Can a sibling get visitation?
A sibling or step-sibling can file a petition to ask the court for visitation with a child. The judge will hold a hearing where the child’s parents can be present. To allow a sibling or step-sibling reasonable visitation rights, the judge must decide that all of the following are true:
- Visitation is in the best interest of the child;
- The sibling is a “fit and proper person” to have visitation;
- The sibling couldn’t visit the child during the 30 days before filing in court because the child’s parent or guardian didn’t allow it;
- The sibling has no other way to see the child without a court order; and
- The sibling showed evidence that convinced the judge the parent’s refusal of visits was unreasonable.1
1 RI Gen. Laws § 15-5-24.3(b)