2023 Rhode Island General Laws
Title 9 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Procedure Generally
Chapter 9-1 - Causes of Action
Section 9-1-43. - Civil action for childsnatching.

§ 9-1-43. Civil action for childsnatching.

(a) Any person, including a parent, who intentionally removes, causes the removal of, or detains any child under the age of eighteen (18) years with intent to deny another person’s right of custody under an existing decree or order of the family court in violation of § 11-26-1.1 shall be liable in an action at law, suit in equity, or any other appropriate proceeding for redress in the superior court. Actions brought pursuant to this section may include, but not limited to, damages for mental and emotional distress, loss of service, society and companionship, compensatory damages incurred in searching for the missing child, punitive damages, injunctive relief, and attorney’s fees.

(b) If any provision or part of this section or the application thereof to any person or circumstances is held invalid, the invalidity shall not affect other provisions or applications of the section which can be given effect without the invalid provision or application, and to this end the provisions or parts of this section are severable.

History of Section.
P.L. 1985, ch. 166, § 1.