An Act relative to child custody

HD 4214 protects military service members' custody rights by preventing courts from penalizing them for duty-related absences, such as deployments, mobilizations, or temporary duty. If military service significantly affects a parent's ability to exercise custody, courts must either create temporary custody orders until the parent returns or delegate visitation rights to a family member or step-parent. The bill also allows military parents to participate in custody hearings remotely via video, phone, or internet. It directly affects Massachusetts parents serving in the military who face custody or visitation disputes.