MA H1711

Prohibits courts from using a parent's absence, relocation, or failure to comply with custody orders as grounds for modifying custody if caused by military activation, deployment, mobilization, or temporary duty out of state

Allows courts to issue temporary custody orders during a parent's military deployment that automatically terminate upon the service member's return, restoring the original custody arrangement

Permits courts to delegate a deployed parent's parenting time to family members or stepparents with close relationships to the child if found to be in the child's best interest

Requires courts to hold expedited hearings before deployment or allow testimony via telephone, video teleconference, or internet when military duty prevents in-person court appearances

Amends both Chapter 208 (divorce) and Chapter 209C (children born out of wedlock) to extend these protections to all custody situations involving military parents