By Mr. O'Flaherty of Chelsea, petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1639) of Eugene L. O'Flaherty and others for legislation to preserve the best interest of minor children for out-of-state visitation rights with non-custodial parents.  The Judiciary.

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

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PETITION OF:

Eugene L. O'Flaherty

David M. Torrisi

Bradley H. Jones, Jr.

Stephen M. Brewer

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In the Year Two Thousand and Seven.

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An Act clarifying the removal statute.

    Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:

SECTION 1.  Section 30 of chapter 208 of the General Laws, as appearing in the most recent edition, is hereby further amended by inserting at the end thereof the following new paragraph:-

      The removal shall be ordered only if the Court finds that the removal results in a direct benefit to the child which outweighs any detriment to the child, including but not limited to, that resulting from the loss of frequent and regular visitation with the non-custodial parent.