Child Custody Law in MA
Understanding Child Custody Law in Massachusetts
A. Key Terms
Understanding how child custody law in Massachusetts works can help you make confident decisions during a divorce. The state recognizes two types of custody: legal custody (decision-making authority) and physical custody (where the child lives). Parents can share both types, or one parent may take the lead in one or both types, depending on the family’s situation and children’s needs.
Key terms to know:
Joint physical custody: Both parents share residential responsibilities for the children
Joint legal custody: Both parents share decision-making authority for the children
Sole physical custody: One parent has residential responsibility for the children
Sole legal custody: One parent has sole decision-making authority for the children
Parenting time: A schedule that outlines where and when the children spend time with each parent.
Parenting plan: A plan that includes where the children reside, what the parenting time schedule is, who makes decisions for the children, i.e., joint or sole, and how the parents communicate.
Custody order: A legally binding decision approved by the court.
Understanding these key terms will help you create a parenting plan agreement that’s thorough, realistic, and fair.
Indeed, child custody decisions affect every part of your family’s future. As a parent going through divorce, you want a clear, thoughtful parenting plan agreement that protects your child’s well-being and avoids unnecessary conflict. That’s where I come in. I'm Jennifer Hatch, and I provide legal advice or mediation services to clients in Natick and across Massachusetts to reach respectful, cooperative parenting plans and co-parenting solutions. Specifically, my approach relies on either the mediation or collaborative divorce process to help parents make decisions about their children together, not against each other.
B. Crafting a Parenting Plan
A strong parenting plan provides clarity and structure for parents and children during a difficult time. Together, we’ll develop a plan that balances flexibility with predictability, giving your child the support they need to thrive.
As your parenting plan lawyer or mediator, I’ll help you build a parenting plan agreement that prioritizes your child’s well-being and works for both parents, now and in the future. Key elements to consider including:
Weekday and weekend schedules
Holidays, vacations, and special occasions
Communication plan between parents
Decision-making responsibilities (school, health, etc.)
How to handle future changes or disputes
C. Ensuring the Child’s Best Interests
Every child deserves stability, love, and a peaceful environment - especially during a family transition. I work with you to keep the focus on where it belongs: on the child’s long-term well-being.
Here’s how I help you prioritize what matters most:
Reduce conflict between parents through clear communication
Create parenting agreements that support emotional and physical stability
Address educational, medical, and extracurricular needs
Guide respectful co-parenting strategies that grow with your family
My Approach to Child Custody Cases
Every family is different, so I take time to understand your situation, your priorities, and your child’s needs. Agreements work best when they reflect the reality of your family, not a one-size-fits-all template. Either as your divorce lawyer or as your mediator, I work closely with you to design parenting solutions that feel practical, respectful, and fair. I help you restructure your family, so it feels ready to succeed. My role as your divorce lawyer or as your mediator is to support you in making sound decisions that reduce conflict and promote long-term stability for your restructured family.
| photo by Tushar Rathour on unsplash