Rhode Island Divorce With Children — Custody and Child Support (2026)

Rhode Island Family Court applies a "best interests of the child" standard in all custody decisions.

Rhode Island Custody Framework

Legal Custody

• Joint legal custody: Both parents share major decisions — strongly preferred in Rhode Island
• Sole legal custody: One parent has authority — when cooperation is impossible or domestic violence present

Physical Custody (Placement)

• Primary physical placement: Child primarily lives with one parent
• Shared physical placement: Substantial parenting time with each parent

Best Interests of the Child — Rhode Island Factors (R.I. Gen. Laws § 15-5-16)

Rhode Island courts consider all relevant factors:

1. The wishes of the parents
2. The reasonable preference of the child
3. The interaction and relationship of the child with parents, siblings, and significant others
4. The child's adjustment to home, school, and community
5. The mental and physical health of all parties
6. The stability of the home environment offered
7. The moral fitness of the parents
8. The willingness and ability of each parent to support the child's relationship with the other parent
9. History of domestic abuse
10. Any other relevant factor

Domestic violence: Rhode Island courts give substantial consideration to documented domestic abuse.

Parenting Plan — Required

A comprehensive Parenting Plan must be filed with the Family Court. It must address:

• Legal custody designation (joint or sole)
• Primary residence and regular parenting schedule
• Holiday and vacation schedule
• Healthcare decision-making
• Educational decisions and information sharing
• Transportation and exchange logistics
• Communication between parents
• Relocation provisions
• Dispute resolution (mediation before court)

Rhode Island Child Support — Income Shares

Rhode Island uses an income shares model:

1. Determine both parents' gross monthly income
2. Apply standard deductions
3. Use Rhode Island Child Support Guidelines schedule
4. Allocate proportionally by income share
5. Adjust for health insurance, childcare, parenting time

Duration: Rhode Island child support generally continues to age 18 or through high school graduation.

Health insurance: One parent is typically designated to carry health insurance; the cost is factored into the support calculation.

Income Withholding Order: Routinely issued with every support order.

Last reviewed: March 2026 | R.I. Gen. Laws § 15-5-16 best interests | Joint legal custody preferred | Parenting Plan required | Income shares child support | Support ends at 18/HS graduation | Domestic violence: substantial weight | Family Court — statewide | courts.ri.gov/Courts/FamilyCourt/Pages/Forms.aspx

Last reviewed: March 2026 · Verify current fees and forms with your local court before filing.