Section 12. (a) A certified copy of a custody judgment of another state may be filed in the office of the clerk or register of any court of competent jurisdiction in the commonwealth. The clerk or register shall treat the judgment in the same manner as a custody judgment of a court of the commonwealth. A custody judgment so filed has the same effect and shall be enforced in like manner as a custody judgment rendered by a court of the commonwealth.
(b) A person violating a custody judgment of another state the violation of which makes it necessary to enforce the judgment in the commonwealth may be required to pay the reasonable and necessary travel, witness and other expenses, including attorneys' fees, incurred by the party entitled to custody of the child.
Structure Massachusetts General Laws
Part II - Real and Personal Property and Domestic Relations
Title III - Domestic Relations
Chapter 209b - Massachusetts Child Custody Jurisdiction Act
Section 3 - Affidavits; Contents; Amendment; Examination Under Oath; Disclosure of Addresses
Section 4 - Parties; Joinder; Service of Process
Section 5 - Notice and Opportunity to Be Heard; Proper Parties
Section 6 - Notice; Nonresidents; Proof of Service
Section 7 - Jurisdiction; Determination of Appropriate Forum; Factors
Section 8 - Personal Appearance Before Court; Expenses
Section 9 - Testimony of Witnesses Outside State
Section 13 - Preservation of Record; Time; Copies
Section 14 - International Custody Determinations; Recognition