Rhode Island Divorce Attorney
Filing for Divorce in Rhode Island
Divorce is a difficult experience for most people. The end of a marriage not only has an emotional impact, but a financial and practical impact as well. Important decisions may need to made regarding child custody, child visitation, alimony, and the distribution of marital assets. You can potentially make this experience easier for yourself and your loved ones by contacting a Rhode Island divorce lawyer who can provide you with emotional and legal support throughout the process.
The Law Office of Patricia A. Sullivan has been providing quality divorce and family law services for over three decades. In that time, my firm has helped countless individuals achieve swift and amicable resolutions to their divorce proceedings. If you are considering divorce, contact me for a free initial consultation. I will thoroughly examine your case and provide you with information regarding your legal rights, the court process, and the fees involved with divorce. If you decide to proceed, my firm can assist you in the following divorce related areas:
Alimony
Under our state's laws, courts usually award alimony as a specific amount, for a specific period of time. In most cases, it is only given to the receiving spouse if it is needed for rehabilitative purposes. It is not intended to give the receiving spouse equal income to the supporting spouse, but rather to give the receiving spouse enough time to become self-sufficient and self-supporting. Read more about alimony...
Asset Division
Our state is what is known as an "equitable distribution" state. That means that property is divided fairly amongst two individuals who are getting a divorce. The property subject to distribution is any asset that is acquired during the marriage and has appreciated in value (or has the potential to). This includes residences, vehicles, furniture, stocks, pensions, and debt. Learn more about asset division...
Child Custody
Rhode Island courts assume that the parents of a child have both had an impact, and input, into the raising of the child. In many cases, courts will decide on child custody arrangements that allow both parents to contribute to the child's upbringing, either through physical or legal custody. The court's decision will always be based on the "best interests of the child." Read more about child custody...
Child Support
There are certain guidelines that our state follows when awarding child support to a custodial parent. These guidelines address factors such as each parent's income and the specific needs of the child. The parent providing child support is expected to do so until the child turns 18, or graduates high school. Click to learn more about child support...
Contested Divorce
A contested divorce occurs when both parties are unable to come to an agreement regarding one or more divorce issues. In contested divorce cases, it usually becomes necessary for a court to intervene, and make decisions on behalf of the two parties regarding issues such as child custody, visitation rights, and property division. Read more about contested divorce...
Equitable Distribution
Family courts in our state consider a number of factors when working towards an equitable distribution of marital assets and debts. These factors include the length of the marriage, the age of both parties, the income of both parties, the conduct of both parties over the course of the marriage, and whether or not either party engaged in a wasteful dissipation of assets in anticipation of divorce. Learn more about equitable distribution...
Fathers' Rights
In the past, fathers' rights were often disregarded in divorce cases involving child custody or visitation matters. The law often sided with mothers, viewing them as the primary caretakers of their children. Times have changed now, and fathers have a much stronger chance of obtaining custody and visitation arrangements that allow them to be an active part of their children's lives. Read more about fathers' rights...
Grandparents' Rights
When parents divorce, it often disrupts the relationship that grandparents have with their grandchildren. A court ordered custody or visitation arrangement may leave out the grandparents, giving them no legal right to visitation. A divorce attorney can provide grandparents with legal assistance in an effort to reinforce their right to spend time with their grandchildren. Learn more about grandparents' rights...
Legal Separation
If a couple is having relationship troubles but does not want to divorce, they can obtain a legal separation instead. Like a divorce, a legal separation addresses child custody, child support, alimony, and visitation, but all assets and debts acquired by the couple are still considered "marital." Click for more information about legal separation...
Military Divorce
Military divorce proceedings are governed by both state and federal law. These divorces are frequently more complicated than civilian divorces, as they may involve issues that include flexible child custody or visitation agreements, deployed spouses, distribution of military pensions or benefits, and the 20/20/20 rule. Read more about military divorce...
Modifications of Custody and Support
People who have divorced sometimes experience a change in life circumstances that call for modifications to their divorce agreements. A number of terms in a divorce decree may be modified by a court, including those addressing child custody and child support/alimony. Typically, the person requesting the modification must be able to prove a substantial change in circumstances that renders the existing terms unfair or no longer viable. Learn more about modifications of custody and support...
Mothers' Rights
Traditionally, mothers have enjoyed more comprehensive rights in regards to child custody and child support than fathers have. In recent years, however, this balance has shifted, and fathers now enjoy equal rights in many circumstances. If you are a mother who is seeking custody of your child, or adequate child support, you will have a much stronger chance of protecting your rights if you retain the help of a divorce attorney. Read more about mothers' rights...
Paternity
Paternity is the legal acknowledgment that a man is the biological father of a child. A man can seek paternity to establish his rights as a father, including custody or visitation. A mother can seek paternity to enforce responsibility on a father who is failing to fulfill duties related to the raising of the child, such as child support. Learn more about paternity...
Postnuptial Agreements
A postnuptial agreement is similar to a prenuptial agreement, except that it is drafted and put into a effect after a couple has already married. The agreement defines the rights of both individuals, including those related to the handling of debt, property division, and potential future spousal support obligations. Read more about postnuptial agreements.
Prenuptial Agreements
A prenuptial agreement can be very beneficial to two people who have not legally wed. Through a prenup, the two parties can define how property is divided in the event of divorce and establish provisions for spousal support. A prenup can also protect the inheritance of children belonging to one of the spouses from an earlier marriage. Learn more about prenuptial agreements.
Relocation
After a divorce, a custodial parent may decide to relocate a substantial distance away from the other parent. A relocation may prove beneficial to the custodial parent and the child, especially in cases where the new place of residence provides an increased standard of living. However, relocation can also weaken the relationship that the other parent enjoys with the child. Find out more about relocation...
Uncontested Divorce
In an uncontested divorce, there is agreement between both parties in regards to divorce terms such child custody and asset division. Generally, uncontested divorces are less time consuming, expensive, and emotionally draining than contested divorces, as there is no need lengthy negotiation between the parties, or costly litigation in family court. Learn more about uncontested divorce...
Visitation
After a divorce in which children are involved, a family court in our state will usually approve, or decide on, a child custody arrangement and visitation schedule that is beneficial to the child and the child's parents. The schedule generally includes when and where the noncustodial parent can visit with the child, and for how long. Visitation time for vacations and holidays may also be addressed. Read more about visitation...
The Advantage of a Rhode Island Divorce Lawyer
Divorce cases have the potential to become contested very quickly. One small disagreement between the two parties can result in expensive and lengthy litigation in court. My firm is dedicated to finding amicable solutions for those navigating the divorce process. In representing you in your divorce proceedings, I will work diligently towards helping you find solutions that will increase the likelihood of a positive outcome to your case.
Contact a Rhode Island divorce attorney
for comprehensive assistance in all aspects of your divorce case.