2024 -- H 7166

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LC003996

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2024

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A N   A C T

RELATING TO DOMESTIC RELATIONS -- DIVORCE AND SEPARATION

     Introduced By: Representatives Craven, Caldwell, Shanley, and O'Brien

     Date Introduced: January 11, 2024

     Referred To: House Judiciary

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

     SECTION 1. Chapter 15-5 of the General Laws entitled "Divorce and Separation" is hereby

amended by adding thereto the following section:

     15-5-30. Educational programs and classes for divorce and separation actions

affecting the family.

     (a) At any time during the pendency of a divorce or paternity action, where a minor child

is involved, the family court may order the parties to attend a class that is approved by the family

court and that addresses such issues as child development, family dynamics, how parental

separation affects a child's development and what parents can do to make raising a child in a

separated situation less stressful for the child.

     (b) The family court may not require the parties to attend a class under this section as a

condition to the granting of the final judgment or order in the divorce or paternity action, however,

the family court may refuse to hear a custody or physical placement motion of a party who refuses

to attend a class ordered under this section.

     (c)(1) Except as provided in this subsection, the parties shall be responsible for any cost of

attending the class.

     (2) If the family court finds that a party is indigent, any costs that would be the

responsibility of that party shall be paid by the court.

     (d) The family court is hereby authorized to promulgate rules and regulations necessary to

carry out the purpose of this section including contacting with service providers to provide the

program.

     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

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EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N   A C T

RELATING TO DOMESTIC RELATIONS -- DIVORCE AND SEPARATION

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     This act would authorize the family court to order educational classes on child development

and family dynamics for divorcing parents with children.

     This act would take effect upon passage.

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LC003996

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