(a)  In a child custody proceeding in this state, the court may order a party to the proceeding who is in this state to appear before the court in person with or without the child. The court may order any person who is in this state and who has physical custody or control of the child to appear in person with the child.

Terms Used In Rhode Island General Laws 15-14.1-22

  • Child custody proceeding: means a proceeding in which legal custody, physical custody, or visitation with respect to a child is an issue. See Rhode Island General Laws 15-14.1-2
  • person: may be construed to extend to and include co-partnerships and bodies corporate and politic. See Rhode Island General Laws 43-3-6
  • Physical custody: means the physical care and supervision of a child;

    (15)  "State" means a state of the United States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the United States Virgin Islands, or any territory or insular possession subject to the jurisdiction of the United States;

    (16)  "Tribe" means an Indian tribe or band, or Alaskan Native village, which is recognized by federal law or formally acknowledged by a state;

    (17)  "Warrant" means an order issued by a court authorizing law enforcement officers to take physical custody of a child. See Rhode Island General Laws 15-14.1-2

(b)  If a party to a child custody proceeding whose presence is desired by the court is outside this state, the court may order that a notice given pursuant to this chapter include a statement directing the party to appear in person with or without the child and informing the party that failure to appear may result in a decision adverse to the party.

(c)  The court may enter any orders necessary to ensure the safety of the child and of any person ordered to appear under this section.

(d)  If a party to a child custody proceeding who is outside this state is directed to appear under subsection (b) of this section or desires to appear personally before the court with or without the child, the court may require another party to pay reasonable and necessary travel and other expenses of the party so appearing and of the child.

History of Section.
P.L. 2003, ch. 307, § 2; P.L. 2003, ch. 322, § 2.