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…
Evil Granny!
Imagine you are a young dad (that would make you “Dad” in our story). You just found out that your ex-girlfriend (“Mom”) is pregnant. You are dubious but you need to find out. So, you ask your friends, family, pastor,…
OMG, so gross.
As a family law attorney, I am self-conscious of the stigma of my choice of law. The shadow that follows we brave few everywhere we go. Not so much a shadow as a stench. Family law attorneys are not popular,…
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…
What Does Child Support Cover, Anyway?
In R.I., child support is carefully modulated by the General Assembly to help with the minor child’s food, clothing, and shelter. Food. Clothing. Shelter. Therefore, if a non-custodial parent pays his (let’s say his for this hypothetical) child support consistently,…
What is a Guardian ad Litem?
A Guardian ad Litem is an attorney who represents the child, and only the child. She is not beholden to either party and is thus independent of the burden of having a paying client to impress. Mother’s attorney is expected…
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…