§ 9-1-43 - Civil action for childsnatching. - Rhode Island Statutes

SECTION 9-1-43

   § 9-1-43  Civil action for childsnatching.– (a) Any person, including a parent, who intentionally removes, causes theremoval of, or detains any child under the age of eighteen (18) years withintent to deny another person's right of custody under an existing decree ororder of the family court in violation of § 11-26-1.1 shall be liable inan action at law, suit in equity, or any other appropriate proceeding forredress in the superior court. Actions brought pursuant to this section mayinclude, but not limited to, damages for mental and emotional distress, loss ofservice, society and companionship, compensatory damages incurred in searchingfor the missing child, punitive damages, injunctive relief, and attorney's fees.

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