Add Check Box Fields Legal Rhode Island Life Documents New Parents Forms For Free

In Rhode Island, there are different ways parentage may be established: Marriage, a Court Order, or through a Voluntary Acknowledgment of Parentage (VAP). If parents are married when a child is born, whether same gender or not, the law presumes that they are the child's legal parents.

In the Rhode Island formula, each parent's gross income is determined and then allowable deductions are made. Deductions can include health insurance obligations for the children or day care expenses, for example. The net income is then used in the child support formula.

Parenting time regulations Rhode Island requires courts to give the parent who does not have physical custody a minimum amount of time with the child. The child must spend at least every other weekend and one night a week with the noncustodial parent unless the court has terminated those parental rights.

You must submit to The Registrar of Vital Records a certified copy of the probate court order changing the name, including applicant's name at birth, date and place of birth, and new name. You will receive an affidavit in the mail that must be signed in a notary's presence.

You must provide either a certified court order of paternity or a voluntary affidavit of acknowledgement of paternity or legitimation. Parents who are not a child support client can make an appointment with the Center for Vital Records to complete a voluntary affidavit.

If paternity is established through a court order, you next submit a certified copy of the court order to the Department of Public Health. Then, the father's name will be included on the child's birth certificate.

If the father is not around, you can still petition the court to change your child's last name. You will need to show that the name change is in the best interest of the child. The court may require you to notify the absent father about the proposed name change and give him an opportunity to object.

Rhode Island allows for paternity to be simply established through marriage and the birth of a child. If you are married to someone who gives birth to a child, then you automatically establish paternity through that relationship, even if the child is not yours through blood or biology.

Does the process require parental consent? Parental consent is generally required.