Section 2-204 Simultaneous proceedings in another state - Massachusetts Statutes

Section 2-204. Simultaneous proceedings in another state.

(a) A tribunal of the commonwealth may exercise jurisdiction to establish a support order if the petition or comparable pleading is filed after a petition or comparable pleading is filed in another state only if:

(1) the petition or comparable pleading in the commonwealth is filed before the expiration of the time allowed in the other state for filing a responsive pleading challenging the exercise of jurisdiction by the other state;

(2) the contesting party timely challenges the exercise of jurisdiction in the other state; and

(3) if relevant, the commonwealth is the home state of the child.

(b) A tribunal of the commonwealth may not exercise jurisdiction to establish a support order if the petition or comparable pleading is filed before a petition or comparable pleading is filed in another state if:

(1) the petition or comparable pleading in the other state is filed before the expiration of the time allowed in the commonwealth for filing a responsive pleading challenging the exercise of jurisdiction by the commonwealth;

(2) the contesting party timely challenges the exercise of jurisdiction in the commonwealth; and

(3) if relevant, the other state is the home state of the child.