Everything you need to know about Rhode Island child support laws, updated for 2026.
Last verified: February 2026
Rhode Island child support laws require divorced, separated, or unmarried parents to provide financial support for their children until they reach the age of majority. The state uses the Income Shares Model, which bases support on the combined income of both parents.
Rhode Island Child Support: Quick Summary
- Governing Law: R.I. Gen. Laws Chapter 15-5 and Family Court Administrative Order 2018-02
- Model Used: Income Shares Model (adopted 2018)
- Age of Termination: 18 (may extend to 21 for disabled children or by agreement)
- Administering Agency: Office of Child Support Services (OCSS) under the Department of Human Services
- Contact: (401) 458-4400
- Application Fee: $20
Table Of Contents
How to Apply for Child Support in Rhode Island
The Department of Human Services (DHS), through Rhode Island’s Office of Child Support Services (OCSS), provides comprehensive child support services including paternity establishment, support order establishment and enforcement, and collection services.
To apply for services:
- Download the Child Support Application Form
- Complete all sections thoroughly
- Submit the application with the $20 service fee
You may also contact the OCSS at (401) 458-4400 for assistance.
What to remember:
- Parents who have experienced domestic violence must complete the Family Violence Questionnaire.
- Parents receiving RI Works benefits or RIte Care benefits automatically qualify for child support services without a separate application.
- Provide as much information as possible about both parents to expedite processing: names, last known addresses, Social Security numbers, income information, divorce papers, birth certificates, and any paternity affidavits.
How to Establish Paternity in Rhode Island
Rhode Island law provides two methods for establishing paternity:
Voluntary Establishment:
- Both parents sign a “Voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity” (VOP) form at the hospital after birth
- The VOP can also be signed at child support service offices at any time
Involuntary Establishment:
- The court issues an “Order of Paternity” requiring genetic testing
- If DNA testing proves paternity, the father must reimburse the $200 testing fee
- The father’s name will be added to the child’s birth certificate
Benefits of establishing paternity:
- Father gains the right to seek visitation and custody (must file a motion with Family Court)
- Child gains inheritance rights
- Child may benefit from father’s life or medical insurance coverage
- Custodial parent’s financial burden is reduced
Statute of limitations: Paternity can be established until 4 years after the child reaches the age of majority (age 22).
How to Calculate Child Support in Rhode Island
Rhode Island adopted the Income Shares Model in 2018 to determine child support obligations. This model calculates support based on the combined weekly gross incomes of both parents.
Calculation steps:
- Determine weekly gross income of both parents before deductions or taxes. Gross income includes wages, salary, workers’ compensation, disability benefits, and most income sources. It excludes benefits from Rhode Island’s Family Independence Program.
- Apply mandatory deductions: health insurance premiums, preexisting child support payments, cost of childcare, and support for other children.
- Combine the adjusted gross incomes of both parents.
- Find the support amount on the Rhode Island Child Support Guideline Chart.
- Determine each parent’s percentage share based on their proportion of the combined income.
Calculation tools:
- Rhode Island Family Court Child Support Guideline Worksheet
- Additional child support tools and forms
The non-custodial parent typically pays the calculated weekly amount via income withholding, meaning the employer deducts child support directly from wages.
For more accurate calculations, consult with a family court attorney familiar with Rhode Island guidelines.
How to Modify Child Support in Rhode Island
Rhode Island allows parents to request a modification of their child support order when there has been a “Substantial Change in Circumstances.”
Timing requirements:
- Either parent may petition for modification 3 years after the order was established or last reviewed.
- To modify before 3 years, you must demonstrate a substantial and continuing change in circumstances.
- Rhode Island requires at least a 10% change in the calculated support amount for modification to be granted.
Valid grounds for modification:
- Significant increase or decrease in either parent’s income
- Involuntary unemployment or reduced work hours
- Extraordinary business expenses needed to maintain income
- Changes in daycare costs
- Changes in medical or dental insurance coverage
- Addition of new dependents
How to request modification:
For custodial parents:
For non-custodial parents:
- Download the Non-Custodial Request for Relief Form
- Or use the Motion For Relief As a Self-Represented Litigant
Access all modification forms here
Important notes:
- Voluntary job loss or voluntary underemployment does not constitute a valid change in circumstances. The court assumes you are capable of working and may impute income.
- Incarcerated parents can petition for modification via video conferencing.
- The OCSS, through the RI Department of Labor, provides programs to help parents improve job skills or secure employment.
What Happens If You Do Not Pay Child Support in Rhode Island?
According to the OCSS, a common mistake is failing to petition for modification when circumstances warrant changes. Child support is a legal obligation, and failure to pay can result in serious enforcement actions:
- Tax Refund Intercept: Refunds may be seized if you owe $25 or more
- Passport Denial: Passports denied or revoked for arrears over $2,500
- Financial Institution Data Match: Bank accounts can be located and levied
- Lottery Interception: Lottery winnings can be seized
- Administrative Liens: Liens placed on property and assets
- Insurance Proceeds Intercept
- License Suspension: Driver’s, recreational, and professional licenses may be suspended
- Civil Warrants for Arrest
- Interest on Arrears: The OCSS may charge interest at 12% annually on past-due child support
Criminal Nonsupport in Rhode Island
R.I. Gen. Laws 11-2-1.1 addresses criminal nonsupport. Under this statute, a person commits a felony if they:
- Are obligated to pay child support under a court order
- Have accumulated arrears of $10,000 or more
- Willfully fail to make 3 or more payments when they have the means to do so
Felony criminal nonsupport carries a maximum sentence of 5 years imprisonment. The court may also impose fines or community service depending on the nature of the delinquency.
When Does Child Support End in Rhode Island?
In Rhode Island, child support generally ends when the child turns 18.
Important: Support order termination is not automatic. You must contact the OCSS or the court that issued your order before the child’s 18th birthday to formally end the obligation.
Exceptions to the age 18 rule:
- Support may continue until age 21 if parents have a binding agreement providing for higher education tuition.
- Support may continue indefinitely if the child is mentally or physically disabled and cannot support themselves.
Emancipation: Rhode Island does not have a formal emancipation statute or process. However, a child support obligation may end early if the child:
- Gets married
- Joins the military
Frequently Asked Questions
How is income calculated for child support in Rhode Island?
Rhode Island uses weekly gross income before taxes and deductions. This includes wages, salary, tips, bonuses, commissions, self-employment income, rental income, unemployment benefits, workers’ compensation, Social Security, pensions, and most other income sources. Benefits from the Family Independence Program are excluded.
Can child support be enforced across state lines?
Yes. Rhode Island participates in the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act (UIFSA), which allows enforcement of support orders across state lines. The OCSS can work with other states’ child support agencies to locate parents, establish paternity, and enforce orders.
What if I cannot afford to pay child support?
If you are experiencing financial hardship, request a modification immediately. Do not wait for arrears to accumulate. The OCSS offers employment assistance programs through the RI Department of Labor. If you are incarcerated, you may be eligible for modification via video conference.
Does visitation affect child support in Rhode Island?
Child support and visitation are separate legal issues. You cannot withhold child support because visitation is being denied, and the custodial parent cannot deny visitation because support is not being paid. Each issue must be addressed separately through the court.
How long does it take to establish a child support order?
The timeline depends on whether paternity needs to be established and whether both parties cooperate. If paternity is established and both parties provide required information promptly, an order can typically be established within 90 days. Contested cases may take longer.