R.I. Gen. Laws § 15-8.1-109: Joinder of proceedings.

(a) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (b) of this section, a proceeding to adjudicate parentage may be joined with a proceeding for parental rights and responsibilities, parent-child contact, child support, child protection, termination of parental rights, divorce, annulment, legal separation, guardianship, probate or administration of an estate or other appropriate proceeding, or a challenge or rescission of acknowledgment of parentage. Such proceedings shall be in the family court.

(b) A respondent may not join a proceeding set forth in subsection (a) of this section with a proceeding to adjudicate parentage brought as part of an interstate child support enforcement action under § 15-23.1-201 of the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act.