Child Custody Attorney in Plymouth County

Locally Rooted Representation for Every Stage of Your Custody Case

Child custody decisions shape your family’s daily life for years. At Law Offices of Rachel M. Matos, we represent families throughout Plymouth County in matters involving legal custody, physical custody, parenting plans, and visitation schedules. We opened our Plymouth office specifically to make quality family law representation more accessible to this community, and custody cases are among our most active practice areas.

Cases heard by the Plymouth County Probate and Family Court are decided under Massachusetts’ best interests of the child standard. That standard gives the court significant discretion, and what it means for your family depends on your specific facts. We handle both negotiated resolutions and fully litigated custody proceedings, and our approach is shaped by what your situation actually requires.

Call us at (508) 206-9334 to schedule your consultation with a child custody attorney in Plymouth County.

Custody Types in Massachusetts: What Plymouth County Parents Need to Know

Massachusetts law recognizes two distinct forms of custody, and understanding both is essential before any court date or negotiation.

Legal Custody
Legal custody is the authority to make major decisions about your child’s upbringing, including education, healthcare, and religious practice. Massachusetts law sets no presumption for or against joint legal custody, and courts weigh each family’s specific circumstances. Sole legal custody may be awarded when joint decision-making isn’t workable.

Physical Custody
Physical custody determines where the child lives and who manages day-to-day care. One parent may have primary physical custody while the other has defined parenting time, or parents may share physical custody more evenly depending on work schedules, geography, and the child’s needs.

Parenting Plans
Parents can submit a parenting plan outlining custody type, the parenting time schedule, holiday arrangements, and how decisions will be handled. Detailed plans reduce future conflict, and the Plymouth County Probate and Family Court can review any submitted plan to confirm it serves the child’s best interests before entering it as an order.

Unmarried Parents
When parents aren’t married, Massachusetts law gives the mother automatic legal and physical custody unless a court orders otherwise. An unmarried father seeking custody or parenting time must first establish paternity, either voluntarily or through a court proceeding.

Why Families in Plymouth County Work with Law Offices of Rachel M. Matos

No two custody cases are alike. What works in a straightforward parenting-time dispute won’t serve a high-conflict case involving disputed evidence or allegations that require independent investigation. We tailor our strategy to each family’s specific circumstances from the start.

• Investigative and forensic professionals: Our established network includes private investigators and forensic experts who can support your case when a deeper review of the facts is needed.
• High-conflict and complex matters: We handle high-conflict, high-net-worth, and multi-faceted custody matters with the attention they require, including cases involving disputed parenting fitness or significant asset considerations.
• Clear communication at every stage: We explain what the Plymouth County Probate and Family Court can weigh, keep you updated as the case develops, and make sure you understand your options before any decision is made.
• Negotiation and litigation: We pursue amicable resolution when it serves your family. When it doesn’t, we litigate and advocate for your parental rights and your child’s well-being.

How We Handle a Plymouth County Custody Case

Every custody matter we take on follows a consistent framework, adapted to where you are in the process.

• Initial consultation: We start by listening. You share your goals for custody and parenting time, and we explain what the process looks like given your specific facts.
• Case assessment and strategy: Our attorneys review the available evidence, identify the key issues, and build a plan whether you’re pursuing an initial custody arrangement or seeking a modification of an existing order.
• Negotiation or court proceedings: We work toward agreement through negotiation when that path serves you and your child. If the matter needs to be resolved in court, we present your position with care and attention to the best interests of the child standard.
• Post-order support: Circumstances change. If your work schedule shifts, your child’s needs evolve, or the other parent’s situation changes significantly, we remain available to help you seek a modification. Custody orders can be updated when a material and substantial change in circumstances is demonstrated to the court.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Does the Court Decide Custody in Massachusetts?

The Plymouth County Probate and Family Court applies the best interests of the child standard. Judges weigh each parent’s relationship with the child, the child’s adjustment to home, school, and community, and each parent’s capacity to provide stable care. There is no automatic preference for either parent.