Rhode Island Divorce Lawyer

Navigating the Rhode Island Court System for Divorce

Understanding how the Rhode Island court system manages divorce cases can be pivotal in successfully navigating your divorce. The Rhode Island Family Court handles divorce cases, and being familiar with its processes and procedures can help demystify the journey ahead. Our lawyers at Assalone Lombardi, LLC provide guidance throughout the filing, hearings, and any mediation or trial processes that may arise. Knowing what judges typically look for and the timeline of events can be a powerful tool in preparing for each step.

In addition to procedural guidance, our firm's resources extend to offering strategic advice tailored to each client’s situation. We ensure that all necessary documents, such as financial disclosures and custody arrangements, comply with Rhode Island’s specific legal standards. By integrating personal attention and technological efficiency, we support our clients in achieving outcomes that align with their goals and legal rights.

Contact one of our Rhode Island divorce lawyers online or by calling (401) 589-5599 today!

Community Resources & Support in Rhode Island

Engaging with local support systems during a divorce can provide emotional comfort and practical guidance. Rhode Island offers a variety of community resources, including counseling services, support groups, and workshops designed to help individuals manage the emotional and logistical challenges of divorce. Our team at Assalone Lombardi, LLC actively connects clients with local professionals, such as therapists and financial advisors, to ensure a holistic approach to overcoming the changes brought by divorce.

By partnering with nonprofit organizations and local family services, we help our clients access tools and resources that are geographically relevant to their needs. This community-focused approach not only aids clients in managing the personal aspects of divorce but also empowers them with knowledge and resources to rebuild effectively.

The Legal Help You Need Through The Divorce Process

Divorce often leaves people feeling emotionally devastated. Your relationship is ending, and you will need to work through the mourning process, regardless of how unprepared you may feel. Make sure you have a team of divorce attorneys to help you through this difficult time.

At Assalone Lombardi, LLC in Rhode Island, we are here for you. Any Rhode Island divorce attorney at Assalone Lombardi, LLC can take a team approach, dedicated to caring for our clients and protecting them through the complex divorce process. Our family law firm works together as a team on all of our divorce cases, providing a uniquely comprehensive solution for our clients.

Compassionate Yet Aggressive

We care deeply about our clients and the outcome of their divorce cases. Whenever possible, we resolve divorces through the mediation process, but when this course of action is impossible, we fight aggressively for our clients in court.

Rhode Island divorce attorneys from our firm are thorough, dedicated, and wholly committed to pursuing your best interest, regardless of how complex your divorce may seem.

Former clients have said, “She is an exceptional divorce lawyer with her clients’ best interests at heart,” and, “She has given me my life back.”

Our compassionate yet aggressive approach ensures that you receive personal attention while having the confidence of knowing that we will advocate passionately on your behalf in court when necessary. Balancing empathy with assertive legal representation is key to our practice, aiming to ease the emotional burden while striving for positive legal outcomes.

Protect Your Assets During a Divorce

Divorce can be a complex and emotionally challenging process, especially when it comes to dividing assets. At Assalone Lombardi, LLC, our experienced Rhode Island divorce lawyers understand the importance of protecting your financial interests during a divorce. We can help you navigate the division of property, assets, and debts, ensuring that you receive a fair and equitable settlement.

Here are some key considerations when it comes to protecting your assets:

• Asset evaluation: We will work with you to identify and evaluate all marital assets, including real estate, investments, retirement accounts, business interests, and personal property.
• Property division: Rhode Island follows equitable distribution laws, which means that assets are divided fairly but not necessarily equally. We will advocate for your rights and negotiate a settlement that takes into account your contributions and needs.
• Hidden assets: If you suspect that your spouse is hiding assets, our skilled attorneys can conduct thorough investigations and employ forensic accounting techniques to uncover any hidden wealth.
• Pre and post-nuptial agreements: If you have a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement in place, we will review the terms and ensure that your rights are protected according to the agreement.
• Business interests: If you or your spouse own a business, we will work with financial experts to accurately value the business and determine the best course of action for dividing or protecting the business assets.

Our firm’s comprehensive approach to asset protection integrates legal insight with practical financial advice, offering strategic planning to secure your current and future financial health. With our expert guidance, you can navigate asset division with clarity and confidence, crucial for achieving a stable financial future post-divorce.

Don't leave your financial future to chance. Contact Assalone Lombardi, LLC today to schedule a consultation with a knowledgeable Rhode Island divorce attorney who will fight for your rights and help you protect your assets.

Thorough & Dedicated Rhode Island Divorce Lawyers

Our Rhode Island family law lawyers are skilled and ready to handle all aspects of your divorce, including:

• Property division: Our divorce lawyers can make sure you get a fair shake when it comes to the division of property and debts.
• Child custody: There is nothing more important than protecting your relationship with your child. Our family law attorneys will help safeguard your time with your children to preserve that important relationship.
• Child support: Whether you are the paying spouse or the spouse who will receive child support, you want to make sure your child is given what he or she needs to have a good life.
• Same-sex divorce: Our Rhode Island family attorneys represent clients of all backgrounds and lifestyles in the divorce processes.

With our legal support, you have dedicated advocates who prioritize your needs at every step, from initial consultation to the final resolution. We offer personalized strategies that address both immediate concerns and long-term goals, ensuring that each decision aligns with your best interests and family dynamics.

Understanding the Financial Implications of Divorce

Divorce can be a significant turning point not only in your personal life but also in your financial situation. At Assalone Lombardi, LLC, we understand that navigating the financial aspects of divorce can be daunting. Our experienced Warwick divorce attorneys are here to provide guidance and support to help you make informed decisions that will affect your future.

Here are some key financial considerations to keep in mind during the divorce process:

• Asset Division: It’s crucial to have a clear understanding of how marital assets and debts will be divided. Knowing what you’re entitled to can help protect your financial interests.
• Spousal Support: Determine if you may be eligible for spousal support (alimony) or if you will be required to pay it. Our lawyers will help you assess factors that influence spousal support agreements.
• Child Support: If children are involved, understanding the calculations and obligations regarding child support is essential for planning your financial future.
• Tax Implications: Divorce can have tax consequences, especially concerning asset division, spousal support, and child support. Our legal team can help you navigate these implications to avoid unwelcome surprises.
• Long-term Financial Planning: Post-divorce, creating a budget and planning for your new financial landscape is vital. We can help you understand how to stabilize and grow your finances after the marriage ends.

Our team not only advises on immediate financial issues but also assists in building a sustainable financial path post-divorce. We collaborate with financial planners to craft a comprehensive outlook that includes investment advice, future planning, and strategies for financial resilience. This multi-faceted support ensures that you’re equipped to handle your financial future confidently.

Don’t leave your financial future to chance. Reach out to our dedicated legal team to discuss your specific situation and ensure you’re prepared for every aspect of your divorce.

Responsive & Available 24/7

Divorce can be a lengthy, arduous process. Our legal team is dedicated to remaining responsive throughout your divorce case. Our standard is to reply to client texts, emails, and other inquiries within 24 hours.

Our RI family lawyers are also fully equipped with the technology to handle any divorce matter remotely. For clients who qualify, we work with an independent financing company for divorce financing. We are a full-service, fully equipped legal team dedicated to helping you.

At Assalone Lombardi, LLC, our legal staff has a highly favorable reputation among our colleagues and clients within the community and the courtroom. Our Rhode Island divorce attorneys are fiercely committed to our clients and take every step necessary to obtain the best outcome possible.

Contact Assalone Lombardi, LLC in Kent County, RI

Our Rhode Island divorce lawyer, Veronica Assalone, is proficient in Spanish, French, German, Italian, and American Sign Language. Our law office assistant speaks Spanish.

Our multilingual capabilities ensure clear communication and understanding, regardless of language barriers, enhancing our ability to represent clients from diverse backgrounds effectively. We believe that personalized service is key to client satisfaction, and we strive to meet this standard in every interaction.

MILITARY DISCOUNT AVAILABLE.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I Get a Divorce in Rhode Island?

If you are the spouse filing for divorce (the plaintiff), you will need to complete the “complaint” document and a verification form, deliver them to the family court in your county, and pay a filing fee. If you are unable to pay the fee, you may ask the judge to waive it.

To file for divorce in Rhode Island, either spouse must be a resident of the state for at least one year. If you and your spouse have minor children together, additional forms may be required.

Understanding the steps involved in the divorce process is crucial. Our attorneys provide clear guidance so you know what to expect at each stage, from filing to finalizing your divorce. We also offer practical assistance to ensure all legal requirements are met efficiently to prevent any unnecessary delays.

Serving Divorce Papers

Once you’ve filed the complaint and the verification, you will receive a blank summons, which you need to fill out with the same case information as the complaint. Next, you will need to serve the summons to your spouse (the defendant). You may enlist the services of the county sheriff or a private constable authorized to serve legal documents.

Your spouse will then respond by filing a counterclaim. If both parties agree on all terms of the divorce, known as an uncontested divorce, the judge will likely approve your divorce during the first court hearing. However, if the divorce is contested, the case may need to go to trial.

How Long Does a Divorce Take in RI?

The length of the divorce process in Rhode Island depends on whether the divorce is contested or uncontested. If the divorce is uncontested, meaning both spouses agree on all issues, the Rhode Island family court allows couples to schedule a hearing approximately 75 days after the paperwork has been filed.

However, for the divorce to be finalized, there is a mandatory waiting period that begins after the first hearing.

How Long is the Divorce Waiting Period?

The length of the waiting period depends on the grounds for divorce:

• “Irreconcilable differences” – 90 days
• “Separate and apart” – 21 days

The waiting period allows couples time for reflection and potential reconciliation, but it also ensures that all legal matters are appropriately managed. Our lawyers guide clients through this period, offering advice on managing both emotional and legal aspects to ensure all considerations are made for your future well-being.

Length of a Contested Divorce

If the divorce is contested, meaning the couples cannot agree on issues such as child custody, child support, and property division, the contested divorce case will likely need to go to trial, which may take several months or a year.

Contested divorces are often more complex and time-consuming due to the need for negotiation or litigation. Our attorneys are proficient in both mediation and litigation, providing options to resolve disputes effectively. We work diligently to protect your interests and seek favorable outcomes without the stress of extended court proceedings, whenever possible.

Is Rhode Island a No-Fault State for Divorce?

Rhode Island does allow couples to file for a no-fault divorce, which means you do not have to prove marital misconduct to be granted a divorce. When filing for a no-fault divorce, spouses can simply list “irreconcilable differences” as the grounds.

This approach can streamline the divorce process by minimizing conflict and reducing the need for documenting fault-based claims, which can be lengthy and contentious. Our legal team helps clients understand the benefits and limitations of a no-fault divorce to determine the best path based on individual circumstances.

What is the Process for Mediation in Rhode Island?

Mediation in Rhode Island is a voluntary process where a neutral mediator helps spouses negotiate an agreement. This process can be quicker and less confrontational than court proceedings. The mediator works with both parties to facilitate discussions on various issues such as child custody, asset division, and support, helping them reach a mutually acceptable solution.

At Assalone Lombardi, LLC, we support our clients in mediation by preparing necessary documentation and advising on negotiation strategies. Our involvement ensures that your interests are advocated for, and we guide you through understanding the implications of any agreements made, ensuring you make informed decisions.

What Should I Bring to My Initial Consultation with a Divorce Attorney?

Being prepared for your initial consultation can make the process more productive. It is beneficial to bring personal identification, a list of questions or concerns you have, and any documents related to your marriage, assets, and children, such as marriage certificates, financial statements, and custody arrangements.

During your consultation at Assalone Lombardi, LLC, we provide an overview of the divorce process and address specific concerns related to your circumstances. This meeting allows us to develop an initial understanding of your case and outline the next best steps, fostering a sense of direction and confidence as we begin.

How Can I Protect My Privacy During a Divorce?

Divorce proceedings can be deeply personal, and it’s natural to be concerned about privacy. Rhode Island law provides ways to protect sensitive information, including settlements and personal details. Court records are generally public, but certain documents can be sealed to maintain confidentiality.

At Assalone Lombardi, LLC, we prioritize your privacy and work to safeguard your personal information throughout the process. We advise on the best practices in communication and documentation, ensuring that your case is handled discreetly and respectfully.

Related Reading

• What Happens To My Premarital Assets In A Divorce?
• At What Point In The Divorce Process Do We Actually Sign Divorce Papers?
• Can I Appeal A Relocation Decision Granted By The Court?

To discuss your case with an experienced Rhode Island divorce attorney, call (401) 589-5599 or email us today.