Title 15
Domestic Relations

Chapter 8.1
Uniform Parentage Act

Article 6
Genetic Parentage

R.I. Gen. Laws § 15-8.1-606



§ 15-8.1-606.  Admissibility of results of genetic testing.


(a) Unless waived by the parties, a party intending to rely on the results of genetic testing shall do all of the following:

(1) Make the test results available to the other parties to the parentage action at least fifteen (15) days prior to any hearing at which the results may be admitted into evidence;

(2) Provide notice to the court and other parties to the proceeding of the intent to use the test results at the hearing; and

(3) Provide the other parties notice of this statutory section, including the need to object in a timely fashion.

(b) Any motion objecting to genetic test results shall be made in writing to the court and to the party intending to introduce the evidence at least seven (7) days prior to any hearing at which the results may be introduced into evidence. If no timely objection is made, the written results shall be admissible as evidence without the need for foundation testimony or other proof of authenticity or accuracy.

(c) If a child has a presumed parent, acknowledged parent, de facto parent, or adjudicated parent, the results of genetic testing shall be admissible to adjudicate parentage only:

(1) With the consent of each individual who is a parent of the child under this chapter, unless the court finds that admission of the testing is in the best interests of the child as provided in § 15-8.1-603(h); or

(2) Pursuant to an order of the court under § 15-8.1-603.

History of Section.
P.L. 2020, ch. 59, § 2; P.L. 2020, ch. 60, § 2.