Custodia

There are three main ways in which paternity can be established:

1. Through marriage. The law assumes that spouses are the parents to a child born during the marriage or up to 300 days after a divorce.¹
2. Signing an acknowledgement of parentage. It can be signed at:
   
   1. the hospital when the child is born; or
   2. the Rhode Island Center for Vital records if it’s completed after birth.²
3. Through a court case. A petition to establish parental rights and responsibilities can be filed in the family or superior court.³ The petitioner must provide the court with the Social Security number of the person who s/he believes is the father. If paternity is established, the court will share that information with the Office of Child Support Services.⁴ The petition can be filed by:
   • the child;
   • the person who gave birth;
   • the person whose parentage is being decided;
   • the Office of Child Support Services; or
   • a representative authorized by law.⁵

¹ RI Gen. Laws § 15-8.1-401
² Rhode Island Office of Child Support Services website
³ RI Gen. Laws § 15-8.1-111
⁴ RI Gen. Laws § 15-8.1-104(c), (e)
⁵ RI Gen. Laws § 15-8.1-105