Section 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.R.I. Gen. Laws § 15-8.1-206
Added by 2020 Pub. Laws, ch. 60,§ 2, eff. 1/1/2021.Added by 2020 Pub. Laws, ch. 59,§ 2, eff. 1/1/2021.