By FindLaw Staff | Legally reviewed by Nicole Prebeck, Esq. | Last reviewed January 03, 2023
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When parents get divorced or don't get married in the first place, they must work out a plan for the children's living arrangements. State child custody laws govern how this is decided, with special attention placed on the child's own best interests. The term "physical custody" refers to where the child lives (which may be split between both parents), while "legal custody" refers to the parent's ability to make important life decisions on behalf of their child.
All states, except Massachusetts, adhere to the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA). This article provides a brief overview of child custody laws in the state of Rhode Island.
You can find additional details about Rhode Island child custody laws in the chart below. See FindLaw's extensive Child Custody section for more articles and resources.
Code Section |
§ 15-5-16 et seq. of the Rhode Island General Laws |
|---|---|
Year Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act Adopted |
2003 |
Joint Custody an Option? |
Yes |
Factors Considered by the Court When Making Custody Determination |
|
Grandparent Visitation Rights Recognized? |
Yes, § 15-5-24.1 |
Child's Own Wishes Considered? |
Yes, subject to the court's determination of the child's maturity level |
Note: State laws are always subject to change through the passage of new legislation, rulings in the higher courts (including federal decisions), ballot initiatives, and other means. While we strive to provide the most current information available, please consult an attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.
If you and your child's other parent are separating, you might not agree on who gets custody of the child or what the custody arrangement should look like. There are many other factors to consider in these determinations, but the court's primary concern will be the child's own best interests. One of the best ways to get a handle on the process is to seek guidance from an experienced family law attorney.
Contact a qualified attorney.
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