Rhode Island § 11-2-3 - Abandonment and Nonsupport
Full text of Rhode Island Rhode Island General Laws § 11-2-3 — Abandonment and Nonsupport, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 11-2-3. Abandonment and Nonsupport
R.I. Gen. Laws § 11-2-3
§ 11-2-3. Complaints for nonsupport — Liability for costs.
(a) The director of the department of human services or his or her designee, or chief of police, or director of public welfare of any city or town, or any officer that the town council of any town or the city council of any city may appoint for the purpose, may make a complaint against any person for any of the offenses mentioned in § 11-2-1; and whenever any complaint shall be made by any of the officers listed in this subsection on account of the violation of § 11-2-1, the officer complainant shall not be required to give surety for costs, but shall give his or her personal recognizance and be liable in his or her individual capacity.
(b) Pursuant to § 11-2-1.1, the department of human services, after an investigation to determine the extent of an arrearage and the ability of the obligor to pay the arrearage or some portion of it may refer the case to the attorney general for prosecution in the family court for the county in which the obligor resides, unless the person does not reside within the state, then the prosecution may be brought in the family court for Providence County.
[See § 12-1-15 of the General Laws.]
History of Section.
P.L. 1979, ch. 304, § 3; P.L. 1995, ch. 370, art. 29, § 1; P.L. 1995, ch. 374, § 1.
Source: official Rhode Island text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Rhode Island § 11-2-3
What does Rhode Island General Laws § 11-2-3 cover?
Section 11-2-3 ("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 § 11-2-3?
A common citation format is "Rhode Island General Laws § 11-2-3" (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 § 11-2-3 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.