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.
1 Answer from Attorneys
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