Rhode Island General Laws
Article 2 - Establishment of Parentage
Section 15-8.1-206. - Adjudicating competing claims of parentage.

§ 15-8.1-206. Adjudicating competing claims of parentage.
(a) In a proceeding to adjudicate competing claims of parentage or challenges to a child’s parentage by two (2) or more persons, the court shall adjudicate parentage in the best interests of the child, based on the following factors:
(1) The age of the child;
(2) The length of time during which each individual assumed the role of parent of the child;
(3) The nature of the relationship between the child and each individual;
(4) The harm to the child if the relationship between the child and each individual is not recognized;
(5) The basis for each individual’s claim to parentage of the child;
(6) Other considerations arising from the disruption of the relationship between the child and each individual or the likelihood of other harm to the child; and
(7) Other equitable factors that the court deems relevant to the child’s best interests.
(b) If a person challenges parentage based on the results of genetic testing, in addition to the factors listed in subsection (a) of this section, the court shall consider:
(1) The facts surrounding the discovery the individual might not be the genetic parent of the child; and
(2) The length of time between that of the time the individual was placed on notice that the individual might not be a genetic parent and the commencement of the proceeding.
History of Section.P.L. 2020, ch. 59, § 2; P.L. 2020, ch. 60, § 2.

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