Massachusetts Child Custody Attorneys Focused on Your Child’s Best Interests
As parents, our most important priority is the health, happiness, and well-being of our children. At Briones Law Group, we understand how emotionally difficult and legally complex child custody cases can be. Our experienced attorneys are here to ensure that your child’s best interests are protected at every stage of the process—whether you are negotiating a custody agreement or facing a contested hearing in family court.
With compassion and clarity, we guide parents through the Massachusetts child custody process, helping them understand their rights, responsibilities, and legal options. We work to create practical and sustainable parenting arrangements that prioritize the child’s needs and preserve meaningful parent-child relationships.
Massachusetts Child Custody Overview
In Massachusetts, child custody refers to both physical custody (where the child lives) and legal custody (who makes major decisions about the child’s upbringing). Custody may be awarded to one parent or shared between both, depending on a variety of factors evaluated by the family court.
There are several types of custody arrangements under Massachusetts law:
Shared Physical and Legal Custody
This arrangement allows both parents to share residential time with the child and to jointly participate in making important decisions, such as those related to education, health care, and religious upbringing. Shared custody works best when both parents maintain a cooperative and communicative relationship and live close enough to facilitate regular parenting time.
Sole Physical and Legal Custody
In cases where one parent is awarded sole custody, that parent has both exclusive decision-making authority and primary physical custody of the child. The child lives with that parent full-time, and the other parent may be granted a parenting schedule or supervised parenting time, depending on the circumstances.
Sole Physical and Joint Legal Custody
This type of custody allows the child to reside primarily with one parent while both parents continue to share legal custody, meaning they must collaborate on major decisions regarding the child’s welfare. The non-residential parent may have scheduled parenting time and is expected to stay actively involved in the child’s life.
What the Court Considers in Child Custody Cases
If a custody arrangement cannot be agreed upon and the case goes to court, a Massachusetts family court judge will make a custody determination based on what is in the best interests of the child. Factors considered include:
- The child’s living arrangements and routines prior to the case
- The strength of the child’s relationship with each parent
- Each parent’s ability to provide emotional support, stable housing, and financial resources
- Any history of domestic violence, substance abuse, or neglect
- Each parent’s willingness to encourage a positive relationship between the child and the other parent
Joint custody is more likely to be awarded when both parents have demonstrated the ability to co-parent effectively and make joint decisions in the child’s best interest.
Child Support and Parenting Plans
Custody decisions often go hand-in-hand with child support determinations. In Massachusetts, child support is calculated based on each parent’s gross income and the state’s Child Support Guidelines. Courts also consider the number of overnights each parent has with the child and any special needs or expenses.
In many cases, custody disputes can be resolved without going to court. Through negotiation or mediation, our attorneys help clients create custom parenting plans that reflect each family’s unique needs. These plans can address:
- Parenting time schedules
- Holiday and vacation arrangements
- Decision-making responsibilities
- Financial support
- Dispute resolution methods
Why You Need a Child Custody Lawyer
While you are not legally required to have an attorney for a custody case, having experienced legal representation can make all the difference—especially if disagreements arise or the situation becomes contentious. At Briones Law Group, we advocate for your parental rights while keeping your child’s well-being at the center of every decision.
We provide skilled legal support in all custody-related matters, including:
- Initial custody determinations
- Modifications of existing custody orders
- Enforcement of parenting time
- Emergency orders and temporary custody issues
- Custody concerns related to relocation or parental fitness
Let Us Help You Protect What Matters Most
Whether you’re navigating a divorce, revisiting an existing order, or trying to create a workable custody agreement, our attorneys are here to support and guide you. We understand that no two families are the same, and we tailor our approach to meet your specific circumstances.
Contact Briones Law Group today to schedule a confidential consultation. Let us help you move forward with confidence—knowing your child’s best interests are protected and your parental rights are in capable hands.