Experienced Family Lawyer

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Divorce Mediation Attorneys in RI Helping You Reach Solutions

Family Law

Experienced Family Law Attorney in Cranston, RI

Guiding your family

Kerry I. Rafanelli, Attorney at Law has helped clients in Rhode Island and Massachusetts for 30 years. All clients work directly with our dedicated lawyer Kerry Rafanelli who is supported by an attentive, capable staff. Read Kerry’s attorney profile to learn more about his background and commitment to the ethical, professional practice of law in the areas of divorce, family law, personal injury, estate planning and criminal defense.

Pre- and post-nuptial agreements

A prenuptial contract allows you to protect your pre-marital assets by agreeing to terms of distribution if you should divorce. You can also agree to property allocation after you marry in a postnuptial contract. We treat your fiancé or spouse with dignity and respect during your pre- and postnuptial negotiations.

Adoption

Adopting a child is an exciting and joyful occasion. We guide you through the legal path to this rewarding experience. Adoption is truly one of the better experiences in Family Court.

Paternity

Whether you are the mother establishing paternity to secure the financial support your child deserves, the father proving his paternity to obtain visitation with his child or a man who refutes claims of fatherhood, our law firm can expeditiously resolve your case.

Guardianship

The court appoints a legal guardian to make decisions when a person’s minority age or mental or physical impairment renders her or him unable to do so. Our law firm helps parents create an estate plan that names an appropriate guardian should both parents die. We also handle cases in which an adult who becomes incapacitated does not have a power of attorney to designate the decision-maker and therefore a family member or friend is appointed by the Probate Court to watch over the persona and their finances.

Petition for relocation

The court considers your child’s best interest when deciding whether to allow a move out of the jurisdiction. Our office assists you in pre or post-final judgment relief–either filing for modification of visitation that allows you to move or stopping the other parent from relocating with your child.

Learn more about resolving your issues from an experienced East Greenwich family law lawyer serving North Kingstown, Warwick and Coventry

Consult an experienced East Greenwich attorney about resolving your family law issues. Call Kerry I. Rafanelli, Attorney at Law or contact us online to schedule your free consultation. Providence Family Law Attorney Kerry I. Rafanelli click to play video Click to View our Video Estate Planning FAQs Do I need a last will and testament? Learn More Prev Next Avvo-rating-logo av-logo Ri-Logo bar association Logo

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

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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.

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