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Rhode Island Child Custody Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody and Child Support for Rhode Island on
Q: 3 month year old daughter and her father does not help me with anything since her birth can I put him on child support
Neville Bedford
Neville Bedford
answered on Jul 18, 2018

If you are receiving benefits (health insurance or other state assistance) cooperate with the State Child Support Enforcement attorney. If you can afford to hire a private attorney to help you, it would be a good investment in your child's future.

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody for Rhode Island on
Q: Pregnant again after losing custody of prior children. Will the state take this child too?
Neville Bedford
Neville Bedford
answered on Jun 9, 2018

When a parent has their parental right terminated, a red flag is placed in the DCYF system such that they have an interest in ensuring the well being of any subsequent children. Congratulations on your expected child. Meet with, and retain an attorney to assist you should the state decide to... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce and Child Custody for Rhode Island on
Q: Husband is cheating and verbally abusive to me and kids. I have family out of state. Can we go and I start a case there?

We are married. He is cheating and is verbally/emotionally abusive along with a history of drinking. I have family out of state that have opened their doors to the kids and me. Can I bring the kids there for safety and start a case for separation from the new state?

Neville Bedford
Neville Bedford
answered on May 27, 2018

You may file the case in Rhode Island. The other state may have a residency requirement that could cause you to have to wait for up to a year before filing. Meet with a Rhode Island Divorce attorney to explore your options soonest.

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody for Rhode Island on
Q: My 2 year old has been with me since birth. Her father is the non custodial parent paying child support. He wont answer

Or return any of my calls. I have sent the police to do a welfare check. He called and they said they couldnt do anything because he had a restraining order being processed. Restraining order was denied because I dont neglect my child. Working is not grounds for neglect. I cant get assistance right... View More

Neville Bedford
Neville Bedford
answered on May 27, 2018

Hire an attorney.

3 Answers | Asked in Child Custody, Child Support and Family Law for Rhode Island on
Q: Mother has taken full sole custody. How is she able to still take me for child support?
Randi Sirlin
Randi Sirlin
answered on Apr 19, 2018

The Courts in Arizona view child support as completely separate from child custody. Unless someone else has adopted your children, a parent has a duty of support.

I hope this helps!

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1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody for Rhode Island on
Q: If a judge ruled the mother a 3 year restraining order & full custody of the child can the father appeal that decision ?
Neville Bedford
Neville Bedford
answered on Mar 25, 2018

Yes, the appeal (and/or motion for new trial) must be timely filed or the right may lapse, Speak to your attorney soonest to discuss costs and potential for success

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody and Family Law for Rhode Island on
Q: Family

Supervise Visit 1a Week I been showing up every week early if anything get there with my 2 kids and they do not wanna go up it’s at the court house the case worker comes down and gets the kids who r age 13 and almost 11 they do not wanna go my oldest says please don’t make and my 11 y/o says... View More

Neville Bedford
Neville Bedford
answered on Mar 11, 2018

Yes, if you do not follow the court's order, you can get int trouble. Speak with your attorney to document your concerns. They will have a written report from the unit that will be sent to the judge in your case.

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Child Custody and Child Support for Rhode Island on
Q: Is there such a thing as shared physical placement in RI?
Neville Bedford
Neville Bedford
answered on Mar 2, 2018

Yes, when both parents freely agree to share equally all parenting obligations. Arrange a visit with your favorite family attorney to discus the particulars in a private meeting.

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Child Custody and Juvenile Law for Rhode Island on
Q: What does a TRIAL DEPOSITION IN DCYF CASE mean?

just had court for my 5 month old who was taken from the hospital, the judge said that we're going back to court in May for Trial deposition what does that mean???

Neville Bedford
Neville Bedford
answered on Feb 17, 2018

What is DEPOSITION?

The testimony of a witness taken upon interrogatories, not in open court, but in pursuance of a commission to take testimony issued by a court, or under a general law on the subject, and reduced to writing and duly authenticated, and intended to be used upon the trial of...
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1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody, Divorce and Family Law for Rhode Island on
Q: How do I support my case to have physical placement of my child? Shared placement does not work with dads work schedule.

I supported half our income on part time and am available most days to bring/pick up our son to school. I believe it would be in the best interest for him to have physical placement with me versus what his father wants which is shared placement (50/50). However, he works full time with many times... View More

Neville Bedford
Neville Bedford
answered on Feb 17, 2018

If you and your child's father cannot resolve it, work with a practicing family court attorney to help prepare to present your case.

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Child Custody for Rhode Island on
Q: My ex-boyfriend and I were never married and have two children in common, 11 and 8 years of age. I would like to file...

...for sole physical custody of both children. They've resided with me since the separation in 2013 and there isn't/ has never been a court order in effect regarding custody or visitation. His contact with the children has continued to decrease, by his own choice, since the separation.... View More

Neville Bedford
Neville Bedford
answered on Jan 23, 2018

Time to retain a family court lawyer and file what we call a Miscellaneous case to establish custody, parenting time, etc.

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody and Child Support for Rhode Island on
Q: My fiancé ex girlfriend stoped allowing him to see his 4 yr son, once we got engaged! Can she do this?

He paid child support each month and there is no court order. She has sent him nasty txt msg about me to him and said it’s personal that’s why she is not letting him see his son. He has little money to pay a lawyer we need help. This poor little boy needs a relationship w his dad!!!

Neville Bedford
Neville Bedford
answered on Jan 22, 2018

He should meet with an attorney. It's not your child. You should not be involved.

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody for Rhode Island on
Q: How can you get your custodial rights back after false allegations were made

Recently my ex fiance non-custodial parent went to court and obtained a temporary custody of our daughter order on the grounds of neglect dcyf investigated and it was unfounded. On that court date my ex husband went to court with him and also filed a motion against me to get custody of my son.... View More

Neville Bedford
Neville Bedford
answered on Jan 11, 2018

Work with your attorney to address the particulars. Even though DCYF allegations were unfounded, the Judge will consider the totality of the circumstances with a focus on the best interests of the child considering all the factors. these matters are complicated, and more so without the assistance... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody for Rhode Island on
Q: would mother win custody battle if child has lived with her for months, goes to school, and mother makes all decisions.
Neville Bedford
Neville Bedford
answered on Jan 11, 2018

There are many factors the judge must consider before deciding who "wins" in a custody battle. Mother is well advised to review ALL of the factors the judge will consider with a practicing family court attorney that she retains to prepare for the hearing.

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody and Domestic Violence for Rhode Island on
Q: Theirs a visitation order in place for my daughter with her father he recently hit his gf in front of my child

Their has been other incidents as well of verbal

Abuse in front of her don’t know what to do she has came home scared and crying uncontrollably on numerous occasions I don’t want to send her till I can get a court date would I be held in contempt for keeping her away ?

Neville Bedford
Neville Bedford
answered on Jan 11, 2018

Talk to the attorney you retained to file the motion that the court will hear. They will be most familiar with your specific facts to advise you.

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody, Child Support and Family Law for Rhode Island on
Q: Can a father give up his parental rights before he goes to court for a child support and custody case?

He's being summoned to court for child support and she wants supervised visits when he's done nothing wrong. Can he give up his rights before this happens?

Neville Bedford
Neville Bedford
answered on Jan 11, 2018

Are you she or he? Is she proposing an adoption by her new partner? Does he have an attorney? Does She? they both probably should. Support, custody, and parenting time issues may require separate cases in our family court. Attorneys who work in that area are well qualified to advise and guide them... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody and Family Law for Rhode Island on
Q: child primary residence is with mother in RI, father refused to bring child back home. wont answer phone. What to do?

Child is 3, lives in RI with mother, she allowed him to visit father in Florida for a couple weeks. Father now states he wants baby and states he wont bring baby back on agreed date. Father is not answering calls or texts. is this kid napping? what should we do?

Neville Bedford
Neville Bedford
answered on Jan 4, 2018

Time to meet with an attorney and review the court documents to decide the proper next legal steps.

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody and Child Support for Rhode Island on
Q: I got custody of my granddaughter can i take her mother for child support
Neville Bedford
Neville Bedford
answered on Dec 27, 2017

If the child's mother will help to support her child, that is great. If she does not have the ability to pay, that is sad. If you receive benefits from the state (health insurance etc.) the state will be interested in the mother's (and father) ability to help support the child. Thank you... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Family Law, Child Custody and Child Support for Rhode Island on
Q: I'm 38 I have 2 little girls 5 & 6 with a married woman who's husband is doing a life sentence for murder

Can I get I get custody I work full-time she hasn't worked in 8 yrs

Stephanie E. Emanuel
Stephanie E. Emanuel
answered on Dec 10, 2017

Yes you can. But you would have to prove that you are a better option than her and the best lawyer would be able to do just that. Don't hesitate to reach out for a free consultation with an attorney to go over your options.

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1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody for Rhode Island on
Q: Is it legal for an 11 year old to walk a five-year-old to school nine tenths of a mile alone

The mother is involved with dcyf for neglect and substance abuse

Neville Bedford
Neville Bedford
answered on Nov 28, 2017

. . . are they walking down a grassy meadow, or a busy highway?

If DCYF is involved and has an open case, I doubt that this would not go unnoticed.

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