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Legal Information: Rhode Island

Custody

Updated: 
November 30, 2023

What is custody?

Custody is the legal responsibility for the care and control of your minor child under 18. There are two types of custody: legal and physical. Even though the law in Rhode Island is not very specific about legal custody, this usually refers to the right to make major decisions about your child, including decisions regarding education, medical care, and religion. Physical custody includes the physical care and supervision of your child.1 

For general information on custody and the custody process, you might want to look at our Custody, Visitation, and Child Support videos.

1 RI Gen. Laws § 15-14.1-2(14)

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