Is a parenting agreement enforceable?
A parenting plan is not legally enforceable and is different from a parenting order, which is made by a court. Once made, these orders are legally binding – they have the same effect as any other parenting order made by a court.
How do you write a parenting agreement?
Creating a Perfect Parenting Plan in 6 Steps
- Step 1: Understand your child’s best interests.
- Step 2: Choose a parenting schedule that works.
- Step 3: Have a plan for communication.
- Step 4: Know how you will make big decisions and handle legal custody.
- Step 5: Go over your child’s finances.
- Step 6: Maintain your goals.
When can a child choose what parent to live with?
Children can’t choose where to live until they are 18 years old. Each case is different, and the judge will decide how much weight to give to the child’s preference using broad discretion. Courts will generally give more value to older children’s opinions than those of younger children.
Who is a de facto parent in Massachusetts law?
Explains the “standard to be used when a noncustodial parent, who is living out-of-State, seeks custody of a child and permission to move the child out-of-State.” E.N.O. v. L.M.M. , 429 Mass. 824 (1999). De Facto Parents “A child may be a member of a nontraditional family in which he is parented by a legal parent and a de facto parent.
What are the different types of custody arrangements in Massachusetts?
There are 4 different types of custody arrangements in Massachusetts. Parents can make their own arrangements within these definitions and draft an agreement about custody and parenting time. The judge will review their agreement to determine if it’s in the best interest of the child (ren).
When is the mother the only parent in Massachusetts?
When the paternity of a nonmarital child has not yet been established pursuant to G.L. c. 209C, § 2 , the mother is the child’s only parent. The putative biological father has no legal rights that need to be protected by the court, and the mother may relocate freely with the child.” Yannas v. Frondistou-Yannas , 395 Mass. 704 (1985)
Can a court order parenting time for a de facto parent?
The de facto parent resides with the child and, with the consent and encouragement of the legal parent, performs a share of caretaking functions at least as great as the legal parent.” In this instance, the court may order parenting time for the de facto parent.