Establishing Paternity in Rhode Island

The birth parent and the alleged genetic parent (or an intended or presumed parent) may sign an acknowledgment of parentage, witnessed by at least one other person, on the Department of Vital Records form; it is filed with the state registrar of vital records and is equivalent to a court adjudication. It may be signed before or after birth and takes effect at birth or filing, whichever is later. A signer may rescind by starting a court proceeding before the earlier of 60 days after it takes effect or the first court hearing about the child (including child support). After that, a signer may challenge it only for fraud, duress, coercion, threat of harm or material mistake of fact, within two years, by clear and convincing evidence. In a court parentage case, the court must order genetic testing on a supported sworn request, and the Office of Child Support Services can order testing administratively in support cases.