Rhode Island Uniform Parentage Act (RIUPA)

The Rhode Island Uniform Parentage Act effective January 1, 2021, provides equal protection for all children. The method you should use to establish parentage depends on the circumstances of your child's birth or conception. Forms you may need and additional information are below.

Baby feet

IF YOU ESTABLISH IT THROUGH

MARRIAGE:

You are automatically recognized as the child's parents if you are married or joined through civil union:

  • When your child is born OR
  • Up to 300 days before your child is born if the marriage has ended

HERE'S WHAT YOU NEED TO DO

You don’t need to do anything to establish parentage.

The law considers spouses to be the presumed parents.

The hospital staff will add both parents' names to the birth certificate and send it to Vital Records.

You may still complete a Voluntary Acknowledgment of Parentage which is equivalent to an adjudication

IF YOU ESTABLISH IT THROUGH

VOLUNTARY ACKNOWLEDGMENT:

A person who gave birth, an intended parent, an alleged genetic parent or a presumed parent may voluntarily acknowledge parentage. Read Article 3 of the RI Parentage Act to learn more.

If your child has a presumed parent or, genetic parent, they must file a Denial of Parentage at the same time that you complete the steps that follow.

HERE'S WHAT YOU NEED TO DO

Read the Notice of Rights and Responsibilities.

Complete a Voluntary Acknowledgment of Parentage (VAP).

Sign in front of the medical records staff or Vital Records staff as a witness.

If you complete it when your child is born:

Hospital staff will add both names to the birth certificate and send your VAP (Denial) to Vital Records.

If you wish to complete the VAP after your child is born:

Make an appointment with the Rhode Island Center for Vital Records, 3 Capitol Hill, Room 101, Providence, RI 02908. Tel: 401-222-2813. https://health.ri.gov/records/.

IF YOU ESTABLISH IT THROUGH

COURT ACTION:

Go to court to establish parentage if you:

  • Have any doubts about who the genetic parent is;
  • Want to challenge a presumption of parentage OR
  • Wish to rescind a Voluntary Acknowledgment of Parentage or a Denial.
  • Are claiming to be a De Facto parent

HERE'S WHAT YOU NEED TO DO

File an action in RI Family Court.

The court will make a determination about parentage.

The court may order genetic testing if necessary.

IF YOU ESTABLISH IT THROUGH

ASSISTED REPRODUCTION:

You must establish yourselves as the intended parents if your child will be conceived with the help of assisted reproduction.

Read Article 7 of the RI Parentage Act to learn more.

HERE'S WHAT YOU NEED TO DO

You may sign a Voluntary Acknowledgment of Parentage (VAP) with Vital Records.

IF YOU ESTABLISH IT THROUGH

GESTATIONAL CARRIER/ SURROGACY:

You must establish yourselves as the intended parents if your child will be born through a surrogate (called a gestational carrier in the law).

Read Article 8 of the RI Parentage Act to learn more.

HERE'S WHAT YOU NEED TO DO

Hire an attorney.

Enter into a Gestational Carrier Agreement with the surrogate before the child is conceived.

This will establish you as the intended parents.

Obtain a Court order from RI Family Court or Superior Court before the child is born.

Parentage Forms

Learn More