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Legal Information: Rhode Island

Custody

Laws current as of July 19, 2024

If my child was conceived due to sexual assault, can the offender get custody or visitation?

Custody or visitation will be denied if both of the following are true:

  1. the abuser was convicted in criminal court of: 
  2. the child was conceived as a result of the sexual assault.1  

However, if the child’s mother or legal guardian consents to visitation and the judge determines that it would be in the best interest of the child, then the judge can order supervised visitation and counseling.1

1 RI Gen. Laws § 15-5-16(d)(4)

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