Rhode Island Family Law Blog

Economists have a role in tough property divisions questions

On behalf of Rioles Law Offices posted in property division on Wednesday, November 14, 2018.

Marriage is an emotional decision about an emotional undertaking. It may not seem that economics has any role in emotions during and after the thrill of a wedding, but the science can save precious time and pain for people going through a divorce.

An economic approach to dividing shared property at the end of a marriage is often the best way to get arguing spouses to agree because it is the most objective approach to a very subjective problem. Lawyers can often be helpful during the negotiations over property division by tempering personal reactions and dealing with the legal concept of fairness.

How is child support managed in Rhode Island?

On behalf of Rioles Law Offices posted in child custody & support on Friday, November 2, 2018.

There are many considerations during the difficult process of separation and divorce. But nothing is more important than the present and future for children of a couple, especially if the couple is no more. Rhode Island recognizes the vital need for services geared toward children of divorce with a state agency dedicated to enhancing their well-being.

What are the duties of the Rhode Island Office of Child Support Services?

How long does a Rhode Island divorce take?

On behalf of Rioles Law Offices posted in alimony on Friday, October 19, 2018.

No one starts a marriage thinking of divorce. But if the decision must be made, spouses serve themselves well to understand the environment of laws and obligations around ending a marriage.

How easy is it to get divorced in Rhode Island?

Rhode Island continues to recognize common law marriage

On behalf of Rioles Law Offices posted in property division on Friday, October 5, 2018.

Many people consider common law marriage to be common sense and common knowledge. The English tradition of assigning rights to partners who have lived in the same place for seven years or more has made its way into the laws of a few states. These privileges, however, can cut both ways when they are recognized.

An unusual ruling on common law marriage had to be issued by a Rhode Island judge when she presided over the separation of a couple that had lived together for more than 20 years but never took a vow of marriage. The male partner argued that they had fewer commitments to each other than a marriage suggests.

Tips for co-parenting children throughout the school year

On behalf of Rioles Law Offices on Friday, September 21, 2018.

The school year is back in full swing in Rhode Island as September comes to an end. Every parent and family is dealing with re-acclimating to the school year schedule, but divorced co-parents face a unique set of challenges during the academic year.

Sharing parenting responsibilities with a former spouse can present any number of added difficulties from coordinating schedules to maintaining civil, respectful communication. How do former spouses deal with the realities of co-parenting in a way that benefits the children the most? Consider a few important elements of a productive, effective shared parenting arrangement.

Common child custody questions in Rhode Island

On behalf of Rioles Law Offices posted in child custody & support on Friday, September 21, 2018.

Divorce may be one of life's harshest experiences, but it is nothing in comparison to the effect that separation can have on children. Parents do themselves and their children a favor when they understand the applicable laws for child custody. Here are some answers to common child custody questions in Rhode Island to help parents understand this legal topic better:

What are the most important factors in custody decisions?

Rhode Island law makes property division manageable

On behalf of Rioles Law Offices posted in property division on Thursday, September 6, 2018.

Divorce is never easy; no one ever thinks it will happen to his or her marriage, and the emotional toll can be severe even if spouses are not bitterly divided. Although the top concern for married parents should be the welfare and well-being of their children, the dispensation of property is often the most contested part of a divorce.

Rhode Island law helps to simplify the process of marital property division so there is a minimum of complications that may cause confusion or dispute. The specifics of these laws determine, for one thing, what property is considered "marital property" and not the personal property of individuals.

Virtual visitation can benefit all parties involved

By Rioles Law Offices of Rioles Law Offices posted in blog on Wednesday, August 15, 2018.

Co-parenting is one of the biggest challenges you can face. As you attempt to raise your child in the best way you know how, you need to take into consideration the other parent.

It doesn't matter if you have physical custody of your child or visitation rights, you need to remember one thing: Every decision should be based on the best interests of your child.

Dividing college savings accounts in divorce

By Rioles Law Offices of Rioles Law Offices posted in property division on Tuesday, August 14, 2018.

You and your spouse have been saving for your children's college education since they were in diapers. You've managed to put away a little something on a regular basis, and the college savings accounts are reaching a respectable level. Then your marriage ended. What happens to the college savings?

With some careful planning and good legal and financial guidance, you can preserve that college savings and keep it growing. Like your other shared assets, however, you have to find a way to divide the college savings accounts.

How can the Uniform Parentage Act help same-sex couples?

By Rioles Law Offices of Rioles Law Offices posted in child custody & support on Thursday, August 9, 2018.

August 1 marked the five-year anniversary of the legalization of same-sex marriage in Rhode Island. However, gay rights advocates say that the state still needs to provide more protections for gay parents and their children, whether adopted or conceived via the ever-increasing strides in reproductive technology.

Currently, Rhode Island has no laws on the books addressing how parentage is legally determined for the nonbirth or nonbiological parent when a couple has a child through assisted reproduction. The law currently in force was enacted almost 40 years ago, before such technology or same-sex marriage existed.

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