By Bob Katzen
Senate 39-0, approved and sent to the House a bill that would align Massachusetts with the other 49 states by adopting the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA).
Supporters said the bill addresses longstanding issues under current Massachusetts law, which uniquely relinquishes jurisdiction over custody orders once the custodial parent has lived out of state for six months. They noted the legislation reflects years of work and collaboration with legal experts and domestic violence advocates and has broad support from the state’s family law community.
“I filed this bill to align Massachusetts with every other state in the nation,” said sponsor Sen. Cindy Creem (D-Newton). “The current law places an undue burden on non-custodial parents by forcing them to travel out-of-state for custody proceedings and opens the door to forum shopping and unnecessary multistate litigation. By adopting the UCCJEA, we bring clarity, consistency and fairness to our custody laws, just like every other state has already done.”
“Every day, our members who practice family law witness the real and lasting harm caused by the commonwealth being the only state that has not joined the UCCJEA,” said Boston Bar Association President Matthew V.P. McTygue. “This bill is about protecting children, stabilizing families and ensuring that survivors of domestic violence are not forced to relitigate custody across state lines. Without this law, a custody order from a Massachusetts judge can be cast aside after a parent moves to a new state. That’s unacceptable, and this legislation will finally fix it.”
The legislation was approved by the Senate in the 2023-2024 session but died in the House Ways and Means Committee and never reached the House floor for debate and a vote.
(A “Yes” vote is for the bill.)
Sen. Patricia Jehlen Yes