Domestic violence allegations and convictions significantly affect Rhode Island Family Court child custody decisions. Even without a criminal conviction, the Family Court can consider domestic violence evidence when determining custody and visitation. A conviction creates a strong presumption against awarding custody to the convicted parent. Supervised visitation or no visitation may be ordered. The Family Court can also order the abusing parent to attend counseling, anger management, or parenting classes as conditions of any visitation. These determinations affect children for years and should be handled by counsel who works both criminal defense and family law issues.
