Choosing Your Co-parent
In a recent Ted Radio Hour podcast I listened to, a scientist said something I have been giving a lot of thought. She said that the more beautiful the male peacock is, the more he preens about during the “dating…
How Will My Legal Fee Be Used?
If you are hiring an attorney for the first time you will want to be well-educated about how your money is going to be spent and how long you should expect it to last. Everyone is on a budget after…
Will I Owe Child Support Arrears?
Many parents paying child support only learn about the specter of child support arrears at their court date, and it often comes as an unpleasant surprise. The common misconception is that one parent goes to court asking for child support…
What IS a Guardianship?
Many parents (natural, foster, and adoptive) can become confused about what a "Guardianship" is in the Rhode Island Family Court. When a child is placed into DCYF custody in The State of Rhode Island, the Family Court judge assigned to…
We are Hiring!
We are hiring a junior associate attorney. Here's why: I haven't been on vacation since my honeymoon. My daughter suddenly seems a lot taller. The hairs in my beard are going grey, then white, then falling out. I think all…
A Most Practical Proposition for the Postmodern Parent
As Family Courts throughout the country remain overrun with never-ending caseload and conflict, it is the obligation of any modern parent to take proper precautions for themselves and their families ahead of time. Should the nuptials run dry. Understanding that…
I’ll Give You Three Chickens for that Child!
A visibly upset Mother pleaded with the judge this morning to allow payment of child support with organic fruits and vegetables. She was frantically twirling her hair around her finger while she made this argument. Why does it have to…
Your Attorney is Not Your Friend. Your Attorney is Your Demon.
It was during my fifth meeting with a certain client that I noticed he had a massive book under his armpit with the tips of the pages all glossed. I could not see the binding. My guess was that he…
Should We Separate, Should We Divorce, or Should We Buy a Turtle?
Married couples who are weighing the pros and cons of divorce should first be fully educated as to the alternatives, namely, legal separation, annulment, or the timely but totally “accidental” death of their beloved spouse. R.I. being puritanical does not…
Snippets from Family Court (overdose)
Judge: Good morning, parents. It seems your children were removed from your care after an overdose. Attorney: Ridiculous. We demand immediate reunification! Judge: No one demands anything in my Courtroom. Attorney: nonetheless. Social worker: The mother overdosed on Narcan. We…