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Mass. General Laws c.209B

Massachusetts child custody jurisdiction act

This page links to an unofficial version of each section of G.L. c. 209B. Please note that sections that appear missing have been either reserved for future use or repealed.

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Table of Contents

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§ 1 Definitions 
§ 2 Jurisdiction 
§ 3 Affidavits; contents; amendment; examination under oath; disclosure of addresses 
§ 4 Parties; joinder; service of process 
§ 5 Notice and opportunity to be heard; proper parties 
§ 6 Notice; nonresidents; proof of service 
§ 7 Jurisdiction; determination of appropriate forum; factors 
§ 8 Personal appearance before court; expenses 
§ 9 Testimony of witnesses outside state 
§ 10 Foreign courts; evidentiary hearings; transfer of information; orders to appear within state; expenses 
§ 11 Custody proceedings in foreign courts; evidentiary hearings within state; transfer of information; orders to appear in foreign court; expenses 
§ 12 Custody judgment of foreign state; filing within state; enforcement of judgment within state; expenses 
§ 13 Preservation of record; time; copies 
§ 14 International custody determinations; recognition 
§ 15 Minors receiving gender-affirming health care; laws of other jurisdictions; basis to alter custody, parenting time and visitation agreements; court considerations 

Added by St. 2025, c. 16, § 22, effective November 5, 2025

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