reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 8 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Courts › Chapter 8-9 - Probate Courts › Section 8-9-19. - Expense of commitment for failure to deliver property of estate.

§ 8-9-19. Expense of commitment for failure to deliver property of estate.
The probate court shall ascertain the expenses occasioned by commitment as provided in § 8-9-18, and the executor, administrator, guardian, conservator, or custodian of the estate shall pay the expenses; and if the party paying the expenses shall afterwards recover judgment against the person committed, for any property withheld by him or her belonging to the estate, those expenses, as ascertained by the probate court, shall be taxed as part of the costs of the suit; or if the person after being imprisoned shall, without suit, surrender any effects belonging to the estate withheld by him or her, the executor, administrator, guardian, conservator, or custodian may recover from him or her the amount of the expenses.
History of Section.
C.P.A. 1905, § 731; G.L. 1909, ch. 307, § 11; G.L. 1923, ch. 358, § 11; G.L. 1938, ch. 569, § 11; G.L. 1956, § 8-9-19.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 8 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Courts › Chapter 8-9 - Probate Courts › Section 8-9-20. - Right to counsel of person suspected of withholding property.

§ 8-9-20. Right to counsel of person suspected of withholding property.
Upon the examination as provided in § 8-9-18, the person suspected may have counsel, who may examine and cross-examine him or her as to any matter deemed material arising in the course of the investigation.
History of Section.
C.P.A. 1905, § 732; G.L. 1909, ch. 307, § 12; G.L. 1923, ch. 358, § 12; G.L. 1938, ch. 569, § 12; G.L. 1956, § 8-9-20.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 8 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Courts › Chapter 8-9 - Probate Courts › Section 8-9-21. - Contempt of court — Habeas corpus.

§ 8-9-21. Contempt of court — Habeas corpus.
Every probate court may punish any contempt of its authority by fine or imprisonment or both. Every probate court may issue writs of habeas corpus to bring before it any person in jail to be examined as a witness in any suit or proceeding pending in the court, that the ends of justice may be attained, and for no other purpose.
History of Section.
C.P.A. 1905, § 733; G.L. 1909, ch. 307, § 13; P.L. 1910, ch. 585, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 358, § 13; G.L. 1938, ch. 569, § 13; G.L. 1956, § 8-9-21.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 8 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Courts › Chapter 8-9 - Probate Courts › Section 8-9-22. - Presumption of death from sea disaster.

§ 8-9-22. Presumption of death from sea disaster.
If a person shall be lost in a sea disaster, the subject of which has been investigated by the United States Navy, the United States Coast Guard, or a similar agency in a foreign country, and after due and diligent search there was a finding by the Navy, Coast Guard, or similar agency that the person was lost in a sea disaster which finding is supported by testimony given by an eyewitness to the disaster, then any heir of the person may, after six (6) months of the date of the finding by the Navy, Coast Guard, or similar agency, produce the finding in the appropriate probate court and it shall be deemed prima facie evidence of the death of the person so as to allow for administration of his estate. Should more than one person be lost in the sea disaster, the Navy or Coast Guard or similar agency’s finding shall be prima facie evidence of death even if not supported by eyewitness testimony.
History of Section.
P.L. 1980, ch. 139, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 8 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Courts › Chapter 8-9 - Probate Courts › Section 8-9-23. - Missing person — Presumption of death.

§ 8-9-23. Missing person — Presumption of death.
If a resident of this state has disappeared and has been absent from his or her usual place of residence and his or her whereabouts has been unknown for more than four (4) years, it shall be prima facie evidence that the person is dead so as to allow for the administration of his or her estate.
History of Section.
P.L. 1980, ch. 139, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 8 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Courts › Chapter 8-10 - Family Court › Section 8-10-2. - Purpose of chapter.

§ 8-10-2. Purpose of chapter.
This chapter shall be liberally construed to the end that families whose unity or well-being is threatened shall be assisted and protected, and restored, if possible, as secure units of law-abiding members; that each child coming within the jurisdiction of the family court shall receive the care, guidance and control which will conduce to his or her welfare and the best interests of the state; and that when a child is removed from the control of his or her parents, the family court shall secure for him or her care as nearly as possible equivalent to that which his or her parents should have given him or her.
History of Section.
P.L. 1961, ch. 73, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 8 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Courts › Chapter 8-10 - Family Court › Section 8-10-4. - Criminal cases referred to family court.

§ 8-10-4. Criminal cases referred to family court.
To the family court shall also be referred for hearing, adjustment, reconciliation, decision, and sentence all causes properly brought in the court or appealed from other courts in which the defendant is accused, as provided by the statutes, of abandonment of his wife or her husband or children, or both, leaving them in danger of becoming public charges; of neglect to provide according to their means for his wife or her husband or children, or both; of neglect or refusal of an habitual drunkard to aid in the support of his or her family; of neglect or refusal by a child over eighteen (18) years of age to provide for the support and maintenance of his or her father or mother; or of threat to commit a crime or offense against the person or property of the defendant’s husband, wife, children, father, or mother.
History of Section.
P.L. 1961, ch. 73, § 1; P.L. 1994, ch. 88, § 1; P.L. 1994, ch. 316, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 8 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Courts › Chapter 8-10 - Family Court › Section 8-10-5. - Attempts at reconciliation by family court.

§ 8-10-5. Attempts at reconciliation by family court.
In all the causes in § 8-10-4, the family court shall seek to reconcile the parties and to re-establish friendly family relations, and to this end may suggest and hold conferences in chambers with the parties interested, and with their counsel, if they are represented by counsel and may have the children of the parties brought before it for examination.
History of Section.
P.L. 1961, ch. 73, § 1; P.L. 1997, ch. 326, § 8.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 8 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Courts › Chapter 8-10 - Family Court › Section 8-10-6. - Notice to department of human services.

§ 8-10-6. Notice to department of human services.
The clerk of the family court shall notify the director of the department of human services of the names and addresses, if known to him or her, of the parties to any proceeding in the court, so that the director, if the parties or any of them are recipients of public assistance, shall make known the interest of his or her department in the proceedings and shall enter an appearance.
History of Section.
P.L. 1961, ch. 73, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 8 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Courts › Chapter 8-10 - Family Court › Section 8-10-7. - Family counselling service.

§ 8-10-7. Family counselling service.
Within the family court there shall be a family counselling service, consisting of such personnel as the court shall deem necessary to assist the court in advising and counselling the parties and whose qualifications shall be established by the court. The justices of the family court or a majority of them shall be the appointing authority of the family counselling personnel. The court is specifically authorized to make use of existing private and public family and other service agencies in the functioning of the family counselling service. The family counselling service shall, where desirable, possible, and practicable, make use of the counsel and advice of a member of the clergy of the faith of each or all of the parties and shall, where desirable, possible, and practicable, consult the clergy of the parish or congregation of each of the respective parties.
History of Section.
P.L. 1961, ch. 73, § 1; P.L. 2007, ch. 309, § 1; P.L. 2007, ch. 415, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 8 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Courts › Chapter 8-10 - Family Court › Section 8-10-8. - Medical, psychological, and other expert assistance.

§ 8-10-8. Medical, psychological, and other expert assistance.
The department of human services shall provide for the family court the services of such physicians, psychiatrists, experts, and consultants approved by the court as shall be necessary to accomplish the purposes for which the court is established.
History of Section.
P.L. 1961, ch. 73, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 8 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Courts › Chapter 8-10 - Family Court › Section 8-10-9. - Assistance of services of department of corrections.

§ 8-10-9. Assistance of services of department of corrections.
(a)
The facilities of the department of corrections shall be available at all times to the court. The director of the department of corrections shall assign to service in the court a supervisor of probation counsellors, probation counsellors, and other workers to carry out the purposes of the court. The supervisor, counsellors, and workers, when so assigned, shall be responsible to the court and shall serve in the court at the pleasure of the chief judge in his or her capacity as administrative judge.
(b)
At the request of the court, the director of the department of corrections, his or her assistants, and the bureau of mental hygiene shall make such investigation or examination, or both, as the court or any justice thereof may request of any party within its jurisdiction, and shall file with the court a written report of the investigation or examination, or both, within the time fixed by the court. Any party in interest or his or her counsel shall be entitled to examine the report, and shall be given the opportunity to cross-examine under oath the person who submits the report, and to introduce evidence in support of or in opposition to it before a decision is rendered by the court. The written report of investigation or examination shall not be used as evidence in any criminal matter heard by the court.
(c)
At the direction of the court, the supervisor of probation counsellors, probation counsellors, and other workers shall assume responsibility for the enforcement of all preliminary, interlocutory, and decretal orders in cases referred to them by the court. The court may order payments of temporary or permanent alimony for the support of a wife or children, or both, to the supervisor, counsellors, or workers for the account of the wife or children, or both.
History of Section.
P.L. 1961, ch. 73, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 8 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Courts › Chapter 8-10 - Family Court › Section 8-10-10. - Family court registry.

§ 8-10-10. Family court registry.
Within the family court there shall be a registry, to be administered by the clerk of the court, which shall receive and disburse all payments made payable to the registry by direction of the court or by voluntary payment.
History of Section.
P.L. 1961, ch. 73, § 1; P.L. 1997, ch. 170, § 22.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 8 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Courts › Chapter 8-10 - Family Court › Section 8-10-11. - Repealed.

§ 8-10-11. Repealed.
History of Section.
P.L. 1961, ch. 73, § 1; P.L. 1977, ch. 263, § 3; Repealed by P.L. 1994, ch. 42, § 5, effective June 2, 1994. For present comparable provisions, see § 8-16.1-1 et seq.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 8 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Courts › Chapter 8-10 - Family Court › Section 8-10-12. - Vacancy in office or inability of chief judge of family court.

§ 8-10-12. Vacancy in office or inability of chief judge of family court.
Whenever there is a vacancy in the office of chief judge of the family court, or whenever the chief judge shall be unable, by reason of illness or absence, to perform the duties of his or her office, the vacancy shall be filled in the same manner as provided in § 8-3-4 for filling a vacancy in the office of presiding justice of the superior court.
History of Section.
P.L. 1961, ch. 73, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 8 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Courts › Chapter 8-10 - Family Court › Section 8-10-13. - Repealed.

§ 8-10-13. Repealed.
History of Section.
P.L. 1961, ch. 73, § 1; Repealed by P.L. 2010, ch. 231, § 2, and by P.L. 2010, ch. 238, § 2, effective July 25, 2010.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 8 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Courts › Chapter 8-10 - Family Court › Section 8-10-14. - Administration of operation of family court.

§ 8-10-14. Administration of operation of family court.
The chief judge of the family court shall be the administrative judge of the court. He or she shall be the head of the court and have supervision and control of the calendars and of the assignment of the justices. All court stenographers, secretaries, and masters shall be under his or her supervision. It shall be his or her duty to gather such statistics as shall reflect accurately the work of the court, for the information of the court and such other use as he or she may deem expedient. He or she shall also be charged with general responsibility for any recommendations he or she may believe important for the work of the court or any officers in any way connected therewith.
History of Section.
P.L. 1961, ch. 73, § 1; P.L. 1973, ch. 126, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 8 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Courts › Chapter 8-10 - Family Court › Section 8-10-14.1. - Powers of justices of the peace.

§ 8-10-14.1. Powers of justices of the peace.
(a)
The chief judge of the family court shall from time to time appoint, with power to revoke such appointments, from those qualified justices of the peace who shall be members of the bar of the state of Rhode Island as many such justices of the peace as he or she may deem necessary who shall be authorized to set and take bail in all complaints bailable before the family court except those offenses punishable by life imprisonment, and, if unable to post bail, to commit to the adult correctional institutions all respondents arrested on such complaints, and the chief judge shall authorize the justices of the peace so appointed by him or her to issue warrants and complaints returnable to the family court, for any offense for which by law a judge of the family court may issue a warrant and complaint, and all warrants so issued, and all warrants and complaints upon which bail is taken or commitments are made shall be forthwith returned to family court; provided, that the justices of the peace shall not in any case or for any purpose have the power to issue search warrants.
(b)
In the event that session of family court is not held in any of the counties on the next weekday (Monday thru Friday) after appearance by a respondent before a justice of the peace, then the justice of the peace may schedule the arraignment of the respondent in the closest county (if in session on the next day following) or in Providence county as he or she shall be directed by the administrative orders of the chief judge of the family court.
History of Section.
P.L. 1985, ch. 97, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 8 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Courts › Chapter 8-10 - Family Court › Section 8-10-14.2. - Recording and certification of appointments and revocations — Signature of warrants.

§ 8-10-14.2. Recording and certification of appointments and revocations — Signature of warrants.
The appointments and revocations of justices of the peace shall be recorded in the records of the court and certified, by the chief judge making the appointment and revocation, to the secretary of state, and the judge shall also issue to the justice or justices of the peace his or her warrant under the seal of the court, by which the justice or justices shall be authorized to perform the duties herein specified, and shall also, whenever he or she shall revoke the appointment, notify the justice of the peace in writing of the revocation. Justices of the peace appointed to issue warrants shall sign all warrants by them issued as “justice of the peace authorized to issue warrants.”
History of Section.
P.L. 1985, ch. 97, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 8 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Courts › Chapter 8-10 - Family Court › Section 8-10-15. - Family court administrator.

§ 8-10-15. Family court administrator.
(a)
There shall be a family court administrator who shall be appointed by the chief judge of the family court in his or her capacity as administrative judge of the court, with the advice and consent of the senate, and who shall hold office for a term of five (5) years.
(b)
Under the general supervision of the chief judge of the family court, within the policies established by the court, the administrator shall:
(1)
Prepare an annual budget for the court;
(2)
Formulate procedures governing the administration of court services;
(3)
Make recommendations to the court for improvement in court services;
(4)
Collect necessary statistics and prepare the annual report of the work of the court;
(5)
Provide supervision and consultation to the staff of the court concerning administration of court services, training and supervision of personnel, and fiscal management;
(6)
Perform such other duties as the chief judge shall specify;
(7)
And further to assume and perform, in addition to any other duties provided by this chapter, the powers, authority, and the duties of the family court clerk, pursuant to the provisions of the general laws, and shall do and perform all other things which by law or the rules of the court shall appertain to the office of clerk.
History of Section.
P.L. 1961, ch. 73, § 1; P.L. 1972, ch. 52, § 1; P.L. 2005, ch. 10, § 4; P.L. 2005, ch. 21, § 4; P.L. 2008, ch. 119, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 8 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Courts › Chapter 8-10 - Family Court › Section 8-10-16. - Quarters.

§ 8-10-16. Quarters.
The director of administration shall provide the family court with proper quarters and facilities necessary for the performance of the duties of the court. He or she shall also provide the clerk of said court with adequate quarters and facilities necessary for the performance of his or her duties.
History of Section.
P.L. 1961, ch. 73, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 8 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Courts › Chapter 8-10 - Family Court › Section 8-10-17. - Repealed.

§ 8-10-17. Repealed.
History of Section.
P.L. 1961, ch. 73, § 1; P.L. 1985, ch. 144, § 1; Repealed by P.L. 1991, ch. 6, art. 12, § 1 and P.L. 1991, ch. 44, art. 71, § 1, effective February 15, 1991 and June 7, 1991, respectively.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 8 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Courts › Chapter 8-10 - Family Court › Section 8-10-18. - Repealed.

§ 8-10-18. Repealed.
History of Section.
P.L. 1961, ch. 73, § 1; Repealed by P.L. 2008, ch. 9, art. 12, § 1, effective May 1, 2008.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 8 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Courts › Chapter 8-10 - Family Court › Section 8-10-19. - Limitation on transfer or parole of juveniles.

§ 8-10-19. Limitation on transfer or parole of juveniles.
During the period when a juvenile shall be placed in the receiving and screening unit or in the youth correctional center, no transfer or parole of the juvenile shall be made except with the consent of the chief judge of the family court, or, in his or her absence, with the consent of the justice who initially heard, or has pending before him or her, the matter involving such juvenile.
History of Section.
P.L. 1961, ch. 73, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 8 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Courts › Chapter 8-10 - Family Court › Section 8-10-20. - Repealed.

§ 8-10-20. Repealed.
History of Section.
G.L., § 8-10-20, as enacted by P.L. 1961, ch. 73, § 1; Repealed by P.L. 1975, ch. 247, § 2. For present law, see § 8-15-7.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 8 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Courts › Chapter 8-10 - Family Court › Section 8-10-21. - Records of court.

§ 8-10-21. Records of court.
The records of the family court shall be public records, except that records of hearings in matters set forth in § 14-1-5, together with stenographic notes and transcripts of those hearings, shall not be available for public inspection unless the court shall otherwise order. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions, the records of the family court in criminal matters involving adults shall be public records. The record of delinquent or wayward adjudications of juveniles may be accessed by law enforcement personnel to be used for law enforcement purposes only and shall remain otherwise confidential. The Attorney General shall promulgate rules and regulations necessary to facilitate the purposes of this section.
History of Section.
P.L. 1961, ch. 73, § 1; P.L. 1999, ch. 220, § 1; P.L. 1999, ch. 223, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 8 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Courts › Chapter 8-10 - Family Court › Section 8-10-22. - Intake department — Duties.

§ 8-10-22. Intake department — Duties.
Within the family court there shall be established an intake department. Its duties shall be to receive applications and complaints relative to juvenile matters presented to the court, to provide for a thorough investigation of the applications and complaints, and to report thereon to the court before formal petition is filed. The intake department shall perform such other duties as shall be assigned to it by the court.
History of Section.
P.L. 1944, ch. 1441, § 9; G.L. 1956, § 8-10-11; P.L. 1961, ch. 73, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 8 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Courts › Chapter 8-10 - Family Court › Section 8-10-23. - Intake supervisors.

§ 8-10-23. Intake supervisors.
The justices of the family court, or a majority of them, shall appoint a chief intake supervisor and two (2) assistant intake supervisors who are qualified by education, training, previous experience in professional social welfare, personality, character, and special aptitude for the work, to serve at the pleasure of the court.
History of Section.
P.L. 1961, ch. 73, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 8 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Courts › Chapter 8-10 - Family Court › Section 8-10-23.1. - Statewide juvenile hearing board.

§ 8-10-23.1. Statewide juvenile hearing board.
(a)
The chief judge of the family court shall appoint a statewide juvenile hearing board coordinator who is qualified by education, training, previous experience in professional social welfare, personality, character, and special aptitude for the work, to serve at the pleasure of the chief judge. The juvenile hearing board coordinator shall provide education, training, data collection and analysis, coordination, and assistance to cities and towns in the establishment and maintenance of juvenile hearing boards and teen courts. Juvenile hearing boards and/or teen courts shall report any data deemed necessary by the family court to perform the functions of the juvenile hearing board coordinator. No juvenile hearing board or teen court in the State of Rhode Island shall hear, or dispose of offenses that constitute felony offenses if committed by an adult, except by the express written consent of the chief justice of the family court; nor shall any juvenile hearing board or teen court hear or dispose of any offense which has been amended from a felony offense to a misdemeanor offense, except by the express written consent of the chief justice of the family court. Juveniles, wherever they may live, upon a decision to refer the juvenile to the juvenile hearing board or teen court, shall be referred to the hearing board or teen court in the city or town where the offense was committed; provided, however, if the city or town does not have a hearing board or teen court, the juvenile shall be referred to the hearing board or teen court where the juvenile resides. The Statewide hearing board coordinator is responsible for setting up a statewide community service program which may be utilized by any hearing board or teen court.
(b)
The position of statewide juvenile hearing board coordinator is a pilot program which shall commence on July 1, 1998 and terminate on June 30, 2001, unless extended by the general assembly.
History of Section.
P.L. 1998, ch. 397, § 1; P.L. 1998, ch. 418, § 1; P.L. 2000, ch. 192, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 8 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Courts › Chapter 8-10 - Family Court › Section 8-10-23.2. - Creating a juvenile hearing board.

§ 8-10-23.2. Creating a juvenile hearing board.
The town of North Kingstown shall have the authority to create a juvenile hearing board subject to the provisions of § 8-10-23.1, notwithstanding the requirements of the town’s regulations, charter, or ordinances.
History of Section.
P.L. 2003, ch. 295, § 1; P.L. 2003, ch. 352, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 8 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Courts › Chapter 8-10 - Family Court › Section 8-10-23.3. - Jamestown juvenile hearing board.

§ 8-10-23.3. Jamestown juvenile hearing board.
The town of Jamestown shall have the authority to create a juvenile hearing board subject to the provisions of § 8-10-23.1, and the requirements of the town’s regulations, charter or ordinances.
History of Section.
P.L. 2009, ch. 36, § 1; P.L. 2009, ch. 166, § 1; P.L. 2010, ch. 239, § 15.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 8 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Courts › Chapter 8-10 - Family Court › Section 8-10-23.4. - North Providence juvenile hearing board.

§ 8-10-23.4. North Providence juvenile hearing board.
The town of North Providence shall use the authority to create a juvenile hearing board subject to the provisions of § 8-10-23.1, notwithstanding the requirements of the town’s regulations, charter or ordinances.
History of Section.
P.L. 2009, ch. 280, § 1; P.L. 2010, ch. 239, § 15.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 8 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Courts › Chapter 8-10 - Family Court › Section 8-10-24. - Sessions, motions, assignments, etc.

§ 8-10-24. Sessions, motions, assignments, etc.
The provisions of chapter 7 of this title, relating to the superior court, shall apply to the family court, except as the family court may otherwise by rule provide.
History of Section.
P.L. 1961, ch. 73, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 8 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Courts › Chapter 8-10 - Family Court › Section 8-10-25 - — 8-10-27. Repealed.

§ 8-10-25 — 8-10-27. Repealed.
History of Section.
P.L. 1961, ch. 73, § 1; Repealed by P.L. 1972, ch. 52, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 8 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Courts › Chapter 8-10 - Family Court › Section 8-10-28. - Authority and duties of clerk.

§ 8-10-28. Authority and duties of clerk.
In addition to any other authority or duties provided by this chapter, the clerk of the family court shall have the authority and carry out the duties with respect to the family court that are exercised or performed by the clerks of the superior court for that court pursuant to the provisions of §§ 8-4-8, 8-4-9, and 8-4-10.
History of Section.
P.L. 1961, ch. 73, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 8 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Courts › Chapter 8-10 - Family Court › Section 8-10-29. - Report of divorce proceedings to director of health.

§ 8-10-29. Report of divorce proceedings to director of health.
The clerk of the family court shall make returns to the director of health, on or before the first day of March in each and every year, for the year ending on the thirty-first day of December preceding, of all the applications for divorce, showing the number of applications, the number thereof continued, the number granted, and the causes for which they are granted, but without the names of the parties, in accordance with the blanks which shall be furnished him or her by the director of health.
History of Section.
P.L. 1961, ch. 73, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 8 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Courts › Chapter 8-10 - Family Court › Section 8-10-30. - Appointment of clerk pro tempore.

§ 8-10-30. Appointment of clerk pro tempore.
In case of the death, resignation, absence, inability, or refusal to serve of the clerk, the chief judge of the family court may appoint a clerk pro tempore who shall hold his or her office until the clerk shall have returned or the inability shall have been removed or another clerk shall have been appointed to fill the vacancy and shall have qualified. The clerk so appointed shall be sworn and give bond before he or she enters upon his or her duties and shall, during the term of service, be entitled to the compensation of the office.
History of Section.
P.L. 1961, ch. 73, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 8 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Courts › Chapter 8-10 - Family Court › Section 8-10-31. - Appointment of deputies.

§ 8-10-31. Appointment of deputies.
The clerk of the family court, with the approval of the chief judge of the court, may appoint one or more deputy clerks who, being sworn, may discharge all the duties of the clerk until removed by the clerk or the court. The clerk shall fix the compensation of his or her deputies within the amount appropriated therefor and shall be liable for his or her misconduct or neglect of duty.
History of Section.
P.L. 1961, ch. 73, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 8 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Courts › Chapter 8-10 - Family Court › Section 8-10-32. - Employment of clerical assistance by clerk.

§ 8-10-32. Employment of clerical assistance by clerk.
(a)
The clerk of the family court, with the approval of the chief judge thereof, shall appoint as many assistant clerks as may be necessary, who shall hold office until removal by the clerk or by a majority of the justices.
(b)
The clerk is hereby authorized and empowered to employ such clerical assistants, in addition to the assistant clerks, as he or she may require in his or her office in copying, recording, indexing, and attending upon the files of the court.
History of Section.
P.L. 1961, ch. 73, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 8 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Courts › Chapter 8-10 - Family Court › Section 8-10-33. - Powers of assistant clerks of family court.

§ 8-10-33. Powers of assistant clerks of family court.
Each of the assistant clerks of the family court shall aid his or her principal in the discharge of his or her duties, and any act done by him or her, under direction of the clerk, in the line of duty of the clerk shall have the same force and effect as though done by the clerk; he or she shall have authority to administer oaths to parties, witnesses, and others as required in the conduct of the proceedings of the court.
History of Section.
P.L. 1961, ch. 73, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 8 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Courts › Chapter 8-10 - Family Court › Section 8-10-34. - Court secretary and assistant.

§ 8-10-34. Court secretary and assistant.
The justices of the family court, or a majority of them, may appoint a secretary and an assistant secretary who shall hold office during the pleasure of the court and shall perform such duties as may be required by the court.
History of Section.
P.L. 1961, ch. 73, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 8 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Courts › Chapter 8-10 - Family Court › Section 8-10-35. - Appointment of stenographers.

§ 8-10-35. Appointment of stenographers.
The justices of the family court, or a majority of them, shall appoint competent shorthand writers or stenotypists for regular service in the court and one or more such writers for occasional service therein in the absence of other appointees, who shall be known as court stenographers. They shall serve during the pleasure of the court and where designated by the chief judge.
History of Section.
P.L. 1961, ch. 73, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 8 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Courts › Chapter 8-10 - Family Court › Section 8-10-36. - Court reporters and court recording clerks — Supplies and preservation of notes and other materials.

§ 8-10-36. Court reporters and court recording clerks — Supplies and preservation of notes and other materials.
All books, papers, recording media, and supplies necessary for the use of the court reporters and court recording clerks or similar recording personnel shall be furnished by the state, and the notebooks used and notes and recordings taken by them shall be the property of the state and be deposited with the clerk of the family court, provided, that the clerks shall not be required to preserve the notebooks and notes and recordings beyond the period of fifteen (15) years.
History of Section.
P.L. 1961, ch. 73, § 1; P.L. 1990, ch. 206, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 8 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Courts › Chapter 8-10 - Family Court › Section 8-10-37. - Report of trials — Transcripts.

§ 8-10-37. Report of trials — Transcripts.
Subject to the provisions of § 8-10-21, court reporters shall report stenographically, or court recording clerks or similar recording personnel shall report electronically, the proceedings in the trial of every action or proceeding, civil or criminal, in the family court. Each court reporter or court recording clerk or similar recording personnel shall also, upon the order of any justice of the court, transcribe or otherwise reproduce his or her report to be filed with the papers in the case. He or she shall also make a transcript or otherwise reproduce the whole or any part of the report upon the written request, filed with the clerk, by either party to the action or proceeding, and when completed and within the time limited by the court for filing the transcript, shall immediately deliver the same to the party ordering it, or to the attorney of record of the party, and in the case of transcription by court reporters for such service shall be paid a reasonable compensation, not less than five dollars ($5.00) and not exceeding three dollars ($3.00) per page for originals and one dollar and fifty cents ($1.50) per page for copies thereof to be allowed by the court; and, in case the transcript is used in subsequent proceedings in the cause, the cost of the transcript may be allowed as part of the costs. In the case of electronic court recordings the person making the recordings or another person so designated by the court may be requested or ordered, in lieu of making a transcript, to reproduce the recording and certify its authenticity, and in such case each party requesting the reproduction shall pay to the court the sum of ten dollars ($10.00) per cassette.
History of Section.
P.L. 1961, ch. 73, § 1; P.L. 1979, ch. 373, § 1; P.L. 1981, ch. 129, § 1; P.L. 1990, ch. 206, § 3; P.L. 1995, ch. 95, § 2; P.L. 1999, ch. 473, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 8 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Courts › Chapter 8-10 - Family Court › Section 8-10-38. - Judgments, decrees, and orders — Punishment for contempt.

§ 8-10-38. Judgments, decrees, and orders — Punishment for contempt.
(a)
Like powers are hereby conferred upon the family court as are conferred upon the superior court by the provisions of § 8-6-1.
(b)
Provided, however, a justice of the family court shall notify the principal of a school that the court is ordering the placement of a juvenile in the principal’s school. The principal of the school shall have a right to be heard prior to the placement.
History of Section.
P.L. 1961, ch. 73, § 1; P.L. 1992, ch. 358, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 8 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Courts › Chapter 8-10 - Family Court › Section 8-10-38.1. - Imprisonment for contempt.

§ 8-10-38.1. Imprisonment for contempt.
The justices of the family court or its magistrate(s) are hereby empowered, when ordering a noncomplying parent to the adult correctional institution or the women’s reformatory for contempt, to order immediate work release status for him or her.
History of Section.
P.L. 1984, ch. 406, § 2; P.L. 1998, ch. 442, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 8 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Courts › Chapter 8-10 - Family Court › Section 8-10-39. - Repealed.

§ 8-10-39. Repealed.
History of Section.
G.L., § 8-10-39, as enacted by P.L. 1961, ch. 73, § 1; Repealed by P.L. 1969, ch. 239, § 5.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 8 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Courts › Chapter 8-10 - Family Court › Section 8-10-40, 8-10-41. - Repealed.

§ 8-10-40, 8-10-41. Repealed.
History of Section.
P.L. 1961, ch. 73, § 1; Repealed by P.L. 1990, ch. 203, § 2, effective July 9, 1990. For present similar provisions see chapter 14 of this title.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 8 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Courts › Chapter 8-10 - Family Court › Section 8-10-42. - Engagement — Precedence — Retirement and powers of justices.

§ 8-10-42. Engagement — Precedence — Retirement and powers of justices.
Those provisions of chapter 3 of this title, which relate to superior court justices, shall apply to the chief judge and associate justices of the family court and, for purposes of eligibility for retirement under § 8-3-7 as amended by chapter 2 of the public laws, 1959, service as a chief judge or associate judge of the juvenile court prior to September 1, 1961 shall be included as if the service had been on the family court.
History of Section.
P.L. 1961, ch. 73, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 8 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Courts › Chapter 8-10 - Family Court › Section 8-10-42.1. - Service after retirement.

§ 8-10-42.1. Service after retirement.
Any justice of the family court who shall resign in accordance with the provisions of § 8-3-9 may, at his or her own consent and on request of the chief judge of the court, be assigned to perform service as an associate justice thereof. When so assigned and performing such service, he or she shall have all the powers and authority of an associate justice of the family court, but otherwise he or she shall have no such powers nor be authorized to perform any judicial duties. Such a retired justice shall not be counted in the number of judges provided by law for the family court.
History of Section.
P.L. 1969, ch. 162, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 8 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Courts › Chapter 8-10 - Family Court › Section 8-10-43. - References to family court — Powers and duties.

§ 8-10-43. References to family court — Powers and duties.
Wherever in any general or public law the words “juvenile court,” “judge of juvenile court,” or “chief judge of the juvenile court” shall appear, the terms shall mean and include “family court,” “justice of family court,” or “chief judge of the family court.” Wherever in any general or public law the words “domestic relations court,” “court of domestic relations,” or “judge of domestic relations court” shall appear, the terms shall mean and include “family court” or “chief judge or any associate justice of family court.” Wherever in title 15 reference is made to the superior court or the court of domestic relations, that reference shall mean and include the family court. In addition to the powers and authority specifically granted in this chapter, the justices of the family court shall have, insofar as they are applicable, the same obligations and duties as superior court justices, and in all matters within the jurisdiction of the court shall be vested with all of the prerogatives and authority of associate justices of the superior court.
History of Section.
P.L. 1961, ch. 73, § 14.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 8 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Courts › Chapter 8-10 - Family Court › Section 8-10-43.1. - Venue of criminal offenses.

§ 8-10-43.1. Venue of criminal offenses.
The chief judge of the family court or his or her designee shall fix the venue for trial of any person accused of any criminal offense which is subject to the jurisdiction of the family court.
History of Section.
P.L. 1981, ch. 345, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 8 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Courts › Chapter 8-10 - Family Court › Section 8-10-44. - Annual appropriations.

§ 8-10-44. Annual appropriations.
The general assembly shall annually appropriate such sums as shall be necessary to carry out the purposes of this chapter; and the state controller is hereby authorized and directed to draw his or her order on the general treasurer for the payment of such sum, or so much thereof as may be required from time to time, upon receipt by him or her of duly authenticated vouchers approved by the chief judge of the family court.
History of Section.
P.L. 1961, ch. 73, § 15.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 8 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Courts › Chapter 8-10 - Family Court › Section 8-10-45. - Severability.

§ 8-10-45. Severability.
The provisions of this chapter are severable, and if any of its provisions shall be held unconstitutional by any court of competent jurisdiction, the decision of that court shall not affect or impair any of the remaining provisions.
History of Section.
P.L. 1961, ch. 73, § 19.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 8 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Courts › Chapter 8-11 - Motion Days and Terms of Court › Section 8-11-1. - Assignment or motion day falling on holiday.

§ 8-11-1. Assignment or motion day falling on holiday.
If any assignment day or any motion day occurs on a legal holiday, the assignment day or motion day shall be the following week day.
History of Section.
C.P.A. 1905, § 265; G.L. 1909, ch. 285, § 8; G.L. 1923, ch. 335, § 8; G.L. 1938, ch. 504, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 8-11-1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 8 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Courts › Chapter 8-11 - Motion Days and Terms of Court › Section 8-11-2. - Number of sessions on motion days.

§ 8-11-2. Number of sessions on motion days.
The superior court shall hold so many sessions upon motion days as may be necessary for the purpose of hearing motions for new trial and other motions and for hearing interlocutory matters in equity.
History of Section.
C.P.A. 1905, § 342; G.L. 1909, ch. 290, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 340, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 504, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 8-11-2; P.L. 1972, ch. 169, § 4.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 8 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Courts › Chapter 8-11 - Motion Days and Terms of Court › Section 8-11-3. - Filing and notice of motions in supreme and superior courts.

§ 8-11-3. Filing and notice of motions in supreme and superior courts.
All motions in the supreme or superior court shall be in writing and, except ex parte motions, shall be filed at least sixty (60) hours, exclusive of Sundays and legal holidays, before being called for hearing; and, except in ex parte motions, notice in writing shall be served upon the attorney or solicitor of record of the opposite side, or, if there is no such attorney or solicitor of record, upon the adverse party, at least forty-eight (48) hours, exclusive of Sundays and legal holidays, before being called for hearing, unless a different time for the filing and service is fixed ex parte by a justice of the court.
History of Section.
C.P.A 1905, § 343; G.L. 1909, ch. 290, § 2; G.L. 1923, ch. 340, § 2; G.L. 1938, ch. 504, § 3; G.L. 1956, § 8-11-3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 8 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Courts › Chapter 8-11 - Motion Days and Terms of Court › Section 8-11-4. - Docketing and calling of motions — Calendar.

§ 8-11-4. Docketing and calling of motions — Calendar.
All motions shall be docketed as filed, and shall be called in the order of filing, and, if not disposed of on motion day, shall be continued. A calendar shall be made up for each motion day.
History of Section.
C.P.A. 1905, § 344; G.L. 1909, ch. 290, § 3; G.L. 1923, ch. 340, § 3; G.L. 1938, ch. 504, § 4; G.L. 1956, § 8-11-4.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 8 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Courts › Chapter 8-11 - Motion Days and Terms of Court › Section 8-11-5. - Business continued by adjournment.

§ 8-11-5. Business continued by adjournment.
All writs, actions, pleas, processes, precepts, recognizances, and other things whatsoever, returnable or having day in any court, shall stand, abide, and continue unto any adjournment made according to law and be held, deemed, and adjudged to be as effectual and available in law to all intents and purposes as if the court had been held on the day appointed for holding the court and no adjournment of the court had been made.
History of Section.
C.P.A. 1905, § 263; G.L. 1909, ch. 285, § 6; G.L. 1923, ch. 335, § 6; G.L. 1938, ch. 505, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 8-11-5.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 8 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Courts › Chapter 8-11 - Motion Days and Terms of Court › Section 8-11-6. - Continuance of business when court fails to meet.

§ 8-11-6. Continuance of business when court fails to meet.
If from any cause any court in this state shall not be held at the time appointed by law, or to which it may have been adjourned, all business pending therein shall be proceeded with when the court next meets.
History of Section.
C.P.A. 1905, § 264; G.L. 1909, ch. 285, § 7; G.L. 1923, ch. 335, § 7; G.L. 1938, ch. 505, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 8-11-6.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 8 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Courts › Chapter 8-11 - Motion Days and Terms of Court › Section 8-11-7. - Postponement of hearing.

§ 8-11-7. Postponement of hearing.
Whenever provision is made for the hearing of a matter on a day certain, it may be heard then or on some future day to which the court may assign the hearing, or on which all the parties in writing may agree and to which the court may assent.
History of Section.
C.P.A. 1905, § 346; G.L. 1909, ch. 290, § 5; G.L. 1923, ch. 340, § 5; G.L. 1938, ch. 505, § 3; G.L. 1956, § 8-11-7.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 8 - Courts and Civil Procedure – Courts › Chapter 8-12 - Conditional Escheat of Unclaimed Funds in Court Registries › Section 8-12-1. - Report of unclaimed funds in court registries.

§ 8-12-1. Report of unclaimed funds in court registries.
(a)
The clerks of the supreme, superior, family, district, workers’ compensation courts and the traffic tribunal shall, every year during the month of July, return to the state court administrator those funds which have been on deposit in the registry of the respective court for a period of five (5) years or more as of the last business day of June of that year. A sworn statement listing all money or funds shall also be submitted.
(b)
The statement shall contain as to each deposit or fund:
(1)
The number and title of the case and the date of the order entered on the case in accordance with which the money was paid into the registry of the court;
(2)
The name and address of the person, persons, firm, or corporation who paid the money into the registry of the court so far as the name and address appears of record;
(3)
The name and address of the person, persons, firm, or corporation entitled to the money in the registry so far as the name and address appear of record in the case or are otherwise known to the clerk;
(4)
The amount and date of the deposit in the registry of the court and the amount including accretions from interest or otherwise at the date of the statement; and
(5)
An assertion as to whether or not any claim to the deposit or fund or portion thereof is being actively prosecuted by any person and/or whether such claim has been made during the five (5) years prior to the last business day of June of that year.
History of Section.
P.L. 1977, ch. 126, § 1; P.L. 1981, ch. 130, § 1; P.L. 1992, ch. 133, art. 100, § 1; P.L. 2000, ch. 452, § 1; P.L. 2010, ch. 231, § 1; P.L. 2010, ch. 238, § 1.