Do I Need a Family Court Attorney?
There are some things in life you can do on your own – and maybe even do well. I’m sure a great many of you do your own taxes. Some of you can manage your own minor car repairs. A…
I HAVE AN EMERGENCY!
Many people who are filing with the Family Court feel as though they have a genuine emergency. For the most part, they are mistaken. When you file your case in the RI Family Court, you are given a court date…
“Visitation Isn’t Free”
(by guest blogger) I observed something troubling in family court today. A mom and her attorney had just come out of a mediation. They were loudly discussing what had just happened with the mediator, ex-husband, and opposing counsel. (A note…
I don’t like my attorney or my judge or my husband and I want new ones!!!
I don’t know how attorneys get on with their clients in bankruptcy, criminal, or real estate closings, but in family court chances are you are not going to be lifelong besties with your attorney. And it’s not our fault. It’s…
What is Mediation and Do I Have to Go and Who Will be There and Who Pays and What Should I Say and What if it Doesn’t Work and What’s the Point Anyway?
Should you find yourself in the RI Family Court you have unknowingly and unintentionally become part of quite a process. A process that I hope you are coming to understand a bit better with each pithy blog post. One part…
No Gavel
There are several misconceptions about the Family Court. The one that is most bothersome is the belief that once the case is over the conflict is over. The (former) couple gets all dressed up, all worried, all stressed, and all…
Should I Collect Against My Spouse’s Social Security Benefits in Our Divorce?
For couples that have been married for ten years or longer a divorce means an assessment of social security benefits. Under the current law, the spouse that has earned less income during the marriage has an option. He or she…
The Mirror Method Approach to Family Court Advocacy
I had wonderful mentors when I first started practicing law. I was taught early on that, when it came to contested legal matters and the zealous advocacy of clients, a lawyer should always try the "honey and sugar" approach before…
My Cousin Got the Lambo and the Iguana in Her Divorce…
If you ever really want to piss off a divorce attorney (boy, who doesn’t?!) compare your divorce to someone else’s. We love this. Really, we love this. Let’s say you and your hubby have been married for four years. You…
The Toxic Swamp of the Family Court (This is How it Works, People…)
You’ve just found yourself lucky enough to be a party in a case in Family Court. If you happen to be the defendant that was just served with a summons, you’re probably thinking, “Oh, what the $#&%@.” If you happen…