Family Law

For those who haven't been in a Rhode Island Divorce before or who have ignored the single sheet of paper in the Complaint and Service packet called the "Automatic Orders" it's a pretty good idea to check with your attorney before you take any major actions or make any major moves in your divorce.

Though the Automatic Orders of the Court are fairly narrow in scope, it is certainly possible to violate them unknowingly.

For instance you might have a car that is up for sale at the time the constable has your papers to serve your spouse with.  You sell the car and spend the money before your spouse is served. 

Congratulations, you have just violated the Automatic Orders of the Court.  It may be a minor thing conceptually but depending upon the value of the car, the court might see it as a big thing because as the filing party you were bound not to sell any assets at the time you signed your Divorce Complaint.

Rule of Thumb!  Before you do anything in a divorce proceeding make sure you are familiar with the Automatic Orders and keep in mind their underlying purpose. . . to preserve the status quo.

It's never a good idea to start off your divorce on the wrong foot by violating the court's Automatic Orders.

Authored by:

Christopher A. Pearsall, Esquire
PEARSALL LAW ASSOCIATES
571 Pontiac Avenue
Cranston, RI  02910
Phone:  (401) 354-2369

NOTE:  The postings on this website are NOT legal advice, DO NOT create an attorney/client relationship and are NOT a substitute for a detailed consultation with an attorney experienced in the state where you have your legal issue.  This site is presented for the convenience of the internet public.

* The Rhode Island Supreme Court licenses all lawyers in the general practice of law and has no procedure for recognition of specialty in any area of law.