Father’s Rights in Rhode Island, the Ultimate Guide

21 Jul Father’s Rights in Rhode Island, the Ultimate Guide

The law in Rhode Island is progressive when it comes to the rights of the father. There are a lot of stay at home dad’s in Rhode Island who take care of a lot of the childcare responsibilities. Father’s are more involved in child raising than ever before. Rhode Island law says that fathers have a right to have parenting time with their kids. However, the father needs to be deemed a fit parent by the court. Furthermore, fathers also have a right to be with their children regularly, frequently and for a duration of time. We’ll take a look at the ultimate guide to a father’s rights in Rhode Island.

The Strength of the Parent-Child Relationship

The strength of the parent-child relationship is a big factor to consider if a father is to have custody of his child. Having a good relationship with the child by being there for him/her will keep you in good standing with the court.

Father’s Rights in Paternity Actions

The Rhode Island Office of Child Support Services says half of the children born in Rhode Island are born without fathers. Furthermore, more than half of those children’s fathers are born without the father’s name on their birth certificate. Even after paternity is established you are not yet entitled to visitation and custody. You must file a motion for visitation and custody with the family court. Consequently, a hearing will be held to determine the issues. Also, a mother and father can always come to terms over visitation and child custody. Paternity is established either voluntarily or by DNA tests that are ordered by the court. If the child is on assistance care, the state will seek an order for child support. Paternity is established up to four years after the child reaches the age of majority which is 18 years old.

Father’s Rights in Rhode Island, Child Support

It is the duty of the father to make sure that they have enough food, has access to healthcare and a safe place to live. Child support is more than just money. In child custody situations there are children who don’t get the support they need. Both parents should provide the financial support a child needs. Furthermore, parents should provide emotional support as well to grow into a responsible adult. In all of these areas, a father may be as good or even better as a custodial parent. Proving the child is a good parent may take the use of custody evaluators and psychological experts. When a child custody agreement is no longer working, it’s safer to take it back to court. Having the court make official the agreement protects you should the other parent claim that you’ve violated the court order.

Father’s Rights in Rhode Island, Continuity of the Childs Environment

Another guide to father’s rights is the continuity of the child’s environment. The stability of the continuity of a child’s home environment from the time of the separation and the entry of the divorce is important. The dynamic will be a factor by the court when determining custody. Play a role in your kid’s lives. Playing a role in your kid’s lives will bode well for you in court. In many cases the desire is genuine. A judge will respect the genuinely of the parent. Dedication in parenting is important. The judge will notice your dedication despite the separation period. The judge will take the time to evaluate a parent’s change of heart. The decider of the case will make sure that the custody request is valid. You need to know what your options are. Make sure that you’re well informed.

The Ability to Care for the Child Physically and Emotionally

As a father, you should be able to care for the child’s physical and emotional needs. In any case, the needs of the child come first. Having custody means being able to financially support your child. Are you bringing in enough income to ensure that the child’s physical needs are being met? Having custody also means being able to provide for them emotionally. Are you able to talk and communicate with your child, are you able to get them to express how they feel to you? Weigh these factors.

Let an experienced attorney take on your case. Lastly, Elisha Morris has the knowledge to be able to guide you about father’s rights in Rhode Island. With over 15 years worth of experience you can rest assured that you’ll be in good hands.