GUARDIAN AD LITEM
Compassionate Guardian Ad Litem Attorneys
Representing children's best interests
Children deserve to be heard when the court makes custody, visitation and support decisions. After all, the outcomes of these rulings directly affect their lives. Appointed by the court, a guardian ad litem (GAL) gives children a voice. The GAL represents a child’s best interest during parents’ divorce or separation proceedings.
Divorce attorney Kerry I. Rafanelli, Attorney at Law has 30 years of experience advocating for children in family law cases. Rhode Island Monthly magazine featured an article about how Kerry’s role as guardian ad litem has helped children whose parents are involved in contentious divorces and family law disputes.
GAL's role in divorce proceedings
The court considers the children’s best interest in cases involving custody, visitation, relocation, parental rights and support. As guardian ad litem, we determine and present recommendations to the Court based on the evidence. In the GAL role, we:
- Investigate the facts
- Conduct interviews with parents and other relevant parties
- Talk to the child about her or his wishes
- Review social services, medical, psychological, school and criminal records
- File reports with the court
- Appear at court proceedings
- Attend mediation sessions
- Make recommendations to the court
How our guardian ad litem can protect your children
A loving parent can become embroiled in a hostile divorce that involves disputes about their children’s upbringing. Both parents may bitterly be fighting for custody or one parent may have an issue of concern to the court. A GAL can minimize emotional damage and allow your children to retain neutrality. Although we consider your children’s wishes, we recommend to the court what is in the child’s best interest – which are not always the same. We are often able to facilitate resolution of parental disputes by presenting the children’s best interest during mediation.
Learn more about guardians ad litem in Warwick, Cranston, East Greenwich, North Kingstown and Coventry, RI
Consult an experienced East Greenwich attorney about guardian ad litem representation for your children. 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
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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.