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Relasyon (ale nan seksyon an)

Family | Parenting | Rhode Island

What is the Rhode Island Parentage Act?

Signed into law in July 2020, the Rhode Island Uniform Parentage Act (RIUPA) replaces the Uniform Law on Paternity and outlines ways to establish parentage of a child and how to establish parentage under each path.  The RIUPA comprehensively updates Rhode Island parentage law and aims to ensure each child has a clear path to secure their legal parentage.

The RIUPA, more specifically, ensures greater protections and equal treatment for LGBTQ+ couples. The law allows LGBTQ+ couples access to establishing parentage through a simple civil Voluntary Acknowledgement of Parentage, ensuring LGBTQ+ couples are able to establish their parentage immediately at birth of their child. It also creates, for the first time in Rhode Island, an accessible path to parentage for children born through assisted reproduction, as well as protections for children born through surrogacy.

Kisa paran vle di?

"Patènite" vle di ou se yon paran legal yon timoun pou tout rezon. Patènite vini ak yon pakèt dwa (pa egzanp, pran desizyon pou swen medikal oswa edikasyon, tan paran nan ka separasyon ak lòt paran pitit ou a) ansanm ak responsablite (pa egzanp, bay asirans sante, pran swen bezwen debaz yo, peye pansyon alimantè). Yon relasyon legal paran-pitit ki an sekirite se esansyèl pou estabilite ak byennèt yon timoun alontèm.

Why was the RIUPA passed now?

Rhode Island parentage laws had not been updated in over 40 years; updated legislation was long overdue. Rhode Islanders for Parentage Equality (RIPE), a coalition made up of families and organizations pushing for parentage equality in Rhode Island, has advocated for updated parentage laws for years. With the sponsorship of Rep. Carol McEntee and Sen. Erin Lynch Prata and the support of the administration of Governor Gina Raimondo, their hard work finally paid off.

Poukisa li enpòtan pou etabli parante byen vit?

Etabli paran yo touswit apre nesans lan asire ke yon timoun byen pwoteje ak paran li pou tout rezon epi li ogmante klète pou tout moun ki enplike nan lavi yon timoun. Pa egzanp, etabli paran yo ap pèmèt yon paran pran nenpòt desizyon medikal byen bonè nan lavi yon timoun, asire ke yon timoun ap resevwa benefis asirans oswa dwa eritye, epi pwoteje dwa paran paran yo si yo separe.

How can Rhode Islanders establish parentage under the RIUPA?

The RIUPA provides that Rhode Islanders can establish their parentage in the following ways:

• Akouchman (eksepte pou moun k ap aji kòm manman pòtè)
• Adopsyon
• Acknowledgment
• Adjudication
• Prezimpsyon (ki gen ladan prezompsyon matrimonyal la)
• Genetic connection (except for gamete donors)
• Paran de facto
• Assisted reproduction
• Gestational carrier agreement

Ki moun ki yon paran ki gen entansyon pran pitit?

An intended parent is a person who consents to assisted reproduction with the intent to be a parent of the child. The RIUPA addresses intended parents in the context of surrogacy separately from intended parents in the context of other forms of assisted reproduction. Ideally, a person who consents to assisted reproduction with the intent to be a parent will memorialize that intent in writing, but the law does allow other ways to prove intent to be a parent.

Ki moun ki se yon paran prezime?

A presumed parent is a non-birth parent that the law recognizes because of certain circumstances or relationships. A presumed parent is established as a legal parent through the execution of a valid Voluntary Acknowledgement of Parentage (VAP), by an adjudication, or as otherwise provided in the RIUPA.

Ou se yon paran prezime si nenpòt nan sa ki anba yo se vre:

• You are married to the child’s birth parent when the child is born;
• You were married to the child’s birth parent, and the child is born within 300 days of the marriage being terminated by death, annulment, or divorce;
• You married the child’s birth parent after the child was born, asserted parentage and are named as a parent on the birth certificate;
• You resided with the child in the same household, and you and another parent held the child out as your child for two years after birth or adoption and assumed personal, financial or custodial responsibilities for the child.

Ki moun ki yon paran de facto?

Yon paran de facto se yon paran ki baze sou relasyon yo ak timoun nan. Pou etabli yon paran de facto, ou bezwen yon jijman nan men yon tribinal. Ou ka fè yon petisyon pou etabli paran de facto ou a lè w demontre, avèk prèv klè ak konvenkan, tout bagay sa yo:

1. You lived with the child as a regular member of the household for a significant amount of time;
2. You consistently took care of the child;
3. You took full and permanent responsibility for the child without expectation of financial compensation;
4. You held the child out as your child;
5. You established a bonded and dependent relationship which is parental in nature;
6. You had a parental relationship with the child that was supported by another parent;
7. Kontinye yon relasyon ak timoun nan se nan pi bon enterè timoun nan.

Kisa yon Rekonesans Parante ye?

Lalwa federal egzije pou eta yo bay yon pwosesis sivil senp pou rekonèt parante lè yon timoun fèt. Pwosesis sivil senp sa a se pwogram Rekonesans Parante a.

Règleman federal yo egzije pou eta yo bay yon pwogram Rekonesans Parante nan lopital yo ak ajans anrejistreman nesans leta yo. Fòm Rekonesans Parante yo menm se ti afidavit kote moun ki siyen an afime ke li vle etabli kòm yon paran legal ak tout dwa ak responsablite parante yo. Moun ki te akouche timoun nan dwe siyen fòm nan tou, epi tou de paran yo dwe bay kèk enfòmasyon demografik sou tèt yo.

Lè yon moun siyen yon Rekonesans Parante, yo etabli li kòm paran legal, epi yo bay oswa modifye sètifika nesans timoun nan pou reflete parante legal sa a. Si li byen egzekite, yon Rekonesans Parante gen fòs obligatwa tankou yon lòd tribinal epi yo ta dwe konsidere li kòm valab nan tout eta yo.

How do I establish my parentage through a Rhode Island Voluntary Acknowledgment of Parentage (VAP)?

You can voluntarily acknowledge the parentage of a child by signing a form from the Rhode Island Department of Health known as a “Voluntary Acknowledgement of Parentage” or VAP (To see a sample VAP form, go to: https://ocss.ri.gov/sites/g/files/xkgbur511/files/documents/Voluntary-Acknowledgment-Parentage-01.01.2020.pdf). 

A VAP must be signed by the birth parent and the other parent. The other parent can be the genetic parent, an intended parent of a child born through assisted reproduction (except a gestational carrier agreement), or a presumed parent. Signing a VAP form is voluntary, and it can be done at the hospital soon after birth or at another time up until the child is 18. A VAP form must be witnessed and signed by at least one other person. If one person does not want to sign this form, then the other parent can try to adjudicate parentage through the courts.

If you have any questions about whether to sign a VAP form, you should consult with a lawyer before signing. A VAP form is the equivalent of a judgment of parentage by a court, and parentage is a considerable, life-long responsibility.  

Are there any costs related to the VAP?

A fee is charged for all Certified Vital Records, including the VAP. The processing fee for a VAP is $15. The cost of a Certified Birth Certificate is $22 drop off or $25 for mail-in service. The Voluntary Acknowledgement of Parentage document (VAP) is issued upon request as a supporting document that accompanies the Certified Birth Certificate.

When can I not establish parentage through a VAP?

• Yon paran prezime k ap chèche etabli parante nan sitiyasyon kote lòt paran an pa paran byolojik timoun nan, pa egzanp, lòt paran an te adopte timoun nan, dwe etabli parante atravè yon jijman epi li pa ka etabli parante atravè yon Rekonesans Parante.
• Yo pa ka etabli patènite atravè yon Rekonesans Patènite si gen yon twazyèm moun ki prezime paran, sof si moun sa a te depoze yon Refis Patènite. 
• Yon moun k ap etabli parante li paske li rete avèk timoun nan epi li kenbe timoun nan kòm pitit li pandan de premye ane lavi timoun nan, pa ka etabli parante li atravè yon Rekonesans Parante jiskaske timoun nan gen dezan.

When can a parent sign a VAP?

A VAP can be signed after the birth of a child, up until the child’s 18th birthday. An Acknowledgment of Parentage can also be completed before the child’s birth but will not take effect until the child is born.

How can a VAP be rescinded?

A party who signed the VAP may rescind an acknowledgment of parentage or denial of parentage by commencing a court proceeding before the earlier of:

(1) Sixty (60) days after the effective date of the acknowledgment or denial, as provided, or

(2) The date of the first hearing before a court in a proceeding, to which the signatory is a party, to adjudicate an issue relating to the child.

E si m se yon paran ki pa byolojik? Kouman m ka etabli tèt mwen kòm yon paran legal?

The RIUPA has many provisions that protect non-biological parents. If you are your child’s presumed parent, or if you are the intended parent of a child born through assisted reproduction other than surrogacy, you can establish parentage by signing a VAP.

All parents can establish parentage through a court order. A presumed parent or an intended parent of a child conceived through assisted reproduction can seek a judgment declaring the person a parent of the child or do a co-parent or second parent adoption. Some non-biological parents can establish parentage through the RIUPA’s de facto parent provisions, which require a court to adjudicate the person to be the child’s de facto parent.

How does the RIUPA help people conceiving through assisted reproduction?

The RIUPA provides important clarity and protections for children born through assisted reproduction. The RIUPA confirms that a gamete donor (e.g., sperm or egg donor) is not a parent of a child conceived through assisted reproduction. Also, the RIUPA affirms that a person who consents to assisted reproduction with the intent to be a parent of the resulting child is a legal parent.

What is the difference between joint, second-parent (also known as co-parent) and single-parent adoptions?

A joint adoption is when both partners adopt a child together at the same time. A second-parent adoption is when one partner adopts the other partner’s child. A single-parent adoption is when a single individual adopts a child. All three of these are legal in Rhode Island.

What is the advantage of doing a second-parent adoption or joint adoption?

Ni adopsyon konjwen ni adopsyon pa yon dezyèm paran asire pitit ou a gen de paran legal. Tou de koup marye ak moun ki pa marye ka fè yon adopsyon konjwen oswa yon adopsyon pa yon dezyèm paran. Adopsyon pèmèt yon paran ki pa legal vin yon paran legal, ki gen dwa pran desizyon pou timoun nan san otorizasyon espesyal. Li pèmèt tou paran adoptif la otomatikman pran gad timoun nan si patnè li a mouri. Menm jan an tou, si paran adoptif la mouri, timoun nan ap gen dwa eritye nan men paran sa a menm si pa gen yon testaman epi li ka kapab resevwa benefis sivivan Sekirite Sosyal.

Finalman, si koup la separe, adopsyon an asire ke tou de paran yo gen dwa pou yo gen gad timoun nan ak dwa pou yo vizite yo, epi nenpòt diskisyon pral deside sou sa ki nan pi bon enterè timoun nan olye de kiyès ki paran legal la.

Èske nou bezwen fè yon adopsyon pa yon dezyèm paran si nou marye?

When a child is born into a marriage, Rhode Island law and the law of all states, presumes that both spouses are the parents of the child and both names are listed on the child’s birth certificate. However, this is only a presumption and can be challenged in court, so in the past GLAD recommended that married couples do a second-parent adoption to ensure the parentage of the non-biological parent because adoption is a court judgment creating a parent-child relationship and must be respected by other states.

Now Rhode Island couples have a second way to protect the parentage of the non-biological partner by signing a Voluntary Acknowledgment of Parentage.

If I am a parent who has signed a VAP, do I also need to do a second parent adoption?

No. A parent who has signed a VAP should not need to do a co-parent adoption to establish parentage. A VAP establishes legal parentage under state law, is the equivalent of a judgment of parentage under state law and gives you all the rights and duties of a parent. Under federal law, an Acknowledgement of Parentage is the equivalent of a judicial decree of parentage and should be recognized in all states.

Since expanded access to acknowledgments of parentage is an emerging development, some parents might feel more comfortable also completing a second parent adoption in addition to or instead of a VAP. To understand what is best for your family, individualized legal advice is recommended.

How does the RIUPA address surrogacy?

The RIUPA has comprehensive provisions about how to establish parentage through a gestational carrier agreement. All parties to a gestational carrier agreement must have independent counsel throughout the process.  This is a brief overview of the law for informational purposes.

Before starting any medical procedures to conceive a child through a carrier process, you must have a written and signed agreement. This agreement is between you, any other intended parents, the person acting as a carrier, and the spouses of any of those parties (if applicable). This agreement will establish that you are the parent(s) of the child and that the carrier and their spouse, if applicable, do not have parental rights or duties. To enter into a gestational carrier agreement, the following must be true:

1. All intended parents and the carrier must be at least 21;
2. All intended parents and the carrier must have completed a medical evaluation and mental health consultation; and
3. The intended parent(s) and the carrier must be represented by separate lawyers for the purposes of the agreement, and the carrier’s attorney must be paid for by the parent(s).

The law requires carrier agreements to incorporate several terms to be valid, such as allowing a surrogate to make their own health and welfare decisions during pregnancy and requiring the parent(s) to pay all related healthcare costs.

What does Rhode Island law say about traditional or genetic surrogacy? 

The RIUPA allows in very limited circumstances for traditional or genetic surrogacy: a family member can serve as a gestational carrier using their own gametes. Someone who is not a family member cannot act in this role. Even with a family member, the law’s requirements for a valid agreement, and all of the other protections of the statute outlined above, apply.

E si m pa marye?

The RIUPA explicitly provides that every child has the same rights as any other child without regard to the marital status of the parents, or the circumstances of the child’s birth. By not differentiating between parents based on their marital status, the RIUPA aims to treat all Rhode Island families equally.

E si mwen se yon transjèn oswa yon moun ki pa binè?

The RIUPA explicitly provides that every child has the same rights as any other child without regard to the gender of the parents or the circumstances of the child’s birth. The RIUPA, by not including gendered terms such as mother or father, is inclusive of all genders. By not differentiating between parents based on their gender, the RIUPA aims to treat all Rhode Island families equally.

Ki pwoteksyon ki genyen pou sivivan vyolans domestik yo pou yo pa sibi presyon pou etabli paran legal?

The RIUPA aims to ensure that the establishment of parentage is fair, clear, efficient, and child-centered. Some legal parentage–such as the nonmarital presumption and de facto parentage–can arise by consent. No one should ever be pressured to consent to parentage. 

The RIUPA contains provisions that allow parents to challenge another person’s parentage if the other person claims to be a presumed parent or a de facto parent but satisfies the requirements for parentage through duress, coercion, or threat of harm.

Ki kote m ka ale si m bezwen èd pou rezoud yon pwoblèm paran?

Menm jan ak nenpòt pwoblèm dwa fanmi, li rekòmande pou jwenn konsèy legal endividyèl. GLAD Answers ka bay enfòmasyon epi tou referans pou pratikan lokal yo. Si ou gen kesyon sou kijan pou pwoteje fanmi ou, kontakte GLAD Answers lè w ranpli fòm lan nan Repons GLAD oubyen rele 800.455.4523 (GLAD).

Resous

Rhode Island Uniform Parentage Act: General Laws of Rhode Island | Chapter 15-8.1 – Uniform Parentage Act | Casetext. 

More information about the RIUPA: Lwa Inifòm sou Parante nan Rhode Island (RIUPA) | Biwo Sèvis Sipò pou Timoun.

Pwoteje Fanmi yo: Protecting Families: Standards for LGBTQ+ Families – GLAD.

Elve yon timoun transjèn: Elve yon timoun transjèn oswa ki gen yon sèks ekspansif: Kijan pou pwoteje fanmi ou kont fo akizasyon abi sou timoun. 

Family | Relationships | Rhode Island

Ki wòl GLAD te jwe nan lit pou egalite nan maryaj?

GLAD led the fight for marriage equality in the United States. In the beginning, many states, instead of offering marriage to same-sex couples, provided the exact same state rights, protections and responsibilities of marriage but called them civil unions or registered domestic partnerships.

Batay GLAD la pou egalite nan maryaj te kòmanse nan Vermont avèk pwosè li a, Baker kont VermontGLAD te genyen ka a, men Lakou Siprèm Vermont lan te pèmèt lejislati a deside kijan pou aplike desizyon an. Olye pou yo te ofri maryaj bay koup menm sèks, lejislati Vermont lan te kreye inyon sivil. Apre sa, GLAD te genyen dwa maryaj pou koup menm sèks pou premye fwa Ozetazini an 2004 nan pwosè li a. Goodridge kont Depatman Sante Piblik la. 

Sa te swiv pa:

• Maine te apwouve patenarya domestik an 2004, ki te bay kèk nan pwoteksyon maryaj yo;
• inyon sivil nan Connecticut an 2005;
• Pwosè GLAD la, Kerrigan kont Komisyonè Sante Piblik la, te genyen dwa maryaj pou koup menm sèks nan Connecticut an 2008; 
• inyon sivil nan New Hampshire an 2008;
• Vermont pèmèt maryaj pou koup menm sèks an 2009;
• Vermont pa pèmèt inyon sivil ankò men li pa konvèti inyon sivil li yo an maryaj an 2009;
• maryaj nan New Hampshire an 2010;
• Connecticut konvèti tout inyon sivil li yo an maryaj an 2010;
• konvèsyon inyon sivil nan New Hampshire an maryaj an 2011;
• inyon sivil nan Rhode Island an 2011; 
• maryaj nan Maine an 2012; 
• maryaj nan Rhode Island an 2013;
• Inyon sivil nan Rhode Island te fini an 2013, men Inyon sivil ki te egziste yo pa t konvèti an maryaj.

Nan nivo federal la, Kongrè a te vote Lwa sou Defans Maryaj (DOMA) an 1996, ki te yon atak prevantif sou koup menm sèks ki te deklare ke si yo te janm pèmèt koup menm sèks marye, maryaj sa yo pa t ap rekonèt pa gouvènman federal la. Nan dat 26 jen 2013, desizyon Lakou Siprèm Etazini an nan Etazini kont Windsor te deklare DOMA a te kont konstitisyon an, epi koup marye menm sèks te kapab jwenn benefis federal pou premye fwa.

Finalman, nan Obergefell kont HodgesNan dat 26 jen 2015, Lakou Siprèm Etazini an te fè egalite maryaj yon reyalite nan tout peyi a lè li te deside ke Konstitisyon Etazini an garanti koup menm sèks yo dwa pou yo marye. Mary Bonauto, manm GLAD la, te reprezante demandè yo nan agiman oral yo. Post Obergefell, all 50 states are required to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples; and all states must respect the marriages of same-sex couples performed in other jurisdictions.

Can same-sex couples marry in Rhode Island?

Yes, after many years of failed attempts and nearly two years after the passage of a civil unions bill in July 2011, on May 2, 2013, the Rhode Island General Assembly approved and Governor Lincoln Chafee signed a marriage equality law, An Act Relating to Domestic Relations-Persons Eligible to Marry, that extended the right to marry to same-sex couples effective August 1, 2013.

That legislation also ended the ability of same-sex couples to enter into civil unions in Rhode Island on that same date and allows any couples already in a Rhode Island civil union to keep their civil unions or merge their civil unions into marriage. Rhode Island also respects civil unions and registered domestic partnerships from other states.

For information about how to get married in Rhode Island, see: GENERAL MARRIAGE REQUIREMENTS IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND. 

Èske lòt eta yo ak gouvènman federal la ap respekte maryaj mwen an?

Wi. La Obergefell kont Hodges Desizyon an garanti ke tout eta yo ak gouvènman federal la dwe trete koup marye menm sèks yo menm jan ak koup marye diferan sèks yo. Sa vle di ke tout pwoteksyon, dwa ak obligasyon ke eta yo ak gouvènman federal la bay koup marye diferan sèks yo dwe bay koup marye menm sèks yo tou.

Èske mwen ka jwenn benefis Sekirite Sosyal pou sivivan si mari oswa madanm mwen mouri?

Wi, paske jan sa di pi wo a, koup marye menm sèks yo gen dwa a tout benefis yo bay koup marye diferan sèks.

Sepandan, jiskaske Obergefell kont Hodges Nan desizyon ki te pran nan dat 26 jen 2015 la, anpil koup menm sèks te rete nan eta kote lwa maryaj ki pa konstitisyonèl yo te anpeche koup menm sèks marye. Donk, lè mari oswa madanm yo te mouri, yo pa t kapab satisfè kondisyon benefis sivivan Sekirite Sosyal la pou yo te marye pandan 9 mwa.

Pou korije enjistis sa a, Lambda Legal te depoze de pwosè, Ely kont Sayil epi Thornton kont Komisyonè Sekirite Sosyal la epi li te reyisi jwenn yon mwayen pou koup menm sèks yo te ka depoze pou benefis Sekirite Sosyal pou sivivan ki swa pa janm marye (Ely kont Sayil) oubyen yo te finalman kapab marye men yo te marye mwens pase 9 mwa lè mari oswa madanm yo te mouri (Thornton kont Komisyonè Sekirite Sosyal la). 

De desizyon sa yo pèmèt koup menm sèks, ki te eskli nan maryaj akòz lwa leta diskriminatwa e ki pakonsekan pa t kalifye pou aplike pou benefis sivivan Sekirite Sosyal, pou soumèt yon aplikasyon. Sepandan, siksè aplikasyon sa a depann de bay ase dokiman pou pwouve Sekirite Sosyal ke sèl rezon ki fè yo pa t satisfè egzijans 9 mwa a se te akòz lwa leta diskriminatwa yo.

Lyen sa a bay plis enfòmasyon detaye epi li gen FAQ pou chak pwosè epi li bay lis kèk fason ou ka bay dokiman ki nesesè pou kalifye pou benefis sivivan an: Enfòmasyon pou Patnè ak Konjwen Menm Sèks ki Sivivan ki te Eskli Anvan nan Benefis Sivivan Sekirite Sosyal Akòz Lwa Maryaj ki pa Konstitisyonèl | Lambda Legal. 

Ki sa k ap pase si nou bezwen mete fen nan maryaj nou an?

Apre Obergefell kont Hodges, same-sex spouses everywhere can dissolve their marriages on the same terms as different-sex spouses. Rhode Island applies its divorce statutes to same-sex couples.

However, spouses should note that when Rhode Island courts divide marital property and award alimony, one of the factors a judge considers is the length of the marriage. The judge cannot include as marital property, property held in the name of one spouse if held by that spouse prior to marriage. Unfortunately for spouses whose partnership predated marriage equality, the length of the marriage may not accurately reflect the true length of the relationship, resulting in an unbalanced division of assets.

If you are going through divorce proceedings in Rhode Island and believe your division of assets may be unfairly affected by the length of the marriage, contact Glad Answers.

Does Rhode Island still allow civil unions?

Not anymore. Rhode Island stopped offering civil unions in 2013, but did not automatically convert them to marriage. If you have a civil union (or registered domestic partnership) from Rhode Island or another state, Rhode Island will grant you the same rights and benefits, and hold you to the same responsibilities, as a married couple in Rhode Island. However, with the exception of Social Security, the federal government will not recognize your civil union.

Kisa yon patenarya domestik ye?

Although it is a term used in many contexts, “domestic partnership” most often means a status which recognizes an unmarried couple and their children as a family for certain limited purposes. This recognition may be given by a state or municipal governmental entity or by private businesses and organizations. In the workplace context, employers may set criteria for domestic partnership as a way for employees to obtain certain fringe benefits for their partners and families which were previously limited to married spouses. 

The State of Rhode Island, some Rhode Island cities and towns and many private employers in Rhode Island offer domestic partner benefits such as coverage for the partner and his/her children under the employee’s health insurance plan.

In other contexts, “domestic partner” is also a shorthand term for family, replacing “lover,” “friend,” and “roommate.” Some people call cohabitation agreements “domestic partner agreements.”

Does Rhode Island offer domestic partner benefits?

Although Rhode Island does not have a statewide domestic partnership registry like some other states, the Rhode Island legislature has enacted several laws that provide certain benefits to unmarried couples.

In order to qualify, both partners must certify by affidavit that (1) they are at least 18 years old and mentally competent to contract, (2) that neither partner is married to anyone, (3) that the partners are not related by blood to a degree that would prohibit marriage in the State of Rhode Island, (4) that the partners live together and have lived together for at least one year, (5) that the partners are financially interdependent as evidenced by at least two of the following: (A) a domestic partnership agreement or relationship contract; (B) a joint mortgage or joint ownership of a primary residence; (C) two of these: (i) joint ownership of a motor vehicle; (ii) a joint checking account; (iii) joint credit account; (iv) joint lease; and/or (D) the domestic partner has been designated a beneficiary for the employee’s will, retirement contract or life insurance.

What domestic partner benefits does Rhode Island offer to state employees?

In the summer of 2001, the Rhode Island legislature made domestic partner benefits available to state employees with respect to health insurance. It did so by changing the definition of “dependent” in state insurance laws. In 2006, Rhode Island extended these benefits to include family and medical leave to care for an ill partner and COBRA health insurance benefits for a state employee’s domestic partner; and in 2007, the legislature extended pension benefits, managed through the Employee Retirement System of Rhode Island, to surviving domestic partners with whom the employee had lived for at least a year and were “financially interdependent.”

To qualify, a same-sex couple must certify by affidavit to the benefits director of the division of personnel that the couple meets the requirements listed above. Misrepresentations of information in the affidavit will result in an obligation to repay any benefits received and a fine up to $1000. Employees are further required to inform the benefits director at their place of employment if and when their relationship ends.

Also, On July 1, 2018, the Healthy and Safe Families and Workplaces Act went into effect requiring employers with 18 or more employees to provide at least one hour of paid sick leave for every 35 hours worked.

Employers with fewer than 18 employees must provide sick time, but it does not need to be paid. The law guarantees eligible workers up to 24 hours of sick time per year beginning in 2018 before increasing to a maximum of 32 hours in 2019 and 40 hours in 2020. This law allows employees paid sick leave for themselves or to care for family or anyone they are living with, including a domestic partner.

Are other benefits available to domestic partners of public employees?

Under Rhode Island law, various death benefits or annuities, accidental death benefits or retirement benefits are available to the domestic partners of judges, teachers, police officers, firefighters and some other workers. If you believe you fall in one of these categories, you should consult a lawyer.

Some Rhode Island cities and towns offer domestic partner benefits such as coverage for the partner and his/her children under the employee’s health insurance plan.

What other protections does state law provide to domestic partners?

In January 2010, the Rhode Island legislature passed legislation that gives a domestic partner control over the remains and the funeral and burial arrangements of his/her partner provided: (1) the partner meets the definition of domestic partner defined above, and (2) the deceased has not designated another person as his/her “funeral planning agent” as described below in the section “Legal Protections for Same-Sex Couples—Funeral Planning Documents.” The law was championed by a gay man, Mark Goldberg, who had a five-week battle to claim the body of his partner of 17 years. Despite near unanimous passage, it took a legislative override of the Governor’s veto to finally enact the law.

Although it is an important step forward to have this protection for domestic partners, it does require that you prove that your relationship meets certain criteria at a time of tragedy. The better way to achieve this protection is to name your partner as your “funeral planning agent,” as discussed below. That agent takes precedence over everyone—spouse, domestic partner, and blood relatives.

Ki kalite benefis patwon prive yo ka bay pou patnè domestik?

Private employers can provide to domestic partners many benefits, such as health insurance, family medical or bereavement leave, equal pension benefits, relocation expenses, or access to company facilities.

Even when employers provide these benefits, though, federal and state laws require different tax treatment of the benefits for domestic partners as compared to spouses. For example, an employee must pay federal and state income tax on the value of his or her partner’s health insurance benefits (unless the partner is a tax dependent), but a spouse does not. Partners do not qualify as spouses under federally-controlled Flexible Spending Accounts unless the partner is also a tax dependent.

As for pensions, under the Federal Pension Protection Act of 2006, employers may amend their 401(k) plans so that non-spouse beneficiaries may retain the asset as a retirement asset. If a plan is so amended, beneficiaries may “roll over” the 401(k) into an IRA depending upon the employee’s death whereas previous law required the beneficiary to take and pay income taxes on the 401(k) as a lump sum.

However, other discriminatory aspects of federal law remain regarding pensions. A domestic partner has no right to sign off if his or her partner decides to name someone else as the beneficiary of a pension, although a spouse would have that right. In addition, a domestic partner has no right comparable to that of a spouse to sign off on his or her partner’s designation of another person for survivor benefits.

What steps can a couple take to legally safeguard their relationship in Rhode Island?

Gen plizyè dokiman legal ki ka pwoteje relasyon yon koup, kit koup la pa gen okenn relasyon legal fòmèl oswa si li deja marye.

1. Akò oswa Kontra Relasyon: Cohabitation agreements regarding property and finances are a good way for couples to sort out their affairs in writing before a separation. As long as the contract is not about sexual services, it has a good chance of being upheld as valid as long as it complies with the requisites for a valid contract. Bear in mind that, as in any state, specific provisions concerning children may or may not be enforced according to their terms because it is always in the court’s power to determine the best interests of children. (See discussion below concerning parenting agreements.)
2. Pouvwa Avoka: Any competent person may appoint another person (such as one’s partner) as their “attorney-in-fact” for financial matters in the event that one becomes incapacitated or disabled. The law provides a “short form” which allows you to mark the kinds of transactions you wish your partner (your “attorney-in-fact”) to perform. These include: (a) real estate transactions; (b) chattel and goods transactions; (c) bond, share and commodity transactions; (d) banking transactions; (e) business operating transactions; (f) insurance transactions; (g) claims and litigations; (h) benefits from military service; (i) records, reports and statements; and (j) all other matters. If no such appointment is made, then a “family” member will be empowered to make decisions for the disabled or incapacitated individual. This power of attorney does not include health care decisions.
3. Health Care Power of Attorney: Since medical care providers look to next of kin to make health care decisions for an incapacitated individual, an unmarried person must appoint a health care agent if he or she wishes another person to make those decisions instead of the family member. Under R.I. Gen. Laws § 23-4.10-2, a person may appoint a health care agent to make decisions — whether for a limited amount of time or indefinitely. The attorney-in-fact may then make decisions for you — either immediately or upon your becoming incompetent to make decisions. Even after you give another person a Health Care Power of Attorney, you may make decisions for yourself if that is what you wish and as long as you are competent to do so. The statute provides a “statutory form” that you can use for your Health Care Power of Attorney.

The power of attorney can specify the authority of the agent to make decisions on your behalf, and also state what kinds of treatments you do not desire, including treatments which might keep you alive. You can also specify your wishes regarding organ and tissue gifts after death.

The power of attorney must be signed either by one notary public or by two witnesses. None of these signers may be your designated or alternate agent; a health care provider or a health care provider employee; or the operator of a community care facility or an employee of such a facility. The power of attorney can be revoked at any time by creating a new power of attorney or by a clear expression of revocation. People often give a copy to their doctors and sometimes to family members.

1. Living Will: Within a durable power of attorney for health care, language may be inserted stating what the individual wishes regarding termination of life support, preferences for types of medical care, or limits on the agent’s authority.
2. Pral: Without a will, a deceased unmarried person’s property passes to: (1) their children; (2) their family; (3) if next of kin cannot be located, to the state. If you wish to provide for others, such as your partner, a will is essential. Even if you have few possessions, you can name in the will who will administer your estate. If you have children, you can nominate their future guardian in a will.
3. Dokiman Planifikasyon Antèman: Rhode Island permits a person to name another as his or her “funeral planning agent” with sole responsibility and authority to make any and all arrangements and decisions about funeral services, and burial or disposition of remains, including cremation. The document must be signed by the individual and should be notarized. To prevent any disputes with family members, it is preferable to give the instructions to the person you want to take care of matters, as well as to family members.

Even absent these documents, a surviving same-sex partner who can prove that their relationship satisfied the state criteria for being “domestic partners” (read the “Domestic Partnership” section above) can also assume control of the funeral and burial process.

However, this requires proving certain facts about your relationship at a time of tragedy and does not control if someone else has been appointed as the “funeral planning agent.” The best way to ensure that your partner is able to make these decisions is to name your partner your “funeral planning agent.”

In 2018, Rhode Island passed a law that requires the death certificate to reflect the gender identity of the decedent as reported by the next of kin, or the best qualified person, or by a document memorializing the decedent’s wishes. To ensure that this happens, it is best to give the person you appoint as your “funeral planning agent” a notarized document that attests to your gender identity.

Èske yon moun bezwen yon avoka pou jwenn dokiman sa yo?

GLAD rekòmande pou w travay avèk yon avoka sou dokiman sa yo.

Malgre ke gen fòm ki disponib, fòm nan ka pa adapte ak bezwen ak volonte endividyèl ou yo. Anplis de sa, yon avoka ka pi byen ede reyalize objektif ou yo, pa egzanp, lè li ekri yon testaman yon fason ki gen plis chans pou anpeche yon konteste testaman pa manm fanmi ki pa kontan, oubyen lè li nonmen yon ajan swen sante ak enstriksyon byen espesifik. Anplis de sa, yon avoka ka ede navige nan ensètitid legal ki soti nan domèn sipèpoze ant dokiman sa yo. GLAD Answers ka bay referans pou avoka ki manm Sèvis Referans Avoka GLAD la.

Si yon koup ki pa marye separe, ki estati legal yon relasyon oswa yon akò/kontra patenarya?

Upon separation, the terms of a Relationship or Partnership Agreement/Contract will come into play if the couple has one. Absent an agreement, couples can get involved in costly and protracted litigation about property and financial matters but without the divorce system to help them sort through it. The Rhode Island Supreme Court has recognized that, under some circumstances, contract theories and equitable principles may apply to address the property and financial matters of a separating same-sex couple even without a written agreement.80 Written agreements offer vastly greater security, however, providing the court with a roadmap as to the intentions of the parties.

TANPRI REMAKE: Si ou chanje lide sou kiyès ki ta dwe "avoka de reyalite" ou, reprezantan swen sante ou, benefisyè ou oswa ekzekuteur ou anba yon testaman, planifikatè fineray ou, konsèvatè ou, oswa moun ou deziyen anba yon dokiman deziyasyon, lè sa a dokiman sa yo ta dwe revoke—epi yon avi bay tout moun ki te resevwa kopi dokiman sa yo—epi nouvo dokiman ta dwe prepare ki reflete volonte ou kounye a.

Ki estanda koup menm sèks ki gen timoun k ap separe yo ta dwe respekte?

Koup menm sèks ki gen timoun epi k ap separe ta dwe:

1. Sipòte dwa paran LGBTQ+ yo;
2. Onore relasyon ki deja egziste yo kèlkeswa etikèt legal yo;
3. Onore relasyon paran timoun yo ki deja egziste apre separasyon an;
4. Kenbe kontinwite pou timoun yo;
5. Chèche yon rezolisyon volontè;
6. Sonje byen, separe se yon bagay ki difisil pou fè;
7. Menen ankèt sou akizasyon abi;
8. Pa kite absans akò oswa relasyon legal detèmine rezilta yo;
9. Trete litij kòm yon dènye rekou; epi
10. Refize pou w sèvi ak lwa ak santiman omofob/transfob pou w rive nan yon rezilta ou vle.

Pou plis enfòmasyon detaye sou nòm sa yo, gade piblikasyon Pwoteje Fanmi yo: Nòm pou Fanmi LGBTQ+ yo nan adrès sa a: Protecting Families: Standards for LGBTQ+ Families. 

Anjeneral, ki jan yon tribinal fè pou pran detèminasyon sou gad timoun?

In Rhode Island, the leading case regarding the best interests of the child is Pettinato v. Pettinato. The Rhode Island legislature has not statutorily defined the factors that comprise a child’s best interests, but in the Pettinato case, the Rhode Island Supreme Court listed eight factors that should be considered by courts to determine the best interests of the child:

1. The wishes of the child’s parent or parents regarding the child’s custody;
2. The reasonable preference of the child, if the court deems the child to be of sufficient intelligence, understanding, and experience to express a preference;
3. The interaction and interrelationship of the child with the child’s parent or parents, the child’s siblings, and any other person who may significantly affect the child’s best interest;
4. The child’s adjustment to the child’s home, school, and community;
5. The mental and physical health of all individuals involved;
6. The stability of the child’s home environment;
7. The moral fitness of the child’s parents; and
8. The willingness and ability of each parent to facilitate a close and continuous parent-child relationship between the child and the other parent.

In addition, Rhode Island Law requires courts to “consider evidence of past or present domestic violence” and arrange visitation to best protect the child and the abused parent from further harm.”

As to visitation, the law provides that whichever parent does not have primary physical custody of the child shall be granted a reasonable right of visitation, unless there is a showing of cause why the right should not be granted.

Èske gen diferan kalite gad?

Wi, kat kalite:

1. "Gad legal poukont li" vle di se yon sèl paran ki gen dwa pran gwo desizyon nan lavi timoun nan, tankou kesyon edikasyon, swen medikal, ak devlopman emosyonèl, moral ak relijye.
2. "Gad legal pataje" vle di tou de paran yo patisipe nan desizyon sa yo epi yo pran yo.
3. "Gad fizik sèlman" vle di yon timoun ap viv avèk epi li anba sipèvizyon yon sèl paran, sijè a vizit rezonab ak lòt paran an, sof si yon tribinal jwenn ke vizit la pa nan pi bon enterè timoun nan.
4. "Gad fizik pataje" vle di timoun nan rete ak tou de paran yo yon fason ki asire kontak souvan ak tou de.

Tribinal la kapab tou bay yon twazyèm moun gad legal la si li jije ke sa nan pi bon enterè timoun nan.

Si mwen gen yon pitit ki soti nan yon ansyen relasyon eteroseksyèl, epi kounye a mwen gen yon patnè menm sèks, èske ansyen mennaj mwen an ka itilize oryantasyon seksyèl mwen kont mwen nan pwosedi pou gad timoun?

In Rhode Island, the question should turn on whether there is evidence of direct harm to the best interests of the child, although there has been no reported case on the subject. As a general matter, “[i]n any proceeding or suit in any court, neither parent shall have any natural priority or preference in any matter relating to their minor children.” Specific acts of parental misconduct are relevant to determinations of child custody.

Is it considered harm to the child if he or she is teased about having a gay or lesbian parent?

Li pa ta dwe konsa. Youn nan responsablite adisyonèl yon paran masisi oswa lesbyèn se ede pitit li yo fè fas ak posibilite sa a oswa reyalite sa a. Natirèlman, timoun yo ka jwenn mokri pou tout bagay, soti nan gwosè zòrèy yo rive nan aksan paran yo rive nan mank sans mòd yo, kidonk tout paran bezwen ede pitit yo devlope mekanis ak estrateji pou fè fas ak pwoblèm lè gen arasman nan men kanmarad.

Kòm yon kesyon legal, yon ka ki te fèt nan Lakou Siprèm Etazini an patikilyèman enstriktif se, Palmore kont Sidoti, kote Lakou Siprèm Etazini an te ranvèse chanjman gad timoun nan te fè nan yon tribinal Florid, ki te soti nan manman an pou ale nan papa a. Rezon ki fè yo te chanje gad timoun nan se paske manman blan an te gen yon relasyon ak yon nonm nwa li te marye pita. Lakou Siprèm nan te rekonèt reyalite prejije ak patipri, epi ke yo te ka pase timoun nan nan rizib, men li te refize pran an konsiderasyon prejije sa yo oswa ba yo fòs lalwa lè li te chanje aranjman gad timoun nan ki te egziste anvan an. Nan yon deklarasyon prensip konstitisyonèl ki aplikab a tout moun, Lakou a te deklare inanimman, "Konstitisyon an pa ka kontwole prejije, men li pa ka tolere yo nonplis. Prejije prive yo ka deyò limit lalwa, men lalwa pa ka, ni dirèkteman ni endirèkteman, ba yo efè."

Èske sa enpòtan si ansyen mennaj mwen te konnen oswa sispèk mwen te LGBTQ+ anvan nou te separe?

Sa ka fè yon diferans anrapò ak modifikasyon nan lavni lòd tribinal pou gad timoun nan. Moun ka chèche modifye lòd tribinal pou gad timoun nan lè te gen yon chanjman nan sikonstans ki chanje pi bon enterè timoun nan. Si yon mari oswa madanm pa t konnen oryantasyon seksyèl ou oswa idantite sèks ou nan moman pwosedi tribinal la men li te aprann li pita, yo ka diskite ke sa a se yon chanjman nan sikonstans epi ke pwoblèm gad timoun yo ta dwe plede ankò.

Natirèlman, si youn nan mari oswa madanm yo oswa ansyen patnè etewoseksyèl yo te konnen oryantasyon seksyèl menm sèks lòt la nan moman pwosedi tribinal la pou etabli gad timoun nan, yon petisyon modifikasyon sou baz sa yo pa t ap gen sans.

Èske yon tribinal ka anpeche pitit mwen yo vizite m lè patnè mwen an prezan?

Courts have the power to do this but should not do so unless it is clearly in the best interests of the child. Visitation restrictions are inherently suspect. In Lawrence kont Texas, Lakou Siprèm Etazini an te fè plis pase dekriminalize zak seksyèl yo. Li te rekonèt dwa moun omoseksyèl yo pou yo fòme epi kenbe relasyon pèsonèl ki plen lanmou epi pou yo mennen lavi prive yo san restriksyon gouvènman an ak san kondanasyon legal. Piske moun omoseksyèl yo ka pran "desizyon pèsonèl konsènan ... relasyon familyal [ak] elvaj timoun," restriksyon sou gad timoun ak vizit yo dwe trete kòmsadwa. Senp diferans nan valè moral ant yon tribinal ak yon paran, prezompsyon sou konduit yon paran omoseksyèl, oswa "kondanasyon sosyal" sou relasyon yo a pa ta dwe faktè admisib ankò, si yo te janm ye.

Resous

Istwa maryaj moun menm sèks Ozetazini: Istwa maryaj moun menm sèks Ozetazini – Wikipedya. 

Civil Union and Domestic Partner Benefits: Domestic Partner / Civil Unions Benefits | Human Resource Administration. 

Rhode Island Estate Planning Laws: Rhode Island Estate Planning Laws – FindLaw. 

Divorce: The Basic Divorce Process – RILS. 

Rhode Island Child Custody Laws: The Basic Divorce Process – RILS. 

Ka ak Defans

To see Family cases or advocacy which GLAD has been directly involved with in Rhode Island, go to: Ka ak Defans – GLAD and under “By Issue” click on “Family” and under “By Location” click on “Rhode Island.”

Nouvèl ak Kominike pou laprès

To see news and press releases about Family in Rhode Island, go to: Nouvèl ak Kominike pou laprès – GLAD and under “By Issue” click on “Family” and under “By Location” click on “Rhode Island.”