Rhode Island Code § 15-8.1-206

Adjudicating competing claims of parentage
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(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.

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