Custody After a Split
R.I. Gen. Laws § 15-5-16 — the child's best interests, visitation for the other parent, and domestic violence weighed
In regulating custody, the family court provides for reasonable visitation by the parent without custody, unless cause is shown against it, and both the custodial parent and the children must comply with the order.
Domestic violence counts. The court considers evidence of past or present domestic violence, and where it is proven, arranges any visitation to protect the child and the abused parent from further harm.
- Receiving public assistance is not a factor in awarding custody.
- A finding that a parent physically or sexually abused the child is enough to deny visitation, reviewed at least annually.
- A noncustodial parent whose visitation order is ignored may file a motion for contempt.
A particular custody case is a question for a licensed Rhode Island attorney.
Sources for this section (1)
- R.I. Gen. Laws § 15-5-16 — Alimony and counsel fees; Custody of children
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of October 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Rhode Island attorney.