Communicate!
Months into a contested custody case I have (I represent the mother), opposing party (father) racked up his second DUI by wrapping his car around a utility pole. Mercifully, the child was not in the car at the time. But…
“A Rose by Any Other Name”
I wanted to take a brief but important moment to discuss issues with party names that the R.I. family Court has been seeing of late. First, as to a child: In R.I. it is helpful to note at the outset…
How to Get Yourself Divorced in RI
In a recent blog entry I magnanimously agreed to get one lucky, sweet couple divorced for free in honor of Valentine's Day. Because even when I'm nice I'm a jerk. But I am only doing one of those, and there…
Finally, the End
The only truly beautiful, breathtaking part of a Family Law case is the very end. "A good case is a closed case," is the mantra in the courthouse hallways and closets where divorce attorneys hide and nap. And that is really…
Ode to Coconuts
The RI Family Court used to have a judge (now retired) who would quickly lose his temper with parties or lawyers in a divorce action who were fighting needlessly when no minor children were involved. “You two can’t divide the…
Cat Farts & Patchouli
The attorney-client relationship in the RI family court is … strange. You need the exact right kind of lawyer for you. Every attorney is a unique dandelion, but here are a few common types to look out for. Choose which…
One Free Divorce!
In "honor" of this gimmicky holiday Valentine's Day I have a gimmick of my own. I am giving away one free divorce to any nice / normal person who asks. I will handle the case myself. No catches no tricks.…
Toddler Trouble
Consider this worst-case scenario. You are a new parent of a very young child. You are doing your best, but you are on your own and (let’s all face it) there is a learning curve to all parenting. You try…
Despite My Best Efforts, I am Still a Human Being
This morning during an otherwise routine divorce hearing in Providence County, so early in the day that the caffeine was still buzzing me, a strange and funny thing happened. My client, Plaintiff / wife (who, it must be said, was…
Re: Restraining Orders
If you are the victim of domestic violence, or are reasonably in imminent fear that abuse or violence will be inflicted upon you or your children by a spouse, ex-spouse, partner, or anyone with whom you have a "significant romantic…