Property Division Lawyers Who Fight for a Fair Settlement

Divorce is an emotional time where you must make decisions that affect your life for many years. The property division process can be contentious and too complicated to manage on your own. You likely need support from a property division attorney to understand Rhode Island’s equitable distribution statute and your rights under the law.

The team at Robinson & Clapham is familiar with the process of fairly or equitably dividing property in accordance with Rhode Island laws. The process is different from the community property approach, where couples divide their assets and debts evenly.

Common Marital Assets And Debts

Every marital estate is unique, but there are certain resources that are likely to require consideration. The property that you may need to address may include:

• Real estate: Your marital home, vacation properties and investment properties
• Financial accounts: Checking and savings accounts
• Investment portfolios: Mutual funds, stocks, bonds, cryptocurrencies and even commodities such as gold
• Retirement accounts: 401(k)s, pensions, IRAs and defined benefit plans that may require qualified domestic relations orders (QDROs) to divide
• Businesses: Professional practices and family businesses
• Personal property: Home furnishings, jewelry, art, collectibles, hobby equipment, vehicles and other various assets
• Marital debts: Mortgages, vehicle loans, personal loans, credit card balances, medical debt and student loans

You may need support creating an inventory of assets, valuing resources and setting reasonable property division goals.

What Key Factors Guide The Process?

If a judge must divide your property and debts, the state’s equitable distribution statute applies. Rhode Island statutes highlight severe critical considerations, including:

• The length of your marriage
• How the conduct of the spouses affected household finances
• How the spouses each influenced the acquisition, improvement/appreciation or preservation of marital assets
• Services provided as a homemaker/stay-at-home parent
• The income and employment of both spouses, as well as their employability
• The health and age of both spouses
• Custody arrangements for the couple’s children
• The intentional dissipation of marital assets

Judges may also consider any other factors they view as relevant to a just outcome.

Property Division Advocacy You Can Trust

A property division lawyer can assist you with fulfilling disclosure requirements and reviewing documents provided by your spouse. Our team at Robinson & Clapham is ready to guide you through the financial challenges of your upcoming divorce. Contact us today to schedule a consultation by clicking here or calling our Providence office at 401-661-8287 or our Wakefield office at 401-783-3600.