Legal Question in Family Law in Rhode Island

Re: child custody

It sounds like there may be an emergency situation here and that the children could be in danger. I believe you need to get the RI Department of Children Youth & Families ("DCYF") involved. If a complaint is made to DCYF then a child protection investigator will be sent out to investigate your allegations. If it is determined that he children are in danger they will be removed and placed into DCYF custody. At the same time your son can petition that he be given custody of the children. Your son will need the assistance of a RI attorney to do this. This may be very traumatic for the children; however, if they are in danger then getting them into a safe environment is job number 1.

You can reach DCYF at:

URL: http://www.dcyf.ri.gov

Address: 101 Friendship Street - Providence, RI 02903

Regional Director: Ann Lebrun-Cournoyer

Re: child custody

Go to the kids' state, hire a local well-respected attorney, file for custody, stay until you get an order awarding you the kids (or are satisfied that things are working out), come home [return...come home...return... come home] with kids.

Re: child custody

If the last custody order is from RI, you need to consult with an experienced attorney in that state. If the last custody order if from Michigan, we may be able to help. Call us at 1 8005766035.

www.MidMichiganDivorce.com

Re: child custody

You would need to petition the court for a change of custody for the exact reasons you have stated. If she dumped the kids somewhere, then maybe she won't even oppose the change of custody - or maybe will only oppose at the fear of having to pay child support.

When your son petitions, he has to demonstrate he can provide them with a stable home, i.e, that he has a job, place for them to live, and is otherwise a responsible father. Based on what you've said, I think he has a very decent chance at obtaining custody of the kids, even if she does object. Keep a log of her actions, etc., for when you have to go to court.