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Legal Information: Rhode Island

Custody

Laws current as of July 19, 2024

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)

 

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