CHILD SUPPORT
Children's Financial Support After Divorce or Separation
Coventry child support attorneys covering Warwick, North Kingston and Cranston
During divorce or separation proceedings, the court may order the noncustodial parent to pay child support to the custodial parent. The court order seeks to justly divide the children’s living expenses between both parents.
Kerry I. Rafanelli, Attorney at Law has guided divorcing and separating parents in establishing, modifying and enforcing child support for 30 years. Kerry is recognized as an advocate for children. He was featured in the Rhode Island Monthly magazine for his skillful representation of children in his role as a Guardian Ad Litem. When choosing a lawyer for divorce, knowing that we consider your children’s best interests when formulating our plans gives you peace-of-mind that your family will receive the financial support they need.
Establishing child support
You and the other parent should share childrearing costs — including food, clothes, medical care, education and extracurricular activities. Child support continues until your children reach age 18, have graduated from high school or are emancipated. The court considers several factors when establishing child support, including:
- Incomes of both parents
- Number of children requiring support
- Total expenses of the children
- Special needs
- Health insurance
- School tuition
Rhode Island utilizes a child support guideline in determining a minimum child support obligation
Modification of child support orders
Your family’s financial situation may change during the years following your divorce. You and the other parent are required to follow the last existing order until a judge rules on a modification. To obtain a modification, you must prove a financial change in circumstance. For example, the noncustodial parent might seek a modification based upon a lost job or reduced income, whereas the custodial parent might show that the children require more support because of the other parent’s increase in income.
Child support enforcement
If the other parent is not abiding by a child support order, our East Greenwich child support lawyers can assist you with enforcement.
Learn more from experienced lawyers
Consult an experienced East Greenwich attorney who can advise you about establishing fair child support. Call Kerry I. Rafanelli, Attorney at Law or contact us online to schedule your free consultation.
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.