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In a landmark decision, Rhode Island lawmakers have passed a comprehensive family law reform bill aimed at modernizing and improving the state's family court system. The bill, which was signed into law by Governor Gina Raimondo on November 6, 2025, is set to bring significant changes to the way family law cases are handled in the state.One of the key provisions of the new law is the establishment of a presumption of shared custody in divorce cases. Under this provision, judges will now be required to start with the assumption that both parents should have equal parenting time, unless there is evidence to the contrary. This marks a significant shift from the previous standard, which often favored one parent over the other in custody disputes.The bill also includes provisions to streamline the divorce process and reduce the backlog of cases in family court. One such provision is the introduction of mandatory mediation for all divorce cases, aimed at helping couples reach mutually agreeable solutions without the need for costly and time-consuming litigation.Additionally, the new law includes measures to better protect victims of domestic violence. One such measure is the establishment of a dedicated domestic violence court, which will handle all cases involving allegations of domestic abuse. This court will offer specialized services and support for victims, as well as harsher penalties for offenders.Governor Raimondo praised the passage of the bill, stating that it represents a significant step forward for Rhode Island families. "This new law will help ensure that our family court system is fair, efficient, and responsive to the needs of all Rhode Islanders," she said.The reform bill has been met with mixed reactions from the public, with some praising its efforts to promote co-parenting and protect vulnerable individuals, while others have expressed concerns about the potential implications for parental rights. However, supporters of the bill are hopeful that it will lead to positive changes in the state's family law system and improve outcomes for families across Rhode Island.