Rhode Island Child Custody FAQ
Child custody must be decided in any Rhode Island divorce involving two parents. The process can be confusing or frustrating, but our Rhode Island family law attorneys at Inman & Tourgee have created this helpful FAQ to provide quick insights. If you have additional questions or want our law firm to represent you, call us at (401) 823-9200 to schedule a consultation.
What Does the Court Consider When Deciding Child Custody?
The court focuses on the child’s best interests. To determine this, the court considers the mental and physical health of both parents, each parent’s financial stability and living situation, each parent’s history, and the child’s relationships with other relatives. If the child is mature enough, the court may also ask the child which custody arrangement they prefer.
What Does Physical Custody Mean?
A parent who wins physical custody has the right to live with and house their child after the divorce.
What Does Legal Custody Mean?
A parent with legal custody can make important life decisions for their child. This includes choosing the child’s school, medical care, religion, and more. Even if your ex-spouse does not have legal custody, it is generally encouraged to consult them on major decisions.
What Are the Different Custody Arrangements?
Rhode Island offers several custody arrangements. Legal custody can be sole (one parent) or joint (both parents). Physical custody can be one-parent, shared, or split. Shared custody allows the child to live with both parents on an alternating schedule. Split custody applies when divorcing parents have two or more children, giving each parent physical custody of at least one child.
Can I Still See My Kids if I Don’t Win Custody?
Yes. Visitation agreements allow parents who do not have physical custody to spend time with their children. Unless the court finds that seeing the parent would harm the child, you should receive visitation rights.
For more guidance or answers, contact our Rhode Island child custody lawyers online at any time.
