Family Law

The Rhode Island Divorce Coach, Can I Really Help? PART 2

Posted on May 03, 2009
Now that you've read about the concept of Rhode Island Divorce Coaching in Part 1 of this Article, let me demonstrate how I can help you as a divorce coach. Consider these stories about Janet's family and friends to learn what a divorce coach could do for you! * * DIVORCE COACHING CASE STUDY * * - - - The Factual Scenario - - - Bob and Tiffany have been married for 7 years...

The Rhode Island Divorce Coach, Can I Really Help? PART 1

Posted on April 28, 2009
As I've shifted my divorce skills from the courtroom to teaching people about their divorce proceedings at a conference room table I've received this initial question fairly frequently. "If I can't afford to hire a divorce lawyer to be in court with me, what can you really do as my "Divorce Coach" to help me?" That's a fairly loaded question because I know that people who come to me are looking for assurances and sometimes even guarantees about what I do for them to make the family court's outcome better for them...

Rhode Island Divorces for Pro Se Individuals - My "Don't Primer"!

Posted on April 20, 2009
Divorces can already seem overwhelming if you are one of the parties in the divorce. They can seem even more monumental if you just don't have the money to afford a full-time Rhode Island divorce lawyer to prepare the documents for you. I strongly advise that you seek coaching from a qualified Rhode Island divorce lawyer who is willing to provide you with consistent coaching throughout your divorce at a reasonable price so that you can at least represent yourself in an informed manner...

Testimonial #2 for Divorce Attorney Christopher Pearsall

Posted on April 18, 2009
My husband and I have been extremely pleased with Chris. It's nice to find an attorney who cares. We'll continue to use him whenever we have a family law matter. The legal system may have failed me, but Chris never did. - Laura (Providence, Rhode Island)

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Testimonial #1 for Divorce Attorney Christopher A. Pearsall

Posted on April 15, 2009
Chris made all the difference. By the time I found Chris, the court was convinced that I was a drug addict and an abusive parent because of all the lies my ex-husband and his attorney had told the court. My son was literally taken from me. It was my worst nightmare...

Rhode Island Divorce Lawyer Brings Divorce Coaching to Rhode Island!

Posted on April 10, 2009
Divorce has taken on a new life in Rhode Island and Rhode Island Divorce Lawyer Christopher Pearsall is leading the charge. As a divorce lawyer appearing daily before the Rhode Island family courts on a daily basis, Chris saw an all too familiar scenario...

A Rhode Island Divorce Lawyer is Moving from the Courtroom to the Conference Room!

Posted on April 05, 2009
Not everyone can afford a Rhode Island Divorce Lawyer. It's regrettable but true that sometimes it takes a few greenbacks to hire a good lawyer to get a strong advocate for your rights. As a divorce lawyer for nearly a decade I've had the opportunity to see quite a bit...

Rhode Island Divorce Coaching - Lower Stress for Attorneys, Lower Costs for Those Who Need Professional Help!

Posted on March 28, 2009
Divorce Coaching is quickly becoming the hot topic in several western states. It has yet to hit Rhode Island lawyers or Rhode Island legal counselors with its full force yet, but this Rhode Island divorce lawyer has taken it to...

A Rhode Island Divorce Lawyer Shifts to Divorce Coaching for those Headed for Rhode Island Family Court

Posted on March 27, 2009
Divorce Coaching is quickly becoming the hot topic in several western states. It has yet to hit Rhode Island lawyers or Rhode Island legal counselors with its full force yet, but this Rhode Island divorce lawyer has taken it to heart and is making major shift from the courtroom to the conference room both for himself and for many people who may have to "go it alone" in the Rhode Island Family Court System...

Rhode Island Divorce Clients - Lawyers May Tell You Divorce Scenarios You Want to Hear!

Posted on March 21, 2009
As a Rhode Island Lawyer focusing my practice exclusively in the area of Rhode Island Divorce and Family Law, I have learned that when people come in for a consultation they want to tell me their story and they want...

Rhode Island Divorce Lawyers - Be Careful that a Lawyer doesn't Tell You Exactly What you Want to Hear!

Posted on March 19, 2009
As a Rhode Island Lawyer focusing my practice exclusively in the area of Rhode Island Divorce and Family Law, I have learned that when people come in for a consultation they want to tell me their story and they want to be told exactly what they want to hear...

RI Divorce Lawyers - Painting a Rosy Picture May Net You a Divorce Fantasy and Nothing More!

Posted on March 19, 2009
As a Rhode Island Lawyer focusing my practice exclusively in the area of Rhode Island Divorce and Family Law, I have learned that when people come in for a consultation they want to tell me their story and they want...

Uncontested RI Divorces - What Rhode Islanders Need to be wary of!

Posted on March 07, 2009
Do you have a Rhode Island divorce that you would like to settle amicably, economically and as quickly as possible? If so, you may have an uncontested divorce.So what do you need to be wary of? Simply put, hiring the wrong uncontested divorce lawyer!You would think it would be easier, wouldn't you? Of course you would! After all, in an uncontested divorce the parties are more agreeable and they don't want things to be a battle...

Work Out Your Divorce or You're Subject to the Men and Women in Black!

Posted on March 01, 2009

Rhode Island Divorce Coaching by RI Attorney Christopher Pearsall

Posted on February 09, 2009
Divorce Coaching has taken on several different meanings in the past few years. There is a wide diversity between what one person means by a Divorce Coach as compared to what another person means. Substantially, I have found that divorce coaches may (1) be a coach to help a person in a divorce move forward in their life after the divorce proceeding is over by helping the person being coached to focus on the promise that the future holds, or in another instance a person may (2) may be a coach for spouses going through a divorce so they can...

A Rhode Island Divorce Lawyer's Tips on Uncontested Divorces!

Posted on February 04, 2009
Rhode Island divorce lawyers typically consider an uncontested divorce one that is resolved on or before the "Nominal Date" specified on the Summons and Nominal Track Notice contained in the Rhode Island Divorce filing package. The Nominal date is specified by the Rhode Island Family Court when the Divorce Complaint and other required documents are filed with the court...

Rhode Island Divorce Lawyers - Is RI Lawyer Specialization a Trick?

Posted on January 12, 2009
Are you paying close attention to the websites of Rhode Island lawyers who state that they specialize in a particular area of law. A proper website for lawyers claiming to specialize in any area of law should include a statement similar to the following:The Rhode Island Supreme Court licenses all lawyers in the general practice of law...

Rhode Island Divorce Lawyers - Contrasting Lawyers' Philosophies

Posted on January 10, 2009
The public should be optimistic, yet concerned about a Rhode Island Divorce Lawyer's philosophy.Why?A Rhode Island divorce lawyer's philosophy may actually be a strong indicator of whether your case goes quickly and inexpensively or seems to be drawn out and more expensive than projected by the lawyer...

Rhode Island Divorce Lawyer Christopher Pearsall - Judge D'Ambra Article Removed!

Posted on January 03, 2009
On or about December 4, 2008, I received a letter from the General Counsel of the Rhode Island Supreme Court the letter reads as follows:December 2, 2008Via First Class MailMr. Christopher PearallAttorney at Law70 Dogwood DriveSuite 304West Warwick, RI 02893Dear Attorney Pearsall: It has come to the attention of this Office that a potential violation of Rule 8...

Good Rhode Island Divorce Lawyer Falls Prey to a Judge With Her Own Agenda!

Posted on January 03, 2009
On or about December 4, 2008, I received a letter from the General Counsel of the Rhode Island Supreme Court the letter reads as follows: December 2, 2008 Via First Class Mail Mr. Christopher Pearall Attorney at Law 70 Dogwood...

RI Divorce Attorney Christopher Pearsall - Judge Laureen D'Ambra Article Removed!

Posted on January 03, 2009
On or about December 4, 2008, I received a letter from the General Counsel of the Rhode Island Supreme Court the letter reads as follows: December 2, 2008 Via First Class Mail Mr. Christopher Pearall Attorney at Law 70 Dogwood...

Rhode Island Divorce Lawyers - Top 10 Things They Should Tell You!

Posted on December 30, 2008
The Top 10 Things Rhode Island Divorce Lawyers should be telling you!1. A Divorce Lawyer's Independent Judgment - As his or her RI divorce client, a Rhode Island Divorce lawyer should inform you that you are hiring the lawyer for his or her expertise in this area of law and therefore the attorney retains a certain degree of independent judgment in your matter to protect your interests...

A Rhode Island Divorce Resource for Lawyers and Consumers

Posted on December 08, 2008
Whether you are representing yourself, or you intend on hiring one of the many Rhode Island divorce lawyers that can be found throughout Rhode Island, it is best to be informed. Being informed sometimes means buckling down and reading and re-reading the Rhode Island General Laws...

Some Rhode Island Divorce Lawyers are using Forensic Computer Data Recovery Specialists!

Posted on December 07, 2008
In Rhode Island divorces, lawyers are finding that much of what they may be looking for regarding marital infidelities, finances, investments, and other crucial information is often found on the family computer.Yet technology isn't the easiest thing to understand...

One Rhode Island Divorce Lawyer's Helping Hand to the Public!

Posted on December 05, 2008
There is no need for legalese in this particular blog posting about Rhode Island Divorce. This is simply a message going out to all those people out there who absolutely cannot afford a lawyer to take them through their Rhode Island divorce.To make things short, sweet and to the point ...

RI Alimony Language - Wording is Everything! Part 2

Posted on November 26, 2008
This article is a follow-up to my first Rhode Island Alimony Article which can be found at http://www.attorneypearsall.com/2008/11/ri-alimony-language-wording-is-everything-part-1.html This first tip article is helpful, if not essential, to helping you understand rehabilitative alimony in Rhode Island...

Alimony Language - Rhode Islander's Take Care! Part 2

Posted on November 25, 2008
This Rhode Island divorce tip article is a follow-up to my first tip article which may be found at http://www.rhode-island-divorce-lawyer.com/2008/11/alimony-language-rhode-islanders-take-care-part-1.html This first tip article is helpful, if not essential, to helping you understand rehabilitative alimony in Rhode Island...

RI Alimony Language - Wording is Everything! Part 1

Posted on November 24, 2008
In a Rhode Island Divorce proceeding alimony must be awarded or denied by the Family Court Justice. Since alimony under Rhode Island law is rehabilitative in nature, more often then not it is waived by one or both parties during...

Alimony Language - Rhode Islander's Take Care! Part 1

Posted on November 23, 2008
In a Rhode Island Divorce proceeding alimony must be awarded or denied by the Family Court Justice. Since alimony under Rhode Island law is rehabilitative in nature, more often then not it is waived by one or both parties during...

A Rhode Island Divorce Lawyer's Second Tip for the Alimony Language in a Marital Settlement Agreement or Family Court Decision!

Posted on November 19, 2008
This Rhode Island divorce tip article is a follow up to my first tip article which may be found at http://www.rhodeislanddivorcetips.com/2008/11/rhode-island-divorce-lawyers-tip-on-alimony-language.htmlThis first tip article is helpful, if not essential, to helping you understand rehabilitative alimony in Rhode Island...

Rhode Island Divorce Lawyer's First Tip on Alimony Language in a Divorce Decision!

Posted on November 18, 2008
In a Rhode Island Divorce proceeding alimony must be awarded or denied by the Family Court Justice.Since alimony under Rhode Island law is rehabilitative in nature, more often then not it is waived by one or both parties during the course for most Rhode Island divorce proceedings...

Rhode Island Divorce Lawyer's Tip: Pension's Vested or Not Vested?

Posted on November 16, 2008
If either party in a Rhode Island divorce has a pension then there are various issues you will want to consider. Specifically, the divorce issue we want to address here is that of "vesting." You can find out if your pension is vested for the purposes of your Rhode Island divorce by contacting the administrator of your pension fund and simply asking if your pension if your pension is vested or not...

In a Rhode Island Divorce is Dividing a Vested Pension within the Rhode Island Family Court's Power?

Posted on November 16, 2008
Sometimes Rhode Island divorce lawyers aren't able to provide "definite" answers to legal questions, including pension issues. This is one of those frequent instances. The answer is, "It all depends." If either party in a Rhode Island divorce has a...

Pensions - Vested and Unvested from a Rhode Island Divorce Lawyer's Perspective!

Posted on November 16, 2008
Are you in a Rhode Island Divorce? Will your pension vest before the Final Judgment of Divorce is entered? What can be distributed by the Rhode Island Divorce Judge? If either party in a Rhode Island divorce has a pension...

A Rhode Island Divorce Lawyers Tip on Your Rights to a Spouse's Accident Claim!

Posted on November 10, 2008
A recent call from one of my Rhode Island clients sparked an interesting issue regarding the client's divorce. It is not a question that arises as frequently as many others but it does raise its head on occasion because in today's litigious society there are frequent personal injury claims that arise...

Should you file for Divorce in Rhode Island around the Holidays if You Have Children?

Posted on November 01, 2008
I've noted during my years as a Rhode Island Divorce Lawyer that many parents with children who are contemplating divorce often avoid filing for divorce around any major holiday. In truth there is no good time to file for a divorce. It doesn't matter if you live in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New Hampshire or any other state or country when children are involved...

Need a Rhode Island Divorce Lawyer? Is a Computer Involved? Who Ya Gonna Call? Attorney Christopher Pearsall

Posted on October 27, 2008
Technology may be accelerating Rhode Islanders into divorce situations rather than simply making family communications and family workloads easier. As communication gets faster and easier using technology it brings with it just as many problems as it does solutions...

To Rhode Island Divorce Lawyers the Client's Perspective is Key!

Posted on October 22, 2008
If a client in a Rhode Island divorce doesn't have the right perspective AND reasonable expectations about the outcome of the divorce then the divorce lawyer may need to brush up on his or her skills when it comes to...

Good Divorce Lawyers find the Devil in the Details!

Posted on October 21, 2008
Divorce isn't enjoyable whether you're in Rhode Island, Texas, Wisconsin or anywhere else. Ultimately, however, divorce is substantially a matter of law. The law of the state or jurisdiction in which you are getting divorced determines the manner in which assets and debts are divided...

Rhode Island Lemon Law: What You Need to Know

Posted on October 19, 2008
That new car smell is the best. The feeling of driving around in a new ride is sensational. But what happens when the experience sours and your new car starts smelling like a lemon? Rhode Island?s lemon law gives you the right to take action ? and turn your lemon into lemonade...

Good Rhode Island Divorce Attorneys Fall Prey to a Judge With Her Own Agenda!

Posted on October 18, 2008
It goes without saying that clients of Rhode Island Divorce Attorneys bear their own set of risks when it comes to having their cases heard before justices and magistrates of the Rhode Island Family Court. It is the nature of the beast of our legal system...

Rhode Island Divorce for those Who Want to Handle it Themselves!

Posted on October 10, 2008
Many people believe that a Rhode Island Divorce Lawyer isn't necessary in a "simple" divorce. What is a "simple" divorce? Well, different people describe it differently when they call me. Some say it's a divorce where they have agreed on "everything" with their spouse so it shouldn't cost much...

Rhode Island Child Support Calculation - An Often Excluded Item!

Posted on October 06, 2008
Are you a parent who pays for work-related child care or daycare expenses for one or more children? If so, there is something you should be immediately aware of. When child support is calculated, work-related childcare expenses are included on the Rhode Island Child Support Guidelines Worksheet and they may substantially affect the amount you have to pay for your overall support for your child...

Rhode Island Divorces and the Rhode Island Statute on Gifts!

Posted on October 06, 2008
§ 15-5-16.1 Assignment of property is the statute that governs the treatment of gifts in a divorce proceeding. This is, of course, subject to case law that interprets the statute and other legal principles that may be argued alongside the...

Rhode Island Divorce Lawyers Need to Get Some Moral Integrity!

Posted on October 02, 2008
In my involvement of the day to day daily law practice for a decade now I've seen a lot of crap. Sometimes it just pushes you to the brink. Day in and day out I deal with colleagues that I can't stand because they have no moral compass. Their ethical duty to their client and their own paycheck to meet their own expenses seems to be the primary motivating factor in what they do...

Why do I need a Rhode Island Divorce Lawyer?

Posted on September 28, 2008
I commend those people who are "do-it-yourselfers". I happen to be one of those people myself. People such as these always seem to be willing to undertake a challenge even if it means trying to save money by representing themselves without a Rhode Island Divorce Lawyer...

Good Rhode Island Divorce Attorneys Fall Prey to a Judge With Her Own Agenda!

Posted on September 19, 2008
It goes without saying that clients of Rhode Island Divorce Attorneys bear their own set of risks when it comes to having their cases heard before justices and magistrates of the Rhode Island Family Court. It is the nature of the beast of our legal system...

RI Child Support Modification - A Benefit to Representing Yourself!

Posted on September 01, 2008
Many Rhode Island Family Court Judges have repeated the old maxim that "a person who represents himself in a legal proceeding has a fool for a client." In fact, I've heard it myself in the Rhode Island Superior Courts as...

A Rhode Island Divorce Lawyer's Tip: Stop Grinding the Axe - Mediate Your Issues!

Posted on August 30, 2008
Whether you are in the middle of a Rhode Island Divorce with a lawyer that you believe is serving your interests well, or you simply have a post-divorce judgment issue that you cannot agree upon with your ex-spouse or the mother of your child(ren), I urge you to consider mediation...

Rhode Island Divorce Lawyer's Tip on Gifts

Posted on August 22, 2008
Gifts from third parties to either of the parties in a Rhode Island Marriage during a divorce are normally not considered marital assets unless they are given to both the husband and the wife equally. However, gifts between spouses are...

Rhode Island Divorce Lawyers - Young Children and Evidence!

Posted on August 20, 2008
Imagine that you have a divorce that is pending before the Rhode Island family courts. Your children are visiting with their father and you find out from the children that your children have been in the presence of a third-party...

Rhode Island Divorce Lawyers explain Pre-marital Aspects of 401Ks!

Posted on August 18, 2008
Question: Can My 401K Help Me In this Situation? For the sake of this question I'll call myself William. I have a 401k that I began 10 years before I got married. It had about $75,000 in it before Tammy...

A Tip from one of Rhode Island's Divorce Lawyers. The Four (4) Major Factors!

Posted on August 17, 2008
Originally the Rhode Island Family Court and divorce proceedings were part of the Rhode Island Superior Court. Though they remained a court of superior jurisdiction, the Family Court was created to address family related matters which in and of themselves...

Uncontested RI Divorce Prices - What the . . ?

Posted on August 13, 2008
"I have a simple divorce. We agree on everything. What's your price for an Uncontested Divorce?" My practice is focused almost entirely on Rhode Island family law. Every week I hear this same sentence by people trying to find the...

Rhode Island Divorce Tip: Accept the fact that Witnesses Lie!

Posted on June 13, 2008
Whether in a Rhode Island Divorce Case or any other family court proceeding it is perhaps one of the hardest things for a Rhode Island Divorce Attorney to do. What is it? It is explaining to your client that he or she lost his divorce or family law case because witnesses got up on the witness stand, swore an oath to tell the truth and then lied to the detriment of your client...

Filing a Rhode Island Complaint for Divorce isn't Easy or Simple!

Posted on June 07, 2008
The Rhode Island Divorce process and procedure would be a bit easier if there were some road map to tell you what forms are required and why. Then again, perhaps someone can explain to the public why the Congressional Record is devoted to publishing information about members of Congress proposing to do such things as saving money by cutting in half the number of staplers used by office assistants...

The Rhode Island Divorce Attorneys: Your Questions Answered

Posted on June 05, 2008
Question: Can an attorney demand I appear (via voice message only) in a family court proceeding without a subpoena? Answer: Unfortunately you don't state the circumstances or nature of the proceeding. I will provide you information only regarding family court and Rhode Island Domestic Relations law...

Under RI Law When Am I actually Divorced?

Posted on May 31, 2008
Some people actually are confused about when they are truly divorced. The confusion is understandable though. Let me explain why and answer the question. Most Rhode Island Divorces are resolved at a Nominal Hearing. This is a hearing where everything is agreed upon and the formalities required for the court to establish jurisdiction, find the basis for the divorce, waiver of alimony, etc...

Equitable Distribution - Defining It Helps you Understand It!

Posted on May 27, 2008
The Rhode Island General Laws give the Rhode Island Family Court and it's Judges the power to make an equitable distribution of the marital estate. But what does it mean, generally speaking, to make an "equitable distribution." Let's extract all the legalese from the statutes and simply approach it from a practical perspective and I'm quite certain our common sense can digest what the framers of the statute intended...

A Rhode Island Divorce Lawyer is Going 100% Virtual!

Posted on May 27, 2008
It's no secret that Rhode Island Divorce Lawyers and attorneys in real estate and many other fields have been hit by the recession. If you haven't been hit by it yet then count yourself lucky. Companies are downsizing and businesses that have been around for 100 years and more are closing their doors...

Rhode Island Divorce Attorney is Going Virtual!

Posted on May 23, 2008
Coming Soon . . . 100% Virtual! Never Attempted in RI to my knowledge! What does this mean for Attorney Pearsall's newest clients? Unbelievable Savings! Soon to be Rhode Island's Most Affordable Virtual Attorney! Potential Clients, feel free to call before the formal announcement for information! Authored by: Christopher A...

A Typical Uncontested Divorce by RI Attorney Christopher Pearsall

Posted on May 20, 2008
A Rhode Island divorce attorney can make the divorce process sound simple or complicated. Whether the attorney makes it sound simple or complicated may depend upon whether the attorney has a particular goal in mind or whether he or she simply is addressing a person with a different level of education who does not want to be spoken down to and therefore is comfortable with the more technical jargon or legalese used in the legal profession...

Rhode Island Divorce Attorney | Do you want to save yourself $800 to $3,000 on your Rhode Island divorce?

Posted on May 16, 2008
I've previously written Rhode Island Divorce articles about civility and trying to work with your spouse to resolve your issues. What I didn't mention in those other divorce articles is that by remaining civil, holding your temper and keeping a cool head is that it can save you a hefty sum of money...

Rhode Island Divorce Attorney | Ahhh . . Draining Marital Joint Bank Accounts!

Posted on May 15, 2008
Once a Rhode Island Divorce is filed by your attorney (or by yourself) then it would be wise to consider what you do each day or you might end up in handcuffs. The Automatic Orders of the Court are not simply a peice of paper. They are embodied in the Rhode Island General Laws and they prescribe what you can and cannot do...

RI Alimony - A Refresher by a Rhode Island Divorce Attorney Christopher PearsalL

Posted on May 14, 2008
Alimony is an important concept to understand under Rhode Island law. The Rhode Island media, in fact the media in general with television shows like, LA Law, Law and Order and articles about fat divorce settlements that include large alimony payments in the National Enquirer and even movies such as the comedy Liar, Liar leave Rhode Islanders with the notion that alimony is typical, commonplace and, in fact, an entitlement...

An Divorce Court Speaks through its Orders: What do you need to watch out for?

Posted on May 13, 2008
Each time a divorce or family court matter is brought before a Rhode Island Judge designated to address that matter, the Judge almost universally checks the file, reviews the docket sheet and looks at the Orders entered in the matter to tell the story or the history of what has taken place before the particular matter is heard...

RI Divorce Lawyers can Help You Cope with Divorce!

Posted on May 12, 2008
Coping with a Rhode Island divorce situation isn't easy. It can be harder with children if the parents focus on their own emotions, legal and person goals and forget about the children. Yet sometimes it can be easier with children if both parents are focused more on the well-being of the children than their own needs...

Rhode Island Divorce: What are Case Management Conferences?

Posted on May 11, 2008
In the Rhode Island family courts a divorce may run on one of two tracks the "Nominal" or Uncontested Track and the Contested Track. This brief article on Rhode Island divorces addresses what are known as Case Management Conferences which only occur on the Contested Track Calendar...

RI Divorce DO's and DON'Ts by Attorney Chris Pearsall

Posted on May 10, 2008
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...

Premarital Assets in a Rhode Island Divorce

Posted on May 09, 2008
How does my Rhode Island Divorce Judge determine if something is a pre-marital asset and why is that important? It is perhaps easiest to answer your second question first. The nature or type of asset that is presented for the judge's consideration is important...

Ease your Rhode Island Divorce by Adopting a Responsive State of Mind

Posted on May 07, 2008
In my Rhode Island Divorce article called "Divorcing with Dignity" I alluded to the fact that when you divorce your spouse you have a better chance of doing so amicably with both spouses retaining their dignity rather than arguing, fighting and bickering at each other simply by retaining your power as the client to direct the focus of your divorce...

Rhode Island Divorces: Divorcing with Dignity

Posted on May 06, 2008
How do you want your Rhode Island Divorce to proceed? Yes, I'm serious. Most Rhode Islanders in divorce situations don't even take the time to consider this question, let alone realize the amount of power they have to determine the course their divorce will take...

Affordability of Rhode Island Divorce Attorneys by Attorney Chris Pearsall

Posted on May 04, 2008
Well, it's pretty much official . . . and I'm not referring to a Rhode Island divorce. Rhode Island is the first of the New England States to declare that it is in a recession. Unemployment rates are up, health insurance rates and available options have spiraled far out of control, gas prices are climbing so fast that from the time you drive into the office until the time you drive home they have gone up as much as 10 cents...

What is a Nominal Rhode Island Divorce Hearing?

Posted on April 30, 2008
The word "nominal" is generally defined as meaning something "small, brief or of little consequence or value." In its root form its literal translation was akin to "in name only". In Rhode Island Divorce proceedings you can understand a Rhode Island Nominal Hearing by thinking of it as a combination of its linguistic roots and its modern day definition...

Rhode Island Divorce and the Importance of Healthcare Provisions

Posted on April 29, 2008
There is a great concern about medical coverage today. This is not surprising with the skyrocketing premiums of medical insurances and increasing deductibles and co-pays. For these reasons and many others, medical insurances and healthcare expenses should be given serious consideration when settling your Rhode Island Divorce or if you are involved in a Rhode Island Family Court matter involving the establishment of healthcare related provisions...

Rhode Island Divorce Attorney Christopher Pearsall on Hidden Income.

Posted on April 23, 2008
As most people know, Rhode Island Child Support is based on the gross income of the parents of the child(ren) who are entitled to the support. What is often not clear about child support is that there are any number of parents who would rather avoid paying their allotted share of child support...

Rhode Island Divorce Lawyer | How to Prepare a Motion in Family Court.

Posted on April 16, 2008
Preparing a Motion in a Rhode Island Divorce is simply a matter of following a general formula of elements that the court and the judge will be looking for so that it can be recognized as a motion, identified with the correct case, notify everyone as to what you are seeking and why and let the court judge know that the opposing party has had property notice...

Rhode Island Divorce Lawyer | Attorney Christopher Pearsall on "Family Court Subpoena Power"

Posted on April 14, 2008
Presumably a subpoena holds just as much power in the Rhode Island Family Court as it does in the Rhode Island Superior Court. However after eight (8) years in practice I have learned that there are differences in the power of a subpoena in the Family Court system...

Attorney Christopher Pearsall on Rhode Island Orders by Agreement!

Posted on April 13, 2008
In Rhode Island Divorce and Family Court matters it is often said that a court speaks through its "Orders". This is truer than most laypeople might like to believe. However, with the ever growing caseload in the Rhode Island Family Court system, judges cannot reasonably be expected to remember every case that is handed to him or her on the bench...

Rhode Island Divorce Lawyer Attorney Christopher Pearsall on FCIU Investigations!

Posted on April 09, 2008
In the Rhode Island Divorce system you may often find that attorneys for one or the other of the parties in a placement or visitation matter may ask the court that one or both of the parties participate in an investigation by the Family Court Investigative Unit (FCIU)...

Template Discovery: Trap Among Less Reputable Divorce Attorneys

Posted on April 06, 2008
For those going through a divorce who already have a Rhode Island Divorce Lawyer, this may be something you have come across. It is called "template discovery". It is not a practice that I participate in. Some divorce lawyers will justify the practice by stating that template discovery is necessary to prevent a claim by the client of legal malpractice on their part...

Rhode Island Divorce Lawyer Tips: Issues with Children

Posted on April 02, 2008
This is a tip that many mothers are not going to like. Whether you go to court for a divorce or whether you go to court for another family court related matter you should do this. Here it is. Leave your children at home. Yes, that's correct. Unless your minor child needs to be at the court to potentially talk to the judge and provide the child's preference on which parent he or she wants to be placed with, then leave your child at home...

Rhode Island Divorce Lawyer - A Practical Tip to Speed Up Your Divorce

Posted on April 01, 2008
You can help your Rhode Island Divorce Attorney immensely by providing information at the very beginning of your representation. The information your attorney will find most valuable is generally the following: Name and Description of Each Asset? Current Value of Each Asset? Who Purchased the Asset? Whose Name is the Asset Held In? Where is the Asset Located? Was this asset given to you or your spouse as a gift or inheritance? If so, who as the asset given to (your or your spouse) when and why? Name of Each debt? Person or Company to Whom the debt is Owed?...

An Insight into Divorce & Marriage by a Rhode Island Divorce Attorney

Posted on March 31, 2008
Marriage is perhaps one of the most interesting ceremonies in our culture. Many of us plan for months to get everything perfect. Flowers, Catering, Food, Photographer, Wedding Dress, Tuxedos, Bridesmaid's Gowns, Picture Locations, Table Centerpeices, Reception Location, Transportation, Invitations, Bouquet, Wedding Rings, Honeymoon, Wedding location ...

Get them Back to Work from a Rhode Island Divorce Lawyer

Posted on March 30, 2008
After eight (8) years as a Rhode Island lawyer dedicated to divorce and family law and another thirteen years in law here in Rhode Island, there is one situation that I have seen consistently and it almost always results in an unhappy husband paying alimony to his spouse...

Rhode Island Divorce Lawyer on Divorce Appeal Standards

Posted on March 29, 2008
There are two important standards that laypeople should know, especially if they hire an attorney to protect their interests. 1. You are not protected so that you can appeal if your attorney does not place your issues "on the record". In a divorce or family court proceeding issues are "on the record" if they are taken down by the stenographer...

Rhode Island Divorce Lawyer on Divorce Appeal Standards

Posted on March 28, 2008
There are two important standards that laypeople should know, especially if they hire an attorney to protect their interests. 1. You are not protected so that you can appeal if your attorney does not place your issues "on the record". In a divorce or family court proceeding issues are "on the record" if they are taken down by the stenographer...

Rhode Island Divorce Attorney - Sale of the Marital Home, Can it be Deferred?

Posted on March 27, 2008
Yes, the sale of the marital home can be deferred if certain conditions are met. Generally speaking, the court will defer the sale of the marital home in a divorce when, after considering the finances of the parties, there are enough financial resources to sustain the home, both parties can still sustain reasonable standards of living, and deferring the home is in the best interests of the minor child(ren)...

Rhode Island Divorce Lawyer - How might equity loans be treated by the RI Family Court?

Posted on March 26, 2008
Equity Loans are very similar to mortgages. Usually they are loans secured by something of value, traditionally a piece of real estate that is worth more than the loan being taken out. A mortgage for an equity loan is typically recorded and though it can be a first mortgage on the property, it is often a second mortgage...

What Results Can You Expect from a Seasoned Rhode Island Divorce Attorney?

Posted on March 25, 2008
During the course of my practice as a family law attorney I have represented a considerable number of people in a post-judgment capacity. In several cases I had the opportunity to review divorce judgments by other attorneys. When reviewing the divorce judgments both for background and for the sake of substantive arguments I noted several provisions that were clearly contrary to the client's interests...

Issues Rhode Island Divorce Lawyers Face.

Posted on March 24, 2008
The Rhode Island Family Court deals with numerous issues in divorces. There are primary issues that judge's handle on a daily basis that everyone should be aware of. In understanding these issues it is good to know that the area of Family Law grew out of Contract law...

Rhode Island Divorce - Affairs as a Fault Basis for Divorce

Posted on March 23, 2008
Laypeople and even Rhode Island Divorce Lawyers have argued with me that Rhode Island is a "No Fault" state. A "No Fault" state essentially means that Rhode Island does not recognize grounds that would cause one party to be more at fault for the breakdown of the marriage than the other spouse...

Rhode Island Child Support Lawyer - The Child Support Law

Posted on March 22, 2008
It may be helpful for those trying to understand Rhode Island Child Support to actually have the Rhode Island Child Support Statute in front of you. In fact, if you have to go before the court to a hearing on child support it is best to either know the statute very well or to take a copy of it with you...

Paying for your Rhode Island Divorce Lawyer

Posted on March 21, 2008
Paying for your Rhode Island Divorce Lawyer doesn't come cheap depending upon who you hire. Many people feel trapped and unable to file for divorce simply because they don't have the monies to hire a decent Rhode Island Family Lawyer. However, if you have a credit card, whether it is in your own name or jointly held with your spouse, that credit card can be used to hire the lawyer...

A Rhode Island Lawyer's Story about a Business in an RI Divorce Case.

Posted on March 20, 2008
Tom has a small label-making business that makes about $24,000 a year working on the weekends. He has been in business for about 6 years but hasn't been able to increase the revenues from the business above $24,000 a year. Tom meets Phoebe but after three (3) years Tom realizes it was a mistake and he files for divorce...

Rhode Island Attorney - What is Pre-Marital Property in a Rhode Island Divorce Proceeding?

Posted on March 19, 2008
What is pre-marital property for purposes of a Rhode Island Divorce? Seems like a pretty straight-forward question to address in a Rhode Island Divorce, doesn't it? You'd think that it is just property that either spouse owned prior to the marriage. Makes logical sense doesn't it?!? I've often wondered if the law needs to complicate things or if it's provisions just lend us a helping hand...

Rhode Island Divorce Attorney - Thoughts on Inheritances!

Posted on March 18, 2008
Rhode Island divorce and inheritances can and often do become a little more complicated than most parties in a divorce action would like. As with most divorces there can be quite a bit of emotion by one party or both and the instinctual nature of the parties is to try to apply common sense to what should happen to an inheritance in a divorce...

Rhode Island Divorce - When is a Gift really a Gift?

Posted on March 17, 2008
Did you ever think that a gift that you were given could become a contentious part of your Rhode Island Divorce? Most people would never even think of it because gifts, on the surface, are very straight-forward. I mean, just think about it. There is the person giving the gift and that person is considered to be the owner of that object...

Rhode Island Divorce - Do the Rules Apply?

Posted on March 16, 2008
All the courts in Rhode Island have rules upon which they operate and which are supposed to govern their administration and substantive processes. The Rhode Island Family Court is no exception. The rules are called the Rhode Island Rules of Domestic Relations Procedure...

Rhode Island Divorce Lawyer - Tips about Your Marital Home

Posted on March 15, 2008
Retirement accounts in divorce actions usually include any number of types of accounts. The following are just a few. Annuities Pensions 401(K) Plans 403(B) Plans SEP Plans (Simplified Employee Pension Plans) IRAs (Individual Retirement Accounts) Both prior to and during the course of many marriages retirement accounts are formed and appreciate...

Rhode Island Divorce Attorney - Dealing with Credit Card Debts

Posted on March 14, 2008
Credit cards are often one of the most consistent types of debts that is dealt with in Rhode Island Divorce case. Credit cards can pose their own divorce difficulties. Some years back, at the beginning of my divorce practice, I thought that credit cards would create the same issues as any other debts...

Rhode Island Divorce Tip on Legal Custody

Posted on March 12, 2008
Beyond any doubt it is the minor children of any divorce that are of most concern to the court and many times to the attorneys involved in the cases. As I have heard stated by several Rhode Island Family Court judge's, "it is one of our supreme responsibilities to attend to the protection and safety of the children within our borders"...

Rhode Island Family Law Attorney - Visitation Basics

Posted on March 11, 2008
Visitation is a rather straightforward concept. It is the right of a non-placement parent to spend time with his or her children. Visitation may be supervised or unsupervised. The vast majority of visitation is unsupervised. This generally occurs in one of three ways...

Rhode Island Family Law Attorneys Tip - Understanding Placement

Posted on March 10, 2008
"Placement" or "Physical Placement" is often confused by laypeople with "Legal Custody" in divorce matters and post divorce relief. Without repeating the last section let's get into what "Placement" or "Physical Placement" is in a Rhode Island Divorce proceeding...

Rhode Island Child Support - A Different Perspective

Posted on March 08, 2008
Rhode Island Child Support is calculated based upon the Rhode Child Support Guidelines which were authorized on September 14, 2007 and went into effect on November 1, 2007. For those who aren't that familiar with the calculation of the child support itself in the Rhode Island Courts, it is based substantially on the combined gross income of the parents of the child(ren) who are to be supported...

Exerpt of an Interview with a Rhode Island Divorce Lawyer

Posted on March 07, 2008
All Rhode Island Divorce Attorneys and Family Law Lawyers are NOT created equal! Why? Let me explain. The yellow pages and the internet are littered with advertisements for lawyers offering divorce services. But the Rhode Island Supreme Court licenses ALL attorneys in the general practice of law...

Rhode Island Divorce - Dating and When to Start

Posted on March 06, 2008
Though I am a Rhode Island Divorce Attorney, you don't have to have any experience in law whatsoever to know your own heart. Now, let me preface this article by saying that I am not advocating dating before your divorce is finalized. In fact, depending upon which judge you go before in the Rhode Island Family Court System, their philosophies on adultery vary and it could very well affect the outcome of your divorce in more ways than one...

Rhode Island Child Support: What is Earning Capacity?

Posted on March 05, 2008
In a Rhode Island family law proceeding, usually involving the establishment or modification of child support, you may hear the judge or an attorney state that perhaps one or the other of two parents need to have an earning capacity set. Yet what is an "earning capacity" and what affect might it have on the child support at issue? Earning capacity is generally raised when one or the other of two parents is alleged to "not be pulling their weight" so to speak when it comes to the amount of money they could or should be earning in order to...

Rhode Island Divorce Attorney - What is an Uncontested Divorce?

Posted on March 03, 2008
When searching for a divorce attorney I find that many of the calls I receive have the caller telling me something like this, I have an uncontested divorce. My wife and I have agreed on everything so there should be very little you have to do. How much do you charge for that? Regrettably it isn't that easy...

Rhode Island Visitation Lawyer: Motions to Enforce Visitation

Posted on March 02, 2008
Do you have visitation enforcement issues that you need to bring before the Rhode Island Family Court?  You may have more difficulty than you anticipate.  Although it is great to be optimistic and to think that all parents will be given the benefit of the doubt when it comes to visitation with their children...

Rhode Island Divorce Attorneys - What are you paying for?

Posted on March 01, 2008
When hiring a Rhode Island Divorce Attorney, or even when shopping around for one, you want to know what you are paying for.  The best way to do this is to compare the "Fee Agreement", "Retainer Agreement" and/or "Engagement Letter" provided by each attorney...

Rhode Island Family Law Clients and Attorneys - Important Notice

Posted on February 29, 2008
We all come to points in our lives that give us cause for pause in our every day regimen.  Today was one of those days as I encountered a Family Law Attorney who failed to object to motions and only at the last minute feigned illness so that he would not have to attend court...

Rhode Island Child Support Lawyer Tip: Termination

Posted on February 28, 2008
Many people assume that child support terminates automatically.  It's a bad assumption to make.  Child support will continue to run as long as the present order is not formally terminated, usually on the "record" of the court. Child support runs until the minor child reaches age 18 and has graduated from high school but no longer than age 19 unless extraordinary circumstances warrant child support for an extended period of time in the discretion of the the court...

Rhode Island Child Support - Get your health insurance deduction!

Posted on February 27, 2008
When it comes to Rhode Island Child Support the amount of child support can, at times, be a hefty burden to bear.  Therefore, you may want to do whatever you can to make sure the amount calculated for your child support payment is correct. Under the Rhode Island Child Support Guidelines parents receive a mandatory deduction from their gross income for health insurance coverage that they pay for which includes the minor child whose support is being calculated...

Rhode Island Divorce Lawyer Tips - Subpoena Bank Records

Posted on February 26, 2008
Rhode Island Child Support is often a sticky issue when it comes time to do the numbers at court.  This is true whether the calculations are done by agreement as to the figures or whether they are achieved after a hearing on a motion to set child support or a motion for modification...

Rhode Island Divorce Lawyer: Love, Marriage and Divorce

Posted on February 24, 2008
When you meet someone sometimes it's fate that you fall in love and get married.  Love and marriage tend to follow one another unless it's a marriage of convenience for reasons other than love. Let's assume that we have a couple that fall in love because they truly care about each other, respect each other and have a genuine and caring relationship for each other's well-being...

Rhode Island Divorce Tip | Child Support Argument for the Self-Employed

Posted on February 17, 2008
Rhode Island Child Support is calculated based upon the gross income of the parents.  While this may or may not be the best way to calculate child support because the expenses (sometimes manadatory and uncontrollable expenses) of a parent are not considered in the standard calculation, the fact remains that it is based on gross income...

Rhode Island Divorce Tips for Court Appearances!

Posted on February 10, 2008
Whether you have a Rhode Island Family Lawyer or not, here are just a few tips to heed that may help you at court.  Even though some are common sense, I see people who disregard these tips all the time and then they wonder why their case didn't go their way...

Rhode Island Child Support Lawyer - Don't Skip the Step!

Posted on February 06, 2008
Rhode Island child support is calculated pursuant to the Rhode Island Child Support Guidelines which is a short directive providing the manner in which child support is to be calculated and providing a current chart to indicate the amount of child support the non-placement parent should pay at a minimum...

A Mistake Men Make in Rhode Island Child Support!

Posted on January 31, 2008
Men shouldn't misunderstand this article about Rhode Island Child Support.  This is by no means a criticism of men who fall prey to this mistake.  Unfortunately, too many men do get stuck in the situation I'm about to describe and frankly, the women who truly place fathers in this situation should think twice about whether they have any integrity whatsoever or whether they are just being greedy at the father's expense regardless of what the law may allow the mother to do...

How Do People Select Rhode Island Divorce Attorneys to Interview?

Posted on January 24, 2008
Let's face it.  Rhode Island lawyers and lawyers in general are officers of the court.  We're supposed to be servants of the public.  Yet at the same same we're independent practitioners and we we've got a job to do and money to bring in through our private practice or we don't survive...

Rhode Island Divorce Lawyer: The Doctrine of Transmutation

Posted on January 10, 2008
In a Rhode Island divorce you may not have heard of the "Doctrine of Transmutation."  Yet it's something you certainly want to know about or at least something you don't want to be surprised by. The doctrine of transmutation applies in a divorce when non-marital property is pulled into the marital estate when a non-marital asset that is in the name of one spouse is transferred jointly into the name of both spouses...

Low Cost Rhode Island Divorce Lawyers to Help You!

Posted on December 28, 2007
More and more I realize as people come in for consultations and don't return to take advantage of the services offered by my office, I wonder, "why"?    Their initial reaction seems as though they are communicating to me that what I am offering is out of their price range or that it is, perhaps, not in keeping with the costs charged by other attorneys who offer the same degree or level or services...

Rhode Island Divorce - Sylvia, Merlin and the Disappearing Alimony

Posted on December 20, 2007
Sylvia and Merlin have been married for decades.  Merlin's been the primary financial provider while Sylvia took care of the kids and then got a job as an assistant showing apartment units at an apartment complex.  Merlin makes decent money as an HVAC installer...

Rhode Island Divorce Tip: Check with Your Attorney!

Posted on December 18, 2007
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...