An Act relative to service of process

This bill amends Massachusetts law to address situations where a parent intentionally avoids receiving legal documents regarding their child's custody or legal status. It classifies such deliberate avoidance as neglect and abandonment for the purpose of special findings, but includes exceptions for parents living outside the U.S., in rural areas, or in locations where proper service is impossible. Additionally, the legislation requires courts to consider electronic notification as a valid alternative method for delivering documents when traditional service and publication are not feasible. These changes directly affect family courts and parents involved in custody proceedings by clarifying how service of process failures are evaluated.