Divorce in Middletown RI
Even when both parties are amicable, going through a divorce is a heavy burden. You have so many urgent needs to address, from managing finances to caring for your children. One of the most important things to prioritize is hiring a reliable, experienced Middletown divorce lawyer such as Susan T. Perkins.
Your divorce proceedings don’t have to be a time-consuming, stressful whirlwind of emotions. When you hire a divorce attorney with 25+ years of successful experience like Susan, you’ll always be at least one step ahead throughout the divorce process.
Many people imagine that after agreeing to get divorced, the courts handle everything else. But in reality, you and your attorney will need to discuss several matters with your spouse and their lawyer:
These decisions are very likely to impact your finances for years, if not decades, to come. Working with a dedicated Middletown divorce attorney is the most effective way to protect your best interests and fight for what’s rightfully yours.
Alimony in Middletown RI
The purpose of alimony in Middletown, RI is to financially support whichever spouse is financially worse off until they can become self-sufficient. (R.I. Gen. Laws § 15-5-16)
There is no ‘typical’ alimony payment amount here—it all depends on details very specific to your marriage, such as:
- The length of your marriage
- Your and your spouse’s marital conduct
- The current needs and liabilities of each party
- Your standard of living throughout the marriage
- Whether one party is caring for a child with special needs
- The health, age, current income, and employability of each party
- The likelihood of the lower-earning spouse ever becoming self-sufficient
- Whether one party was unable to stay employable due to homemaking responsibilities
The court may also, at their discretion, consider any other factor which they find to be relevant. To find out exactly how these factors might apply to your divorce, contact Middletown divorce lawyer Susan T. Perkins at (401) 324-2990.
Property Division in Middletown RI
Middletown RI follows “equitable distribution” laws, meaning you maintain ownership of any property paid for with your own funds rather than marital funds. But for many people, proving you indeed used your own separate money to make any given purchase is surprisingly difficult.
After you hire a Middletown divorce lawyer, it’s a wise move to at least try to reach an agreement on property division with your spouse. If you’re successful, they’ll draft a formal marital settlement agreement (MSA).
If not, your divorce—which is a contested divorce at this point—will be heard by the court. They’ll make the final decision on how the property will be divided.
Child Custody in Middletown RI
During divorce and child custody proceedings in Middletown, RI, the best interests of the child are always the top priority. For this reason, no divorce can be finalized until the custody agreement terms are settled.
You should also know there are technically two types of custody in Middletown:
- Legal custody – Whoever has legal custody gets the final say on important decisions like schooling and healthcare. The court may grant sole or shared legal custody.
- Physical custody – This is where the child will live post-divorce. Like legal custody, you may be granted shared or sole physical custody.
If for any reason you and your spouse can’t agree on these matters, the court will create a plan instead. The most straightforward way to fight for your right to stay in your child’s life is by working with a strategic, experienced Middletown divorce lawyer like Susan T. Perkins.
Child Support in Middletown RI
Child support is an unavoidable part of a Middletown RI divorce if you have children. The court’s focus on the best interests of the child extends to this topic too. In Middletown, the goal of child support is to give children the same standard of living post-divorce.
Many factors impact this decision, such as:
- The child’s educational needs
- The child’s financial resources
- The custodial parent’s financial resources
- The non-custodial parent’s financial resources
- The child’s physical and emotional condition
- Whether the non-custodial parent is incarcerated
- What the standard of living would’ve been if not for the divorce
- Whether the child has severe physical or mental health conditions
But the court is also allowed to consider any other factor deemed relevant to your specific situation. This is why there isn’t a tried-and-true process for calculating your expected child support payment in Middletown RI.
Get Help from a Dedicated, Reliable Middletown Divorce Lawyer
No matter how much preparation and research you do, trying to navigate divorce alone is going to be an uphill battle. You see, Rhode Island divorce laws are highly detailed and complex.
The most effective way to protect your best interests without burning yourself out is to work with a knowledgeable, dedicated Middletown divorce lawyer like Susan T. Perkins. If you’re ready to learn more about our approach to divorce, call 401) 324-2990 now for your free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Working with a Middletown Divorce Attorney
How can I find the best divorce attorney in Middletown, RI?
You can find the best divorce attorney in Middletown, RI by considering these factors:
- Word-of-mouth referrals – Do you know anyone who could personally recommend or vouch for a Middletown divorce attorney?
- Disciplinary records – Check with the Rhode Island Supreme Court to make sure any lawyer you consider hasn’t received disciplinary actions
- Professional organizations – When a lawyer has, for example, held a leadership position with a local or college bar association, it’s a good sign of their experience
- Specializations – Every divorce is different, so find out whether the attorney specializes in high-net-worth divorce, LGBTQ divorce, or whatever you may need
Considering these four details will make it much easier for you to find the best Middletown divorce lawyer for your specific situation. Use what you learn during your research to narrow down your options until you find the best fit.
What are the steps involved in filing for divorce in Middletown, RI?
The steps involved in filing for divorce are to gather the necessary forms, fill them out, and submit them to the Rhode Island family court clerk:
- Your complaint
- A DR6 Financial Statement
- Two FC-59s (Statement Listing Children)
- A report of divorce
- A copy of your marriage certificate
- A summons
- A filing fee
Most of the forms you need can be obtained from the family court clerk in whichever county you’re filing for divorce. Per R.I. Gen. Laws § 15-5-13, this will be either the county where you live or where your spouse lives.
Will I have to go to court for my divorce case in Middletown, RI?
No, you won’t necessarily have to go to court for your divorce case in Middletown, RI. If your divorce is uncontested, the odds are much better that you’ll never have to make a court appearance.
In this scenario, you and your spouse would agree on every single issue related to your divorce, including custody, alimony, child support, and property division. A judge would simply need to look over your marital settlement agreement and formally issue your divorce decree.
But if you two don’t see eye-to-eye and aren’t able to reach a middle ground, then going to court becomes far more likely.
Can I find a divorce lawyer in Middletown, RI who offers a free consultation?
Yes, you can find a divorce lawyer in Middletown, RI who offers a free consultation here at the Law Offices of Susan T. Perkins Esq. For 25+ years, Susan has helped clients in Middletown, RI navigate divorce, no matter how complicated or emotionally charged the case may be.
Your divorce settlement can shape the course of your life for years to come. The best way to protect yourself and your best interests is by working with an experienced, dedicated Middletown divorce lawyer. Call (401) 324-2990 today for your free consultation.