(a)  This chapter applies to an adjudication and determination of parentage in the state of Rhode Island.

Terms Used In Rhode Island General Laws 15-8.1-103

  • Determination of parentage: means establishment of a parent-child relationship by a judicial or administrative proceeding or signing of a valid acknowledgement of parentage pursuant to article 3 of this chapter. See Rhode Island General Laws 15-8.1-102
  • Equitable: Pertaining to civil suits in "equity" rather than in "law." In English legal history, the courts of "law" could order the payment of damages and could afford no other remedy. See damages. A separate court of "equity" could order someone to do something or to cease to do something. See, e.g., injunction. In American jurisprudence, the federal courts have both legal and equitable power, but the distinction is still an important one. For example, a trial by jury is normally available in "law" cases but not in "equity" cases. Source: U.S. Courts
  • Parentage: means the legal relationship between a child and a parent as established under this chapter. See Rhode Island General Laws 15-8.1-102

(b)  The court shall apply the law of the state of Rhode Island to adjudicate parentage.

(c)  This chapter does not create, enlarge, or diminish parental rights or responsibilities under other laws of the state of Rhode Island or the equitable powers of the courts, except as provided in this chapter.

History of Section.
P.L. 2020, ch. 59, § 2; P.L. 2020, ch. 60, § 2.