Legal Question in Family Law in Massachusetts

jurisdiction in multi state case

I am a resident of NJ having divorced in Hampden county Mass nearly six years ago. My minor children reside in CT with their mother. What state has jurisdiction over continued disputes ?

I sincerely appreciate your help.


Asked on 11/09/98, 10:55 am

1 Answer from Attorneys

Alan Pransky Law Office of Alan J. Pransky

Re: jurisdiction in multi state case

Under the Parental Kidnapping Prevention Act and the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction Act, the state

where the children have lived for the last six months has jurisdiction over the children. In this case, it

sounds like Connecticut has current jurisdiction. However, Massachusetts Probate Judges will

sometimes write into judgments orders relating to continuing jurisdiction. You should check your

divorce papers to see if there is such a clause. If you had not moved out of Massachusetts, or the

children have lived in Connecticut for less than six months, then Massachusetts probably has

jurisdiction.

Alan Pransky

Law Office of Alan J. Pransky

20 Eastbrook Road


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Answered on 1/05/99, 10:37 pm


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