An Act relative to child-centered family law

SD 275, titled "An Act relative to child-centered family law," amends Massachusetts family law to prioritize the child's best interest in custody decisions. It replaces "visitation" with "parenting time" and defines key terms like "shared decision-making responsibility" (both parents jointly making major decisions about education/health) and "shared residential responsibility" (child spending at least one-third of time with each parent, though not mandated). The bill requires courts to consider 16 specific factors - such as the child's relationship with each parent, ability to cooperate, history of abuse, and the child's own wishes (if age-appropriate) - when determining parental responsibilities. It establishes a presumption of shared decision-making for parents until they agree otherwise or a court orders differently, aiming to create more structured, child-focused parenting plans.