If you are receiving FIP benefits (RI Welfare) and the father is not on the child’s birth certificate, then the State of Rhode Island Child Support Enforcement will pursue a Paternity action against the father’s alleged biological father. If you apply for FIP benefits in Rhode Island and Providence Plantations and there is no father indicated on the child’s birth certificate then the matter will be automatically referred to Rhode Island Child Support Enforcement. Support enforcement file a motion to establish paternity for your child.
Rhode Island paternity lawyer
If you are a FIP recipient and there is a voluntary acknowledgement of Paternity as a result of the Paternity case, the state will seek child support against the biological father. If there is a finding of paternity in Family Court after genetic testing, then the state will pursue a child support order against the biological father. If you are receiving FIP benefits, then that child support will be paid to the state to reimburse them for the welfare payments.
You have the right to a private Attorney Representing you in your Paternity case if you are the FIP recipient and Child Support Enforcement files for Paternity on your behalf. If the RI Paternity case was filed against you then you should obtain a Rhode Island Paternity Attorney
Paternity in RI and child support law
The Rhode Island office of Child Support Enforcement’s website states: “The Office of Child Support Services will assist in the location of a parent, establishing paternity, establishing a child support or medical order and enforcement of all orders. Those parents or guardians receiving benefits from the “FIP” (Family Independence Program) Benefits or RIte Care Benefits will receive the services of the child support program without the necessity of completing an application or payment of a fee. Those families are required to cooperate with the Office of Child Support Services. Child support payments are used to repay the welfare benefits paid to families.”