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…
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…
If a parent is diagnosed with a severe medical condition requiring changes to a parenting plan, both parents are encouraged to come to a new agreement. If parents cannot agree on a new plan, the dispute can be addressed by the Family Court. When reviewing any custody agreement, a Rhode Island judge will always first…
In any case involving children, Rhode Island courts always consider what is in the child’s best interest. The “standard” for determining the best interest is a complicated and multi-pronged process whereby the judge considers many things. The judge has the ability to weigh some factors greater than others. While it is generally presumed a child’s…
Once you’ve completed the process of going through a divorce, settling on child support, and agreeing to a parenting schedule, you’d think you can finally move forward and start your new life. Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case. When you’re facing the frustrating reality that your ex simply won’t comply with your legally binding agreements,…
A father petitioning for paternity needs to have a full understanding of the legal process. Fathers who are unmarried in the Rhode Island can establish paternity in two ways. The first route is a voluntary process that utilizes a form known as a Voluntary Acknowledgement of Parentage. This is a document signed by both the…
Custody and COVID-19 These are difficult times for everyone, but for divorced and blended families there are particular and unique challenges. Many of these challenges center around custody. In a time when travel is discouraged and transportation—by plane, train, or public transit—is limited and fraught with worry, moving children between households, especially across great distances,…
Rhode Island marriages end for a variety of reasons. From financial to work-related or even stress-related reasons, many marriages all over the country end in divorce. No matter the reason, divorce proceedings can range from amicable to hostile. A number of circumstances may add additional stress to the divorce process; particularly, marriages that end due…
Courts primarily base their decision on what is in the child’s best interest, using the Child’s Best Interest Standard. Factors vary from state to state, but the overall goal is to make a decision that promotes the health and wellbeing of the child. IN Rhode Island, the Court considers about 9 different factors in accordance…