RHODE ISLAND Part 38

whether domestic violence has occurred and is likely to continue in the future and which state could best protect the parties and the child;

    the length of time the child has lived outside of the original state (the longer you have been in the new state, the better);

    the distance between the original state and the new state;

    the relative financial circumstances of the parties (for example, possibly if the other parent is in a better position to handle the costs associated with flying to another state to appear in court, it could weigh in your favor);

    any agreement you and the child’s other parent may have over which state should take jurisdiction (power) over the case;

    the nature and location of the evidence that would be required to resolve the litigation (e.g., Would more witnesses be in the new state?);

    the ability of the court of each state to decide the issue quickly and effectively; and

    how familiar the court of each state is with the facts and issues of your case (i.e., if the judge in the original state has handled court cases regarding the child and knows the parties well, it may not make sense to transfer the case to a new judge in a new state).*