Uncontested Divorce Lawyer Near Me in Rhode Island

Divorce does not always include screaming matches and name-calling. In fact, one survey found that 56% of divorces were amicable according to both ex-spouses. If you and your spouse have agreed to dissolve your marriage, an uncontested divorce in Rhode Island may be the ideal path forward.

With over 25 years of experience, uncontested divorce lawyer Susan T. Perkins has helped hundreds of clients efficiently navigate this complex process. You see, while uncontested divorces are typically faster and less expensive, there are still specific protocols and requirements that must be followed.

What Constitutes an Uncontested Divorce in Rhode Island?

An uncontested divorce in Rhode Island, also called collaborative divorce, is one in which both sides generally agree on the terms but still need to iron out the fine details.

Some of the details you will need to see eye-to-eye on include:

Whether either party will pay alimony
Alimony amount and duration (if alimony is paid)
Child custody
Child support
Division of property and debts

If you two have already decided these matters—or at least the broad strokes—then you are well on your way to an uncontested divorce.

In this situation, the courts and divorce attorneys do not do much mediating. Instead, most of their efforts are focused on guiding the couple through all the various documentation needed to legally dissolve their marriage.

Contested Divorce Vs. Uncontested Divorce vs No-Fault Divorce

An uncontested divorce is, across the board, advantageous over a contested divorce. The process is far less stressful since you are not verbally duking it out with your soon-to-be ex over every little detail. It also tends to be much less expensive since you will not be attending multiple hearings with your lawyer.

It is also important to know that Rhode Island is a no-fault state in terms of divorce, meaning you do not legally need a ‘reason’ to get divorced.

In a typical uncontested divorce in Rhode Island, ‘irreconcilable differences’ are listed as grounds for the divorce.

Requirements for Uncontested Divorce in Rhode Island

Here is what you will need to proceed with an uncontested divorce in Rhode Island:

Meet the state’s residency requirements. Under Rhode Island law, either you or your spouse must have lived in RI for one year or more before starting divorce proceedings.
Come to a general agreement over major aspects of your lives such as property division, child custody, and alimony.
Either one of you starts the process by filing a divorce petition (also called a “complaint”) along with other required forms, such as financial disclosures.
Divorce papers must be served to the other spouse by a third party. Included in these papers is a court summons.
The other spouse files an answer with the court using the appropriate forms, and these must be served to the spouse who originally filed.
At your court hearing, both sides will answer questions and offer explanations as needed. Ideally, this will be the only court hearing you need to attend as part of your divorce.
The judge decides on your case, and a three-month waiting period goes into effect. You have to file another form with the court, and after the three months have passed, you have to follow up once more to legally dissolve your marriage.

Throughout this process, it is wise to work with a Rhode Island uncontested divorce attorney like Susan T. Perkins. This ensures your rights are protected and your divorce agreement is truly fair to you.

Benefits of Working with an Experienced Rhode Island Divorce Lawyer for Your Uncontested Divorce

The benefits of working with an experienced attorney for your uncontested divorce in Rhode Island include:

Meeting all legal requirements, which helps you avoid costly legal errors and mistakes
Getting legal advice and well-informed guidance at any stage in the divorce proceedings
Drafting and filing of all legal documents, ensuring important deadlines are met
Resolving your divorce even faster because your lawyer knows the process
Ensuring your rights are protected and that you are not taken advantage of
You can worry less about the legal process and focus on rebuilding your life

But when you search online for “uncontested divorce lawyers near me,” do not just automatically go with the first one you find.

You need someone experienced, detail-oriented, and attentive. It is crucial that your divorce attorney looks out for your best interests and ensures your rights are protected every step of the way.

That’s exactly what you can expect when you choose uncontested divorce lawyer Susan T. Perkins. If you would like to learn more about the process, just call 401-PERKINS for your free consultation.

What You Need to Know About Filing for Uncontested Divorce in Rhode Island

Now that you understand this process better, you likely have a few specific questions. Below are answers to the most common inquiries uncontested divorce lawyer Susan T. Perkins receives.

What if one party changes their mind about the divorce in Rhode Island?

If one party changes their mind about the divorce in Rhode Island, this does not necessarily mean the divorce is blocked from proceeding.

The timing of your spouse’s change of heart can impact how the process unfolds, though. Let us say, for example, you had both agreed to start searching online for an “uncontested divorce attorney near me in Rhode Island,” and they changed their mind the next day.

If you want to move forward with the divorce from here, it will most likely be a contested divorce involving court hearings.

Rhode Island also has a three-month waiting period before a divorce is finalized because of this possibility. This “cooling off” period is to give you both an opportunity for reconciliation. However, you would both need to change your mind in order to cancel the dissolution of your marriage.

How does Rhode Island law handle child custody in an uncontested divorce?

In an uncontested divorce, Rhode Island law requires you and your spouse to have agreed upon an approved plan for child custody and child support.

Getting an uncontested divorce in Rhode Island is not as simple as telling the court you do not want to be married anymore. If you have children, you are required to have a plan for everything from custody to visitation.

Lastly, Rhode Island law puts the best interests of the child above anything else. This is why your custody arrangement cannot negatively impact your children or their standard of living.

Otherwise, your divorce will not move forward.

Can we file for an uncontested divorce in Rhode Island without a lawyer?

Yes, you can technically file for an uncontested divorce in Rhode Island without a lawyer.

Most of the legal forms and documents you’ll need are readily available on the RI Judiciary website. But you will still need to speak with a local court clerk to confirm you have everything in order.

Just keep in mind how big of an undertaking it will be to handle this on your own. Between pensions, retirement funds, child custody, and property division, you have an immense number of details to work out.

Working with a Rhode Island uncontested divorce attorney earlier in the process can save you quite a bit of time, money, and headache down the road.

Contact Rhode Island Uncontested Divorce Lawyer Susan T. Perkins Today

For over 25 years, Rhode Island uncontested divorce lawyer Susan T. Perkins has helped clients successfully prepare for and effectively navigate divorce.

While you are technically able to handle your divorce without help from a lawyer, it’s rarely the most efficient choice. Even the most amicable divorces sometimes encounter hurdles that quickly make the process expensive and painful.

If you are pursuing an uncontested divorce in Rhode Island, you have still got a lot on the line. You need a focused, attentive attorney who is always championing your best interests. Contact the RI Divorce Lawyers at the Law Offices of Susan T. Perkins now at 401-PERKINS to learn more and schedule your free consultation.