What to Know when Filing for Divorce in Rhode Island
Divorce can be an alienating situation in which both parties may undergo anxiety and frustration with the divorce procedure in the law firms and the courtrooms. In situations in which emotions run high, it is important to know the basic facts and how to get a divorce in Rhode Island to go through the process without confusion with hope for better days to come.
To begin your divorce process, you should first contact a divorce attorney who is familiar in Rhode Island family law and bring a marriage certificate, tax documents, and a list of questions you may have for your attorney during your time of impending separation. After your first meeting with your attorney, you will most likely discuss your separation, any emotional issues, consider counseling, look through property, assets, and discuss the fate of your children and custody. You may file your divorce in court and the clerk will generally schedule the case for an uncontested divorce hearing for approximately 75 days after filing.
If you are in doubt of whether or not both parties would like a divorce, couples can first take steps toward a legal separation. An informal separation occurs when a couple chooses to live apart. However, couples can choose to have a judge order legal and formal separation on the same grounds as divorce. In many instances, a legal separation is the first step towards a divorce under Rhode Island’s family laws.
Rhode Island is a no-fault divorce state, meaning that neither party has to have a fault on which to base their divorce. The law only calls for grounds of irreconcilable differences for a couple, which has caused the breakdown of the marriage. However, it is crucial to note that fault may be used as a deciding factor in dividing marital assets, child custody, and even alimony. Therefore, if you are emotionally or physically suffering in a marriage that is breaking down with every minute, it is important to contact a Rhode Island divorce attorney as soon as possible to get started on the proceedings.
Contact Ed McCormick today to explore your options for divorce in Rhode Island. He’s conveniently located in Cranston & Pawtucket taking cases from RI and Massachusetts