offered by
Probate and Family Court
Massachusetts Court System
related to
Child Support & Custody
Family Matters in the Courts
Caring for Children

Child Custody and Parenting Time

Learn about the types of child custody and parenting time orders, who can file for child custody, and how to file or change child custody orders.

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 

Locations

A list of court locations where you can file for child custody and parenting time

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