MA H1710

Establishes a presumption of shared legal and shared physical custody for both parents upon filing a divorce or custody action, absent emergency conditions, abuse, or neglect

Requires courts to maximize each child's exposure to both parents and treats parental rights as equal when determining parenting schedules

Mandates written findings with specific facts if a judge awards sole custody, demonstrating that shared custody would harm the child

Presumes that changes in parental availability or a child's developmental stage constitute material and substantial changes in circumstances sufficient to modify parenting plans

Requires judges to issue or revise child support orders when shared physical custody is ordered