents below rather than assuming a term you heard elsewhere means the same thing here. Courts decide these cases on the best interests of the child, and the official forms are written to collect the facts a judge needs.

Official Massachusetts custody resources

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Massachusetts family law forms (official index) (Massachusetts judicial branch): The official statewide collection of Massachusetts family law forms. When a direct document link stops working, this index is where the current version lives. https://www.mass.gov/lists/probate-and-family-court-forms-for-divorce

Massachusetts court self-help resources (Massachusetts courts self-help): Official self-help information for people handling their own Massachusetts family case, including instructions and plain-language guides. https://www.mass.gov/topics/family-law

Massachusetts mediation and dispute resolution (Massachusetts judicial branch): Official information on mediation and other ways to settle a Massachusetts family case without a trial. https://www.mass.gov/service-details/find-a-mediator

eFileMA (Tyler Technologies): eFileMA is live in every Probate and Family Court division, 24 hours a day. E-filing is required for attorneys but optional for people without a lawyer, so you can always paper file instead. https://www.efilema.com/

Massachusetts rules of procedure (Massachusetts judicial branch): The court rules that control deadlines, service, and how family cases move in Massachusetts. https://www.mass.gov/rules-of-the-probate-and-family-court

Verified official Massachusetts custody documents

These official documents cover asking for custody, setting a schedule, and putting a parenting plan in front of the judge.

Affidevit O Vospitanii Ili Opeke Dopolnitelnykh Detey Supplemental Child Care or Custody Disclosure Affidavit (Child Custody / Parenting), official document: https://www.mass.gov/doc/affidevit-o-vospitanii-ili-opeke-dopolnitelnykh-detey-supplemental-child-care-or-custody-disclosure-affidavit/download

Child Care or Custody Disclosure Affidavit (Child Custody / Parenting), official document: https://www.mass.gov/doc/child-care-or-custody-disclosure-affidavit/download

Child Care or Custody Disclosure Affidavit Afadt Khtyt Llkshf N Mlwmat Bshan Rayt Altfl Aw Hdanth (Child Custody / Parenting), official document: https://www.mass.gov/doc/child-care-or-custody-disclosure-affidavit-afadt-khtyt-llkshf-n-mlwmat-bshan-rayt-altfl-aw-hdanth/download

Zinufuyangquanhuojianhuquanpiluxuanshishu Chushenfayuanguizedisitiao Child Care or Custody Disclosure Affidavit (Child Custody / Parenting), official document: https://www.mass.gov/doc/zinufuyangquanhuojianhuquanpiluxuanshishu-chushenfayuanguizedisitiao-child-care-or-custody-disclosure-affidavit/download

Official link data for Massachusetts was last verified June 2026. Report anything outdated through our contact page and we will re-check the official source.

Frequently asked questions

Which court hears family cases in Massachusetts?

Family cases in Massachusetts are heard in the Probate and Family Court. Massachusetts has a dedicated Probate and Family Court department for divorce, custody, and support. The Probate and Family Court sits in each county.

Does Massachusetts favor one parent over the other?

Custody decisions are made on the best interests of the child, not on which parent asks first. Judges look at things like stability, each parent's involvement, the child's needs, and whether a parent supports the child's relationship with the other parent. Read the official Massachusetts forms and self-help material for the factors this state asks about.

Do we have to go to mediation first?

Many courts send custody disputes to mediation before a hearing, and some require it. The official Massachusetts mediation page linked above explains what this state offers and when it applies.