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Child Custody

Compassionate. Skilled. Knowledgeable.

We believe in gentle, yet zealous advocacy.
 
Our attorneys are prepared to guide you through your child custody disputes with objective, skilled advocacy, whether in mediation or litigation to help you achieve your desired outcome.  Leary Hodgman Law strives to maintain your family integrity as we walk you through what to expect during each step of the proceeding. Our adept attorneys will preserve and protect your rights with personalized services to meet your family’s needs. If you need an experienced family law attorney, call us today to schedule an in-person consultation.

Physical Custody

There are two types of physical custody in Massachusetts:

  • Sole physical custody — A child lives with one parent and the other parent has reasonable parenting time, unless the court decides that parenting time wouldn’t be in the child’s best interest.
  • Shared physical custody — A child has periods of living with each parent, so the child has frequent, regular contact with both parents.

Legal Custody

The are two types of legal custody in Massachusetts:
  • Sole legal custody — One parent has the right and responsibility to make major decisions about the child, including ones about education, medical care, religion, and emotional development.
  • Shared legal custody — Both parents are involved in and responsible for major decisions about the child, including ones about education, medical care, and emotional, moral, and religious development.  

Joint Temporary Legal Custody

This form of custody is the most commonly seen in Massachusetts. It involves parents share decision-making authority regarding the minor child.

Joint Legal Custody

If a party seeks joint legal custody on a final basis, that party must prove to the court joint legal custody is in the child’s best interest.

Primary Considerations Regarding Joint Legal Custody

  1. Education
  2. Extracurricular Activities
  3. Medical Care
  4. Religious Upbringing

Our Team Is Ready To Help

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Kara E. Leary

Partner

Rachel C. Hodgman

Partner