Rhode Island § 11-2-2 - Abandonment and Nonsupport
Full text of Rhode Island Rhode Island General Laws § 11-2-2 — Abandonment and Nonsupport, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 11-2-2. Abandonment and Nonsupport
R.I. Gen. Laws § 11-2-2
§ 11-2-2. Desertion by leaving state — Decree as evidence.
Any husband or father who without just cause deserts his wife or minor child by going into another state, and leaves them or any or either of them without making reasonable provisions for their support, shall be punished by a fine of not more than one thousand dollars ($1,000), or by imprisonment for not more than five (5) years, or both. No civil proceeding in any court shall be held to be a bar to a prosecution pursuant to this section for desertion or nonsupport. In a prosecution pursuant to this section for desertion or nonsupport against a husband, a decree or judgment of any court in a proceeding in which the husband appeared or was personally served with process, establishing the right of the wife to live apart, or her freedom to convey and deal with her property, or the right to the custody of the children, shall be admissible and shall be prima facie evidence of that right.
History of Section.
G.L. 1938, ch. 423, § 9; P.L. 1949, ch. 2238, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 11-2-2.
Source: official Rhode Island text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Rhode Island § 11-2-2
What does Rhode Island General Laws § 11-2-2 cover?
Section 11-2-2 ("Abandonment and Nonsupport") is part of the Rhode Island General Laws, the codified statutory law of Rhode Island. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Rhode Island § 11-2-2?
A common citation format is "Rhode Island General Laws § 11-2-2" (Rhode Island). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Rhode Island law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Rhode Island official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Rhode Island attorney.
How does Rhode Island § 11-2-2 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Rhode Island can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Rhode Island.