Turning Negatives Into Positives In Your Divorce

At Robinson & Clapham, we focus on helping people going through divorces take the challenges they face and transform them into solutions. With attorneys born and raised in Rhode Island, we understand the court system, procedures and local culture of our clients’ communities. You can come to us for a combination of skillful family law representation and personalized attention.

We steadfastly advocate for your rights in all issues related to divorce, including:

• Asset division
• Business valuation
• Spousal support (alimony)
• Child custody and visitation
• Child support
• Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements
• Post-decree modification
• Enforcement of court orders

Whenever we can, we will help you achieve positive outcomes without the use of litigation – often, through mediation sessions or private negotiation. With that said, we are accomplished trial attorneys who have appeared before every state and federal court in Rhode Island.

What Makes Divorce Different At A Boutique Firm?

The way your divorce attorney practices law directly affects your outcome. At Robinson & Clapham, our boutique approach provides advantages that large firms cannot match:

• Limited caseloads: We intentionally represent fewer clients at any given time, ensuring each case receives the attention it deserves rather than being one of hundreds on a crowded docket.
• Same attorney throughout: You work with one lawyer from initial consultation through final resolution, not a rotating team of associates and paralegals who may not know your story.
• Direct attorney access: We provide our direct contact information because divorce questions don’t arise on a convenient schedule. Reach us when issues happen, not days later after messages pass through staff.
• Thorough preparation: Limited caseloads give us time to understand the nuances of your finances, your relationship with your children and your goals, translating into better negotiation and courtroom outcomes.

This approach means you’re never wondering who’s handling your case or whether they understand what matters most to you.

Understanding Rhode Island’s Divorce Process

Rhode Island’s divorce process follows specific procedures and timelines. Understanding what to expect helps you prepare for the road ahead and set realistic expectations about how long your divorce will take.

Filing Requirements And Residency Rules

To file for divorce in Rhode Island, either you or your spouse must have lived in the state for at least one year before filing, or you must have married in Rhode Island and one spouse must currently reside here. Rhode Island recognizes both fault and no-fault grounds for divorce. No-fault divorce based on irreconcilable differences is most common and doesn’t require proving wrongdoing by either spouse.

Typical Timeline From Filing To Finalization

Uncontested divorces, where spouses agree on all issues, typically finalize within three to four months after filing. Contested divorces take significantly longer, often six months to over a year, depending on complexity and court scheduling. High-conflict divorces involving custody disputes, complex asset division or spousal support disagreements can extend beyond a year.

Key Milestones And What To Expect

After filing, your spouse has 20 days to respond. The court may issue temporary orders addressing custody, support and use of marital property while the divorce is pending. Discovery follows, during which both parties exchange financial information and relevant documents. Settlement negotiations or mediation occurs before trial. If the settlement fails, your case proceeds to trial, where a judge makes final decisions on contested issues. After trial or settlement, the court issues a final judgment of divorce.

How Rhode Island’s Process Differs

The state imposes a mandatory 150-day period between serving your spouse with divorce papers and obtaining a final decree, regardless of whether you both agree to all terms. This time frame is longer than most neighboring states require. When dividing property, Rhode Island courts apply equitable distribution standards. Fair division doesn’t mean equal division; judges weigh factors including marriage duration, each person’s contributions during the marriage and future earning potential.

Giving Detailed Attention To High-Asset Divorce

Divorces involving significant assets require special attention to detail, especially when asset valuation and division are at stake. Without the advocacy of insightful and strategic family lawyers, you stand to lose a great deal of financial security. We regularly handle high-asset divorces, including those that involve business assets, stock options and retirement plans.

Do Not Lose Your Rights As A Father

Are you a father who is going through a divorce with the mother of your child? Unfortunately, the court system often unconsciously prioritizes the rights of mothers over fathers. As fathers’ rights attorneys, we advocate thoroughly for you to have fair treatment throughout your divorce and any ensuing custody, visitation or child support issues.

Get Our Help To Resolve Your Divorce Challenges

You are not alone in your divorce; you can have Robinson & Clapham as your ally. Reach out to us to schedule an initial consultation about our services. You can call our Providence office at 401-661-8287 or our Wakefield office at 401-783-3600. Or, send us an email.