MA H1963

Amends Chapter 208, Section 31 of Massachusetts General Laws to add definitions for military "deployment," "mobilization," and "temporary duty" in the context of child custody proceedings

Prohibits courts from using a parent's absence, relocation, or failure to comply with custody/visitation orders against them when determining custody modifications if caused by military service obligations

Authorizes courts to issue temporary custody or visitation orders during a service member's deployment that automatically terminate upon their return, restoring the prior custody arrangement

Permits courts to delegate a deployed parent's visitation rights to a family member or step-parent with whom the child has a close relationship, if found to be in the child's best interest

Requires courts to accommodate deployed service members by either holding expedited hearings before departure or allowing testimony via telephone, video teleconferencing, or internet