ACTIONS TO HAVE A GOOD DIVORCE
How to Achieve a Good Divorce
Legal Advice from an Experienced Rhode Island Divorce Attorney:
Everyone knows someone who “did their divorce right.” They don’t hate their ex-spouse. They co-parent their children well. And they moved on with their lives!
Rhode Island divorce attorney Kerry I Rafanelli has been helping clients work toward “good divorce” for more than 30 years. He’s seen the heartache and financial costs that accompany mistakes in divorce , and he works to help his clients avoid those bad outcomes (if they are avoidable).
A good divorce is not an impossible dream
If you want to come out on the other side of the divorce process happier and whole, here are some things you can do to increase your chances of achieving that outcome.
- Educate yourself – Understand what's reasonable to expect in a Rhode Island divorce, child custody and alimony case. That will help you …
- Set reasonable expectations – The reality of divorce is, no one gets everything they want, no matter how good their lawyer is. Your spouse has rights, too, and the law has to take those rights into consideration. It helps if you understand what things are most important for YOUR long-term happiness and what things are negotiable. That will make it easier to arrive at a child custody arrangement or property settlement agreement that you can live with.
- Understand your finances – Know how much money you have and how much you want to spend on getting divorced. This will help you make reasonable compromises in order to keep costs down.
- Don't fight too much about things being exactly equal – When it comes to the division of marital assets and alimony, doing right by the other party is often less expensive than fighting it out. It's not uncommon for someone to pay $30,000 in legal fees in a fight not to pay $5,000 in alimony. But does that make sense?
- Strive to put your children's interests first – When it comes to your children, start with the understanding that both parents are extremely important to your child. Plan to support each other and plan to share. Think about what constitutes quality time together? Ensure each parent has it. Strive to minimize the chance for conflict. A thorough parenting plan can be very helpful.
Last but not least, failing to listen to your lawyer
This may sound self-serving coming from a divorce lawyer, but think about it. Your lawyer has extensive training and years of experience – Attorney Rafanelli has more than 30 years of experience – dealing with family court judges, other divorce attorneys, mediators, business valuators, appraisers, parents and children, angry spouses, depressed spouses, dishonest spouses. That experience is invaluable. Put it to good use. After all, you’re paying for it.
A good divorce is possible
Your divorce doesn’t need to take years off your life and leave emotional scars and ruined relationships in its wake. And it doesn’t have to bankrupt you.
We’ll help you reach for the goal of a good divorce. Call East Greenwich divorce lawyer Kerry I. Rafanelli at 401-398-8388 or contact us online to schedule a consultation at our law office.
Providence family law attorney
Kerry I. Rafanelli
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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
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401-398-8399
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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.