Family Law

In a Rhode Island Divorce are there any Do's and Don'ts I should be aware of right at the beginning of the proceedings?

ANSWER:  Yes.

DO's

1)  Remember that the court is looking for equity and fairness between the divorcing parties.

2)  Think of how the Rhode Island Family Court Judge might look at an action you are contemplating taking before you take it.

3) Get the advice of your divorce attorney before taking any actions relating to assets, debts, or any financial accounts that are in your name or you have with your spouse.

4)  Keep your emotions under control in the court house and especially in the courtroom unless you or your attorney believe that your natural expression of emotion will not hurt your case.

5)  Remain civil with all court personnel under all circumstances.  The Rhode Island Family Court personnel keep abreast of what is going on and information about parties and their demeanor may travel to the judge's ears and hurt your case.  (i.e. Linda files a divorce and requests immediate relief from the court but is rude to the assistant clerk handling the filing of Linda's papers. When Linda delivers the file upstairs to the Judge's sheriff the assistant clerk mentions to the Sheriff that the woman associated with this file was very rude and demanding to her downstairs.  The judge overhears this conversation which occurs right outside his or her chambers.  This may or may not affect the judge's decision on your request for relief . . . but there is no reason to take that chance. 

This list is by no means exhaustive.  More DO's will be provided in other articles.

[Exerpt] To read the complete Rhode Island divorce article click here -> AttorneyPearsall.com