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HD 388

An Act strengthening parenting time plans

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Joan Meschino

Massachusetts bill establishing stricter standards for parenting time plans to improve custody arrangement clarity, enforcement, and family court procedures.

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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HD 388

Legislative bill overview

HD 388 strengthens parenting time plans in Massachusetts by establishing clearer standards and procedures for creating, modifying, and enforcing custody and visitation arrangements between parents. The bill aims to provide more comprehensive guidance for courts and parents navigating family law matters involving minor children.

Why is this important

Parenting time plans directly affect millions of Massachusetts residents—children and parents navigating custody arrangements, often during contentious separations or divorces. Clearer, more enforceable standards can reduce litigation costs, minimize conflicts, and provide greater stability and predictability for families. However, the bill's specific provisions will determine whether it genuinely improves outcomes or simply adds procedural complexity.

Potential points of contention

  • Custody standard definitions: Disputes may arise over how "best interests of the child" is defined and whether the bill's framework adequately protects all family structures (including same-sex parents, grandparent custody, non-traditional arrangements)
  • Enforcement mechanisms: Whether the bill provides sufficient teeth for enforcement without becoming overly punitive toward parents struggling to comply, or conversely, whether penalties are adequate
  • Modification thresholds: Questions about how easily parenting plans can be modified and whether the bill sufficiently protects against frivolous modification requests or appropriately allows changes for genuine changed circumstances

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

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