Child support orders are intended to provide financial stability for children after a divorce or separation. However, circumstances often change over time. A parent may lose a job, receive a substantial raise, experience medical issues, or begin spending significantly more time with the child than originally anticipated. When these situations arise, an existing child support…
Alimony, often referred to as spousal support, is intended to provide financial stability following a divorce. However, life circumstances rarely remain the same. In Rhode Island, alimony orders are almost never modifiable. This is because the vast majority of people agree to a settlement that includes non-modifiable alimony. However, if in the unusual circumstance your…
After a divorce or child custody order is in place, one parent may consider relocating for a new job, family support, or a fresh start. However, moving with a child can significantly affect existing custody and parenting time arrangements. In Rhode Island, relocation is not something a parent can simply decide on their own when it…
One of the first questions people ask when considering divorce is how much it will cost. The answer depends on several factors, including whether the divorce is contested or uncontested, whether attorneys are involved, and how complex the financial and parenting issues may be. Understanding the cost of divorce in Rhode Island can help individuals plan ahead…
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 But as time passes, life can change in ways that make those orders unfair, unworkable, or outdated.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…