Rhode Island General Laws

R.I. Gen. Laws § 15-7-9 (2026)

Notice to parent whose whereabouts unknown

✓ current as of July 2026

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(a) When a petition concerning the adoption or termination of parental rights is filed which sets forth that the whereabouts of the parent or parents of the child are unknown, that fact shall be sworn to by the petitioners by affidavit which shall set forth the last contacts with the absent parent and any other information considered pertinent in determining the absent parent’s whereabouts.

(b) The court shall review the affidavit and, if it is determined that personal service cannot be effectuated, an order of notice shall be entered directing that notice be given to the parent by publication in any newspaper of general circulation that the court directs; which notice shall be published once and this notice may be combined and placed with other names that the court is attempting to notify.

Notes of Decisions

Cited in 2 cases, 1972–2009 · leading case: Resendes v. Brown, 966 A.2d 1249 (R.I. 2009).

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Resendes v. Brown, 966 A.2d 1249 (R.I. 2009). “1956 § 15-7-7(a) (requiring notice to the parent when a governmental child placement agency seeks to terminate “any and all legal rights of the parent to the child”); § 15-7-9 (requiring notice to unknown parents by publication when a petition to adopt or to terminate parental…”

In Re Adoption of a Minor Child, 287 A.2d 115 (R.I. 1972). “§15-7-9. There is no statutory requirement for notice in circumstances such as presented in this case.”

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