Rhode Island Divorce FAQs
In Rhode Island, whether it be Newport County, Washington County, Providence or Kent County, just as every divorce is unique, the costs involved in getting divorced can range greatly. If you and your spouse can agree to everything in your marital agreement without a lot of negotiating, you should consider an uncontested divorce. We can help you achieve this goal.
How much will a Rhode Island divorce cost?
At The Flanagan Law Offices, we encourage cost-effective settlements utilizing client/attorney conferences to cut to the chase and resolve the dispute. This is a cost-effective way to get divorced with a focus on achieving an amicable resolution. However, if you and your spouse cannot reach agreement and are in dispute, we will protect your interests and bring your case to trial. Obviously, the cost of your Rhode Island divorce will depend on the number of contested factors and the intensity in which they are handled.
The cost of your Rhode Island divorce can also depend on the number of industry experts involved. If you and your spouse own substantial assets, we may need to hire a forensic accountant to ensure an equitable distribution of the marital property. In contested child custody cases, a judge may appoint a guardian ad litem to protect the children’s best interests. Experts involved in divorce cases are generally paid per hour and can affect the cost of your overall divorce. Contact us today to discuss your situation, so we may give you a better idea of the costs that might be involved.
How long does the Rhode Island divorce process take?
When couples agree to the terms of their divorce, it is possible to get divorced fairly quickly. An uncontested divorce could take only 60 to days to get to hearing, depending on how quickly each side submits the proper paperwork and/or executes the Marital Settlement Agreement.
The legal process can take much longer for contested and high-asset divorces. Experts need time to evaluate property division or child custody matters. When couples are unable to reach common ground, the divorce process can significantly lengthen. At The Flanagan Law Offices, LLC, we are committed to protecting our clients’ best interests and helping them obtain a divorce in the most efficient manner possible to control the costs of the divorce.
How is property division determined in Rhode Island?
Rhode Island is an equitable distribution state. This means that property a spouse owned before getting married will generally remain under his or her name once the divorce is finalized. Property spouses purchased together during the marriage will be divided equitably. This does not necessarily mean a 50/50 division. Since not all assets can be divided down the middle, an equitable distribution helps ensure that each side maintains an equal value of the community property. In Rhode Island, property division can be particularly complicated based on how assets were handled during the marriage. Any assets owned separately before getting married but commingled with the rest of the marital estate will be subject to an equitable distribution.
Can I get divorced in Rhode Island without a lawyer?
The court system does not require you to work with an attorney if you are planning to get divorced. But, anyone who owns property or has children should protect his or her rights with the help of an experienced divorce attorney. A lot is at stake in a divorce. Without effective legal counsel, you could be forced to live according to your spouse’s or judge’s perspective of your life. We are committed to making sure your rights are protected and your voice is heard.
If I get divorced in Rhode Island, can the final judgment be modified?
Divorce judgments are not written in stone but contracts, as in Rhode Island Property Settlement Agreements, frequently are considered as if they were etched in granite. The Family Law Court system in Rhode Island recognizes that circumstances may change based on the economy or personal life changes. Often, these changes may be unenforceable at the time of the divorce. A final judgment can be modified if there has been a significant change in circumstances. The party seeking the modification must prove the modifying factor such as there has been a substantial change in circumstances and/or in cases involving children, the modification would be in the children’s best interests.
Contact our Rhode Island divorce law firm to discuss the specifics of your Rhode Island divorce
If you are considering a Rhode Island divorce, contact our law firm online or call (401) 849-3337 to schedule a free initial consultation.
With a state-wide practice in all Rhode Island Divorce Courts (Newport County Family Court, Providence Family Court, Washington County Family Court and Kent County Family Court), Rhode Island divorce attorney Frank Flanagan is available to discuss the details of your Rhode Island divorce to help protect your rights.