Child Custody and Parenting Time | Mass.gov

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This page, Child Custody and Parenting Time , is offered by
Probate and Family Court
Massachusetts Court System

When parents are separating, they may disagree about issues regarding their child. When the child is under 18, one or both parents can ask the court to make decisions for them by getting a court order for child custody or parenting time. For information about custody when you're not a parent, please see Guardianship of Minors.

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Who can file for child custody? File for child custody or parenting time

Filing for child custody or parenting time

Learn about eligibility, the filing process, and how to get an immediate order.

Learn about the child custody or parenting time process

Changing a child custody or parenting time order

Child custody and parenting time resources

Contact Information

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Probate and Family Court locations

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