Family, Divorce, Criminal Defense Lawyer Susan T. Perkins of Providence, Rhode Island
Schedule a ConsultationDivorce is one of the hardest things you can face in life—especially in a close-knit community like Tiverton. In a town like this, where everyone seems to know your business, the experience can make you feel incredibly isolated. That’s why having a skilled, strategic Tiverton divorce lawyer like Susan T. Perkins in your corner is essential during this process.
The Law Offices of Susan T. Perkins have supported individuals through divorce for over two decades. Our team has the experience, knowledge, and skillset to fight for your future, even if you expect your divorce will be particularly complex or contentious.
Above all, our top priority is securing a divorce agreement that’s honest and fair, while also protecting your best interests.
Rhode Island state law dictates that you must address the following four factors before your divorce can be finalized:
But coming to an agreement on these matters isn’t something you should take lightly. The potential worst-case scenarios can negatively impact your life for years to come:
When you work with a dedicated, knowledgeable Tiverton divorce lawyer like Susan T. Perkins, you can expect attention to detail where it matters most, such as:
Alimony, also known as spousal support, is often a huge concern—whether you’re the one seeking it or the one being asked to pay it. The first thing to know is that in Tiverton, RI, alimony is meant to support the lower-earning spouse until they’re financially independent (R.I. Gen. Laws § 15-5-16).
As a result, payments can be ordered for anywhere between a few months and several years. The judge will consider many factors of your marriage before making a decision, like:
When you hire a knowledgeable Tiverton divorce lawyer, you’re ensuring that your alimony agreement is truly fair. As your attorney, Susan T. Perkins will take the time to:
Analyze your spouse’s financial situation to ensure accurate income reporting
Advocate for a reasonable amount that takes your lifestyle and financial capacity into account
Prevent overpayment by challenging inflated claims or hidden income sources from your spouse
Rhode Island, unlike many other US states, is not a community property state. Instead, during a divorce, assets are divided according to equitable distribution laws (R.I. Gen. Laws § 15-5-16.1).
This means anything you acquired using your own individual funds throughout your marriage solely belongs to you, and the same is true for your spouse.
But you each have to prove you indeed made each purchase with your own money. In a perfect world, you’ll have receipts or any kind of documentation to validate your ownership.
If you and your Tiverton divorce attorney can reach an agreement with your spouse, a formal martial settlement agreement (MSA) will be drafted. Otherwise, the court will hear your case and make the final ruling on who gets what.
From the court’s perspective, protecting the best interests of the children is the top priority in any Tiverton divorce (R.I. Gen. Laws § 15-5-16). You can’t finalize your divorce until custody has been sorted out.
What you might not know is that there are two kinds of child custody in Tiverton, RI:
The last key detail to know is that, while the court may allow your child to express their preferences regarding custody, the judge ultimately gets to make the decision.
Just like with custody arrangements, Rhode Island courts prioritize the best interests of the child first and foremost when it comes to child support. These payments are meant to minimize any disruption to the child’s life and maintain the standard of living they’re accustomed to (R.I. Gen. Laws § 15-5-16.2).
To make a fair, accurate determination, the court considers many factors:
But state law also allows for the court to consider any other factors they feel are relevant to your child. The most straightforward way to find out what your payments might amount to is by contacting Tiverton divorce lawyer Susan T. Perkins today at (401) 324-2990.
For residents of Tiverton, most divorce-related legal proceedings will take place at the Newport Family Court. But there are several other courthouses and offices that may be relevant to your divorce.
Getting divorced changes your life in more ways than you might initially realize. This goes far beyond being single again—the details of your divorce can impact your and your children’s lives for years to come.
With over two decades of experience advocating for individuals navigating divorce, Susan T. Perkins is the dedicated, strategic Tiverton divorce attorney you’ve been looking for. Call our Law Office at (401) 324-2990 today to schedule your free case consultation.
During your first meeting with a divorce attorney in Tiverton RI, ask questions that give you insights into their expertise and approach, such as:
Be aware that there may not be a concrete answer to every question, such as the cost of your divorce. But the lawyer should be able to clearly answer each question and offer advice specific to your case.
Getting a divorce with a lawyer in Tiverton, RI normally takes somewhere between 60 days and several months, but the exact timing comes down to the details of your case.
For example, a contested divorce can take many months because you have to attend court hearings and negotiate. Plus, the more property and assets you share, the longer the process will take.
But an uncontested divorce, wherein you and your spouse are in full agreement on every detail, can be finalized on a much shorter timeline.
To file for divorce with a lawyer in Tiverton, RI, you’ll typically follow these steps:
Working with a Tiverton divorce lawyer like Susan T. Perkins is the best way to ensure all paperwork is properly completed and filed so you can avoid unnecessary delays.
DISCLAIMER: This site and any information contained herein are intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. Seek competent legal counsel for advice on any legal matter. Also, the Rhode Island Supreme Court licenses all lawyers in the general practice of law, but does not license or certify any lawyer as an expert or specialist in any field of practice.
© 2024 , Inc. All rights reserved.
Supporting The Fight