Does a parent have the right to know where their child lives?
Mia Ramsey
Published Apr 12, 2026
Does a father have the right to know where his child lives? Even though if a father is a non-custodial parent, a father has the right to know where his child lives. He also has the right to know about the child’s school and documents such as medical and school records.
What age can a child decide which parent to live with in Massachusetts?
18 years old
It’s common for parents to ask at what age their child can decide custody. In Massachusetts, children can’t “decide” where they will live until they are at least 18 years old. However, Massachusetts courts must consider a child’s custodial preference when the child is mature enough to have a rational opinion.
What is considered child abandonment in Massachusetts?
The term abandonment generally means that the child was “left without any provision for support, and without any person responsible to maintain care, custody and control because the whereabouts of the person responsible is unknown and reasonable efforts to locate such person have been unsuccessful.
How can a father get full custody in Massachusetts?
To get sole custody in Massachusetts, you can file with the court if you are either going through a divorce or if the child is born out of wedlock. The court system in Massachusetts must be petitioned if you are to gain sole custody.
What rights do fathers have in Massachusetts?
In Massachusetts mothers and fathers have equal rights in child custody cases. However, when a child is born to unwed parents, fathers have the additional hurdle of establishing paternity in order to assert their rights as a parent. Once paternity is established, fathers may bring a claim for custody of their children.
How is child custody determined in Massachusetts?
The law requires judges to base custody on the needs of the children, and neither parent begins with any greater right to custody than the other. Massachusetts law does not list specific factors to be considered in determining a child’s best interests, allowing judges a great deal of discretion in making decisions.
