Massachusetts Parenting Plan Template (Free 2026)
What is a Parenting Plan in Massachusetts?
A parenting plan in Massachusetts is a written agreement that outlines how parents will share custody and make decisions about their children after separation or divorce. Massachusetts courts require (or strongly encourage) a parenting plan as part of any custody proceeding.
The plan typically covers physical custody schedules, legal decision-making authority, holiday and vacation arrangements, transportation logistics, and communication protocols. Massachusetts uses the income shares model (revised 2021) for calculating child support, which is directly influenced by the parenting time allocation in your plan.
While parents can draft their own parenting plans, courts in Massachusetts must approve any agreement to ensure it serves the best interests of the children. Having a well-structured, detailed plan increases the likelihood of court approval and reduces future disputes.
Massachusetts Custody Guidelines
Massachusetts has no presumption of shared custody. Every-other-weekend is still common, though 50/50 is increasing.
Massachusetts uses the income shares for child support calculations. Uses gross income with specific allowable deductions
Common deviation factors in Massachusetts:
- Child's best interest
- Available resources
- Cost of living
Common Schedules in Massachusetts
Alternating Weeks (50/50)
Each parent has the child for one full week. Best for cooperative parents living nearby.
2-2-3 Rotation (50/50)
Mon-Tue with Parent A, Wed-Thu with Parent B, alternating weekends. Minimizes time away from either parent.
3-4-4-3 Rotation (50/50)
Three days with one parent, four with the other, then swap. Good balance for school-age children.
Every Other Weekend (~14%)
Primary parent has weekdays, other parent gets every other Friday-Sunday. Common starting point.
60/40 Split
Primary parent has 4-5 days/week with alternating weekends for the other parent.
Required Elements in a Massachusetts Parenting Plan
- Physical custody schedule (regular, weekday, and weekend)
- Holiday and vacation schedule with specific dates
- Legal decision-making authority (education, healthcare, religion)
- Transportation and exchange arrangements
- Communication schedule between the child and non-custodial parent
- Right of first refusal provisions
- Procedures for resolving disputes
- Provisions for relocation
- How to modify the plan in the future
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This template is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a Massachusetts family law attorney.