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Are you and your spouse getting a divorce? If so, you might be wondering how child custody is decided in Massachusetts? Which custody arrangement is best for a child? If you have a custody issue, you will benefit if you understand which custody arrangements are recognized in Massachusetts, and what standards the state uses to decide this matter.
The following are types of child custody recognized by the family courts in Massachusetts
Sole legal custody- This arrangement gives on parent the right to make critical decisions for a child regarding their education, medical care, and overall development.
Shared legal custody- This arrangement allows each parent to have input into the upbringing of a child.
Sole physical custody-For this arrangement, just one parent has physical custody of a child. The other parent may have visitation rights.
Shared physical custody-Parents who have this arrangement have equal physical custody, and both have a say in the central decisions regarding a child.
If you and your former partner or spouse cannot decide on a custody arrangement, you can petition a family court to make a determination. When considering the appropriate child custody agreement, the courts will consider the following factors:
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