2012 Rhode Island General Laws
Title 15 - Domestic Relations
Chapter 15-5 - Divorce and Separation
Chapter 15-5-16.7 - Review of child support orders.

§ 15-5-16.7 Review of child support orders. – (a) For purposes of this section, a "child support order" means a child support order enforceable pursuant to the Rhode Island state plan for support enforcement as further defined in § 15-16-5(a).

(b) Every three (3) years from the date the child support order was established or modified, and upon the request of either party, or if there is an assignment under § 40-6-9 upon the request of the state, the court shall review and, if appropriate, adjust the order in accordance with the child support guidelines if the amount of the child support award under the order differs from the amount that would be awarded in accordance with the guidelines. The adjustment of the order shall be made under this subsection without a requirement for proof or showing of a change in circumstances. The periodic review of child support orders as provided in this subsection is in addition to the opportunity for review provided in § 15-5-16.2(c).

(c) In the case of a request for a review before the three (3) year period, the amount of support may, in the court's discretion, be modified if the court finds that a substantial change in circumstances has occurred in accordance with § 15-5-16.2. The court, in its discretion, may modify a child support order retroactively only to the date that notice of a petition to modify was given to the adverse party if the court finds that a substantial change in circumstances has occurred; provided, that the court shall set forth in its decision the specific findings of fact which show a substantial change in circumstances and upon which findings of facts the court has decided to make the decree retroactive.

History of Section.
(P.L. 1992, ch. 177, § 2; P.L. 1992, ch. 263, § 2; P.L. 1997, ch. 170, § 1.)