Did you know that Rhode Island was the first State to establish a statewide Family Court in the United States  Established on June 3, 1961, it has grown today to consist of a Chief Judge, eleven (11) Associate Justices, a General Magistrate, and eight (8) Magistrates.  There are Court House locations for the Rhode Island Family Court in Providence, Warwick, South Kingstown, and Newport.  The Family Court was created to focus special attention on all matters relating to individual and social problems concerning families and children.  The Rhode Island Family Court has jurisdiction to hear cases involving all matters relative to divorce and any motions relative to divorce proceedings, including issues of custody and placement of the parties children, child support, alimony, division of marital assets and liabilities.  The Rhode Island Family Court also has jurisdiction over all matters involving juvenile dependency and delinquency matters relating to delinquent, wayward, dependent, neglected, abused, or mentally deficient or mentally disordered children.  All matters involving the Department of Children, Youth, and Families are heard in the Rhode Island Family Court.  Matters over adoptions, child marriages, paternity proceedings, and a number of other matters involving domestic relations and juveniles are also heard in the Rhode Island Family Court.  If you have any questions regarding the Rhode Island Family Court, please contact Rhode Island Divorce Attorney Brenda L. Fortune at (401) 782-2300 for your free initial consultation.