Domestic Violence and Family Court in Massachusetts

Custody, Parenting Time, Divorce

Custody refers to the legal rights and responsibilities regarding a child’s care and decision-making. Parenting time, often called visitation, is the schedule for how a parent spends time with their child. Divorce is the legal dissolution of a marriage, which may include decisions about custody and parenting time as part of the settlement or court orders.

Raising Domestic Violence Concerns

When there are concerns about domestic violence (DV), it is important to communicate these clearly during custody or visitation proceedings to ensure the safety of all involved. Courts consider these concerns seriously and can implement protective measures. For more detailed guidance on navigating these concerns, resources like dv.support provide trusted support.

Child Safety Factors

Child safety is paramount and includes evaluating the child’s physical and emotional well-being, potential exposure to harm, and the ability of each parent to provide a stable environment. Courts examine history of abuse, substance use, mental health, and the child’s wishes when appropriate.

Supervised Visitation Possibilities

In cases where there are safety concerns, courts may order supervised visitation. This means that a neutral third party, like a professional supervisor or agency, monitors visits to protect the child from harm. Supervised visitation can provide a safer way for a parent to maintain contact while safeguarding the child’s well-being.