Custody Information Center
Relevant Statutes Law
- Dupre v. Dupre (857 A.2d 242 (RI 2002))
Relevant Case Law
Relevant FAQS Postings
Interstate Custody Jurisdiction Issues in Rhode Island Family Court
Often, when one parent of a child moves out of state and the other remains in state, issues of jurisdiction arise when parents need to use the court system to resolve disputes. These jurisdiction questions increase in importance if the child or children move out of state also. Jurisdiction determines which states court can hear [...]
What’s the Difference Between Legal and Physical Custody?
Many states have differing terminology for legal and physical custody. In Rhode Island, legal custody is the ability to have input in major life decisions of the children in question. A person with “sole custody” has sole legal custody, and does not need to include the other parent in the decision making process things like [...]
How do the Courts Decide Custody?
The Rhode Island Family Courts base custody and possession decisions on the “best interest of the child.” The pivotal case Pettinato v. Pettinato, 582 A.2d 909 (R.I. 1990) states that certain factors must be weighed in the best interests of the child analysis when relevant. These factors include: 1. The wishes of the child’s parent [...]
