ATTORNEY
PROFILE
Whatever you’re going through, we’ll get you through it.
Divorce Mediation Attorneys
Knowledgeable Attorney Serving Warwick, Cranston, East Greenwich and Coventry, RI Helping Rhode Island and Massachusetts residents for 30 years
Kerry I. Rafanelli
For over 35 years, Attorney Kerry I. Rafanelli has expertly guided clients through complex legal issues of Family Law with compassion, empathy and efficacy. At Rafanelli Law, he centers his practice on the needs and goals of clients which helps to determine the best course of action specific to each case. He provides zealous representation throughout the entire process, while using a detail-oriented approach and down-to-earth legal counsel to get the best possible results for his clients. Attorney Rafanelli effectively manages the stress of the case and provides creative solutions so his clients can focus on moving forward with their lives. By providing each client with individualized representation, he ensures every stage of their case moves smoothly through the legal process, while professionally negotiating an equitable resolution on his client’s behalf. He has created team a comprised of courteous and patient professionals who are focused on providing attentive and efficient service related to all aspects of clients concerns.
Dedicated family law attorneys in Warwick, RI
Attorney Rafanelli primarily focuses his practice on mediation and all aspects of Family Law; including Divorce, Child Custody, Pre-nuptial and Post-Nuptial Agreements, Paternity Actions, Adoption, Petitions for Relocation, and Grandparents Rights.
Attorney Rafanelli received a Bachelor of Science degree in 1980 from Providence College and received his Juris Doctorate degree from New England School of Law in 1983. He is admitted to the RI and Massachusetts Bar. He served as the Assistant City Solicitor to the City of Warwick from 1998-2018 and 2020-present and received the “Lawyer of the Year” Award in 1999 from the Kent County Bar Association. Attorney Rafanelli has also been given an AV Rating by Martindale-Hubbel, the highest possible rating in both legal ability and ethical standards based upon the reviews of peers, clients and judges.
Learn more from an experienced East Greenwich attorney
Bar admissions
- Rhode Island, 1983
- Massachusetts 2006
- U.S. District Court, District of Rhode Island 1984
Education
- J.D., New England School of Law, 1983
- B.S., Providence College, 1980
Professional Associations and Memberships
- Kent County Bar Association
- Rhode Island Bar Association
- Massachusetts Bar Association
- The Edward P. Gallogly Rhode Island Family Law Inn of Court
- Rhode Island Department of Education Board Member
- Whitemarsh House for Boys Board Member
- Incorporator of the Kent County Hospital
Solicitor
- City of Warwick, 1988 to 2019
Awards and honors
- Kent County Bar Association, Lawyer of the Year Award, 1999
Providence family law attorney
Kerry I. Rafanelli
Contact Us
Kerry Rafanelli,
Attorney At Law
OUR ADDRESS:
Kerry I Rafanelli, Attorney at Law
670 Main Street, Suite C-4
East Greenwich, RI 02818
PHONE NO.
401-398-8388
FAX NO.
401-398-8399
Fill the Form Below
all questions
Frequently
Asked Questions
Consult an experienced Rhode Island divorce attorney for answers to your questions. Call Kerry I. Rafanelli, Attorney at Law, at 401-398-8388 or contact us online to schedule your consultation at our East Greenwich law office.
Should I retain a lawyer if my fiancé's attorney has already drawn up a prenuptial agreement?
Both parties to a prenuptial agreement should be represented so that you can feel confident that the contract is fair to you.
Am I considered the parent once my adoption of a child is finalized?
At the completion of your adoption, you acquire all the rights and responsibilities of a parent–including making important childrearing decisions and providing your child with financial support. Your child gains all the rights as your natural children would have involving inheritance, immigration, government benefits and healthcare coverage.
Am I entitled to visitation rights as soon as I affirm my paternity of my child?
In most cases, you are entitled to visitation with your child, but you must file a petition with the court requesting visitation.
Am I entitled to child support as soon as the father's paternity is positively affirmed?
You are entitled to financial support from the father, but you must file a petition with the court requesting child support. You may be entitled to support from previous years as well.
What is the difference between guardianship and adoption?
Adoptive parents acquire all the rights of natural parents. Guardians have legal and physical custody, but are not considered the parents of the child and must periodically appear before the court to give updates on the child’s status. In some cases, the birth parents may retain their parental rights.
Is my former spouse permitted to move my child to another state?
A custodial parent must petition the court to relocate with your child to another state. You can object to the move and present evidence at a court hearing.
What does the court consider in relocation cases?
The court considers what is in the best interest of your child — including financial advantages of the move, educational opportunities, the existence of extended family in both locations, the nature of the child’s relationship with each parent, and the logistics of visitation with the noncustodial parent.
How can I learn more about family law?
Call Kerry I. Rafanelli, Attorney at Law or contact us online to schedule your no-obligation, free consultation and get the answers to all of your family law questions.