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HD 972

An Act relative to the uniform child custody jurisdiction and enforcement act

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Adrianne Ramos

Massachusetts would adopt uniform child custody jurisdiction rules to prevent conflicting state orders, reduce parental abduction, and standardize multi-state custody enforcement across America.

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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HD 972

Legislative bill overview

HD 972 proposes adoption of the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA) in Massachusetts to standardize how state courts handle child custody cases involving multiple states. This model law, developed by the National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws, provides consistent rules for determining which state has authority over custody disputes and how to enforce custody orders across state lines.

Why is this important

Currently, inconsistent state custody laws can allow parents to forum-shop—filing custody cases in different states strategically to gain advantage. The UCCJEA prevents conflicting custody orders and reduces child abduction across state lines by establishing clear priority rules. This protects children's stability and reduces expensive, duplicative litigation while improving enforcement of existing custody orders nationwide.

Potential points of contention

  • Jurisdiction concerns: Some stakeholders may worry that standardized rules could disadvantage Massachusetts residents in disputes with out-of-state parents, or limit local judicial discretion in sensitive family matters
  • Implementation costs: Courts and family law practitioners need training on new procedures, and there may be transitional confusion with cases already in progress
  • Parental rights advocates: Custody reform groups have varying perspectives on how UCCJEA affects fathers' rights, mothers' rights, and non-biological parent protections in different scenarios

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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