Section 15-8.1-402 - Challenge to presumed parent(a) Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, a proceeding to challenge the parentage of an individual whose parentage is presumed under § 15-8.1-401, shall be commenced within two (2) years after the birth of the child.(b) A proceeding to challenge the parentage of an individual whose parentage is presumed under § 15-8.1-401, may be commenced two (2) years or more after the birth of the child in the following circumstances:(1) A presumed parent who is not the genetic parent of a child and who could not reasonably have known about the birth of the child may commence a proceeding under this section within two (2) years after learning of the child's birth.(2) An alleged genetic parent who did not know of the potential genetic parentage of a child and who could not reasonably have known on account of material misrepresentation or concealment may commence a proceeding under this section within two (2) years after discovering the potential genetic parentage. If the person is adjudicated to be the genetic parent of the child, the court may not disestablish a presumed parent.
(3) Regarding a presumption under § 15-8.1-401(a)(4), another parent of the child may challenge a presumption of parentage if that parent openly held out the child as the presumptive parent's child due to duress, coercion, or threat of harm. Evidence of duress, coercion, or threat of harm may include whether within the prior ten (10) years, the person presumed to be a parent pursuant to § 15-8.1-401(a)(4), has been convicted of domestic assault, sexual assault, or sexual exploitation of the child or another parent of the child, was subject to a final abuse protection order pursuant to chapter 15 of title 15, because the person was found to have committed abuse against the child or another parent of the child, or was substantiated for abuse against the child or another parent of the child pursuant to § 11-9-5.3.(c) Challenges under this section shall be adjudicated pursuant to § 15-8.1-206.R.I. Gen. Laws § 15-8.1-402
Amended by 2021 Pub. Laws, ch. 395,§ 2, eff. 7/14/2021.Added by 2020 Pub. Laws, ch. 60,§ 2, eff. 1/1/2021.Added by 2020 Pub. Laws, ch. 59,§ 2, eff. 1/1/2021.