The holiday season often brings additional financial strain for families, from gifts and travel to school vacation expenses. For divorced or separated parents in Rhode Island, this time of year can also create confusion about child support responsibilities. Disagreements may arise when one parent assumes holiday expenses should be shared or offset against support payments. Attorney…
What Are Marital Assets? Dividing property is one of the most important parts of any divorce. In Rhode Island, the first step is to identify which assets are considered marital property. Marital assets generally include property acquired by either spouse during the marriage, regardless of who earned the income or whose name is on the…
Court orders relating to child custody, child support, are based on the circumstances that existed at the time of the original order. But as time passes, life can change in ways that make those orders unfair, unworkable, or outdated. In Rhode Island, the law allows either party to seek a modification of these orders when there has…
In many marriages, one spouse serves as the primary breadwinner while the other stays home to raise children or manage the household. When a divorce becomes inevitable, the financially dependent spouse often fears the unknown—especially when the higher-earning partner begins to use money as leverage. Threats to cut off financial support, deny access to joint…
Why More Older Couples Are Divorcing More couples in their 50s, 60s, and even 70s are choosing to end their marriages after decades together. These so-called “gray divorces” or “empty nester divorces” often occur after children have moved out, leaving spouses to reevaluate their relationship and future. For some Rhode Island couples, the absence of…
Being served with divorce papers can be an emotionally overwhelming experience. Whether expected or not, it signals the beginning of a legal process that can have a significant impact on your future. In Rhode Island, being “served” is a formal and essential part of initiating a divorce case. This article explains what it means to…
In Rhode Island, children are entitled to financial support from both parents, regardless of whether the parents were married at the time of the child’s birth. When unmarried parents separate or were never in a relationship, questions about child support, paternity, and parental responsibilities often arise. Rhode Island law ensures that children receive the financial support they…
Child custody disputes are among the most emotionally challenging aspects of family law cases. Rhode Island, like almost every State, prioritizes the best interests of the child when deciding child custody arrangements. Understanding the factors judges consider can help parents build a compelling case and ensure their child’s well-being is at the center of the…
Child support is essential for the well-being of children whose parents are separated or divorced. Both parents are legally obligated to contribute financially to their child’s upbringing, ensuring that the child’s needs are met. However, when one parent fails to fulfill their child support responsibilities, it can create financial strain and uncertainty for the custodial…
Divorce proceedings in Rhode Island can be complex and lengthy, often requiring immediate attention to various urgent matters before the finalization of the divorce. To address these immediate needs, the Rhode Island courts may issue temporary orders. These orders are designed to provide short-term solutions to pressing issues related to child custody, support, and property…