Parents often worry about how custody will affect their time with the child, their role in decision-making, and maintaining a consistent routine during a stressful transition. In Massachusetts, child custody decisions are based on the best interests of the child, meaning the court focuses on what arrangement will best support the child’s safety, stability, and emotional well-being. There are several child custody arrangements. Ultimately, the goal is to create a custody plan that promotes the child’s healthy development while balancing each parents’s involvement.