§ 15-7-21.1. Challenge to decree.
(a) Notwithstanding any other provisions of this chapter, a decree of adoption or a termination of a parent’s right to give or withhold consent for adoption shall not be subject to a challenge or petition to reverse unless the challenge or petition is filed in the family court within one hundred eighty (180) days after the decree or order is entered.
(b) In the event a challenge is brought within the one hundred eighty (180) day period by an individual whose parental relationship to an adoptee is terminated, or by any individual who is asserting a parental relationship to the adoptee, pursuant to the provisions of this chapter, the family court shall deny the challenge unless the court finds by clear and convincing evidence that the decree or order is not in the best interest of the adoptee.
History of Section.P.L. 1996, ch. 278, § 2; P.L. 1996, ch. 305, § 2.
Structure Rhode Island General Laws
Chapter 15-7 - Adoption of Children
Section 15-7-2. - Report, investigation, and hearing on placement of child for adoption.
Section 15-7-2.1. - Pre-adoption report on child placed for adoption.
Section 15-7-3. - Report, investigation, and hearing on child brought into state for adoption.
Section 15-7-4. - Petition to adopt — Court having jurisdiction.
Section 15-7-5. - Consent required.
Section 15-7-5.1. - Contact preference form information.
Section 15-7-6. - Waiver of parents’ right to consent — Guardianship of agency.
Section 15-7-7. - Termination of parental rights.
Section 15-7-7.1. - Court proceedings.
Section 15-7-7.2. - Mediation of termination of parental rights.
Section 15-7-9. - Notice to parent whose whereabouts unknown.
Section 15-7-10. - Consent of minor parents.
Section 15-7-11. - Investigation and report as to adoptive home.
Section 15-7-12. - Trial period of residence.
Section 15-7-13. - Consideration of religion of child or parents.
Section 15-7-14. - Decree of adoption.
Section 15-7-14.1. - Decree of open adoption.
Section 15-7-15. - Decree of change of name.
Section 15-7-16. - Inheritance by and from adoptive kindred.
Section 15-7-17. - Rights of natural parents terminated — Inheritance by child from natural parents.
Section 15-7-18. - Denial of petition — Order as to custody of child.
Section 15-7-19. - Appeal from the family court.
Section 15-7-20. - Jurisdiction of child pending appeal.
Section 15-7-21.1. - Challenge to decree.
Section 15-7-22. - Penalty for violations or false statements.
Section 15-7-23. - Complaints.
Section 15-7-24. - Attendance at hearing.