H7821

Creates the rebuttable presumption that joint legal custody and shared placement is in the best interest of the child and create a mechanism in constructing a parenting plan should the court deviate from equal parenting time.

Introduced·2/26/26
Introduced Text

Rhode Island H7821 establishes a rebuttable presumption favoring joint legal custody and shared parenting time in child custody cases.

Rhode Island H7821 creates a rebuttable presumption that joint legal custody and shared parenting time is in the best interest of the child. It also establishes a mechanism for the family court to use when constructing a parenting plan if the court deviates from equal parenting time. The court must consider all relevant factors in the best interest of the child, including the child's adjustment to home, school, and community, and the moral fitness of the parents. The act takes effect upon passage.

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  • Core Provisions
  • Implementation
  • Impact
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  • Critical Issues

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Where it stands

Current
Judiciary Committee
Next
Committee decision

Sponsors

D
1
0
Democratic CaucusRepublican Caucus

Calendar

Apr 9

12:00 AM

House Judiciary Hearing

History

Apr 9

House

Committee recommended measure be held for further study

Apr 3

House

Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (04/09/2026)

Feb 26

House

Introduced, referred to House Judiciary