When do I need to get permission from the other parent or the court?

You need to get permission from the other parent or the court if:

• Your child was born in Massachusetts, or
• Your child has lived in Massachusetts for 5 years or more.

And

• You divorced the other parent. Or,
• You and the other parent are not married but
  • have a custody or paternity case.
  • the other parent signed the birth certificate, or
  • the other parent signed a Voluntary Acknowledgement of Parentage. Or,
• Your move will change your parenting time schedule.

If your child has lived in Massachusetts for less than 5 years, your child’s other parent can give you permission to leave with your child. But if they do not, talk to a lawyer. There may be risks to filing something in court if your child has lived in Massachusetts for less than 5 years.