Free · Rhode Island · Current law
Based on Rhode Island's official Income Shares formula. Enter both parents' incomes and get an estimate in under a minute.
Before taxes — wages, self-employment, bonuses
A best estimate is fine for now
Taxes, mandatory retirement, union dues…
Work or school related
Estimated monthly support
The other parent pays you, the parent with primary timesharing.
Estimate only — based on a simplified reading of Rhode Island Schedule of Basic Support Obligations, Administrative Order 2018-01 (revised 2018). A judge can deviate. Not legal advice.
Get a plain-English copy of this estimate, the numbers used, and a short checklist for what to review before relying on it.
Rhode Island utilizes the Income Shares Model to determine child support obligations. The calculation begins by combining the weekly gross incomes of both parents. This combined income is then referenced against a Guideline Chart (Schedule) to ascertain the total basic child support obligation for the number of children involved. Each parent's share of this total obligation is proportional to their percentage contribution to the combined parental income. The non-custodial parent is then responsible for paying their calculated percentage share. Adjustments are made for mandatory deductions such as health insurance premiums, pre-existing child support orders, additional children, and work-related childcare costs. Discretionary deductions may also be considered by the court.
A substantial change in either parent's income — voluntary or involuntary — can trigger a modification.
Changes in childcare costs or the children's health insurance premiums directly adjust the support amount.
If the custody schedule changes significantly, support can be recalculated under Rhode Island guidelines.
Medical conditions, disabilities, or educational needs can justify a departure from the guideline amount.
Common questions
An uncontested divorce in Rhode Island can be finalized in as little as 75 days after filing, followed by a mandatory 90-day waiting period after the nominal hearing for the final judgment to be entered. Contested cases can take significantly longer, often six months to over a year.
While it is possible to file for divorce without a lawyer, especially in uncontested cases where both parties agree on all terms, it is highly recommended to consult with an experienced Rhode Island divorce attorney. A lawyer can help navigate the legal complexities, ensure all paperwork is correctly filed, and protect your rights and interests, particularly concerning property division, child custody, and support.
Yes, Rhode Island is a no-fault divorce state. You can file for divorce based on 'irreconcilable differences that have caused the irremediable breakdown of the marriage,' without needing to prove fault. However, Rhode Island law also recognizes fault-based grounds such as adultery, extreme cruelty, willful desertion, continued drunkenness, habitual drug use, neglect, or gross misbehavior (R.I. Gen. Laws § 15-5-2).
Rhode Island is an equitable distribution state, meaning marital property is divided fairly, but not necessarily equally (50/50). The court considers various factors, including the length of the marriage, the conduct of the parties, contributions to the marital estate, health, age, income, occupation, and employability of each spouse (R.I. Gen. Laws § 15-5-16.1). Property acquired before marriage or received as a gift or inheritance is generally not subject to division.
Mediation is not statutorily required for all divorce cases in Rhode Island. However, the family court may direct parties to participate in mediation, particularly for issues concerning child custody and visitation, in an effort to resolve differences outside of court (R.I. Gen. Laws § 15-5-29). Mediation is a voluntary process that can help couples reach amicable agreements.
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