Raising a child with someone you are not married to can bring important questions about your role in their life. You may wonder whether you can share decision-making, spend regular time with your child or create a stable schedule that works for your family. In Rhode Island, unmarried parents can seek shared custody. However, the court will focus on what best supports the child.
Establishing legal parentage
Before you can ask the court for custody or parenting time, you may need to establish legal parentage. This step gives you legal standing to take part in a custody case.
You may establish parentage by signing a Voluntary Acknowledgment of Parentage at the hospital or filing one later. If parentage remains disputed, you may ask the court to decide the issue. The court may order genetic testing when needed.
Once parentage has been established, either parent can ask the Rhode Island Family Court to address custody, parenting time and child support.
How shared custody can work
Shared custody does not always mean you divide every responsibility or every overnight equally. Shared legal custody often allows both parents to take part in major choices about education, medical care and religious upbringing. Shared physical custody may give your child regular and meaningful time in both homes.
The Family Court considers the child’s best interests when it creates a custody order. The court may consider:
- Your relationship with your child
- Each parent’s role in daily care
- The safety and stability of each home
- Your child’s needs at school and in the community
- Each parent’s ability to communicate and cooperate
- Any concerns about abuse, domestic violence or safety
These factors help the court create an arrangement that fits your child’s specific needs. In these situations, a family law attorney can help you present relevant information about each parent’s role and other factors the court may consider when deciding custody.
A plan that supports your child
A clear parenting plan can reduce confusion and prevent future conflict. You can address school-week routines, holidays, vacations, transportation and how you will make important decisions.
If you and the other parent cannot reach an agreement, the Rhode Island Family Court can issue an order. A clear order can help you understand your responsibilities while giving your child consistency as they grow.
