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…
OH NO THE FU$%ING FINANCIAL FORM!!
The question divorce attorneys get asked more often than any other - believe it or not - is how to properly complete the financial form. The financial form, or as we call it in R.I. a "DR-6", is the mandatory…
You Need a Divorce Dolphin!
People first shopping for a family law attorney in their state never consider the value of a dolphin, everyone wants (or at least they think they want) a shark. Everyone wants a shark, right?! That’s how those moms in TV…
When Does Child Support End, Anyway?
In R.I., child support can be terminated when a child BOTH reaches eighteen (18) years of age AND graduates from high school. The obligation will not end until the latter of these two milestones is reached. For example, if the…
Can My Spouse Pay for My Divorce?
A wonderful woman came into my office last week, a victim of abuse who had been cornered and stuck in her marriage for far too long. Her spouse was emotionally and psychologically abusive, was controlling every aspect of her life. …
Kiss and Make Up After Divorce?
A common question asked by clients seeking to end their marriage is something along the lines of: “What if I file for divorce and then we reconcile?” This phenomenon has been common enough that the law actually anticipates it as a very…
Why Cheating Doesn’t Matter Anymore (in the Family Court)
I try to build this blog upon common refrains spoken in my office, in the hope that if a disproportionate number of clients have the same questions and concerns, chances are a great number of people out there on the…
What If, Though, Ya Know?
Hypotheticals. Beloved tool of Socrates. Scourge of any Family Court attorney. "What if my husband moves some new chick into the home? Huh? Didya think of that? That whore. What the hell am I gonna tell my eight-year-old?" {*n.b. these…
Should I Seek Alimony?
When you are deciding whether to seek alimony from your spouse in a divorce action consider three things: 1. What are my future needs? The judge will consider your current employment, if any, and your chances of meaningful, future employment. …