RHODE ISLAND FAMILY LAW ATTORNEYS PROTECTING THE RIGHTS OF THOSE GOING THROUGH DIVORCE, CUSTODY, AND OTHER FAMILY LAW MATTERS
HELPING THE FAMILIES OF PROVIDENCE, NEWPORT, AND SURROUNDING AREAS.
The attorney at Kilroy Law Firm understands that enduring a divorce, custody battle, or any other type of family law matter may be painful, terrifying, and overwhelming. That is why the attorney and legal team at Kilroy Law Firm are committed to helping clients get through these difficult times. We sympathize and empathize with our clients, while at the same time fiercely advocating for their behalves. When parenting time, child support, spousal support, debt payment, and retirement accounts are at stake, our Massachusetts and Rhode Island family law lawyer will pull out all of the stops to ensure our clients’ goals are met. Contact us today.
We all want family law matters to resolve quickly and amicably, and we do our best to try to make that happen. That is why we work diligently and reasonably with opposing counsel, mediators, guardians ad litem, and the courts to bring closure to these matters in a timely manner.
But, we are all too aware that sometimes, emotions run high and things can turn ugly very quickly. That is why we are always well-prepared, ready, willing, and able to aggressively litigate unresolved issues in court.
EFFICIENT & EFFECTIVE RHODE ISLAND FAMILY LAW LAWYER
PROUDLY SERVING PROVIDENCE, AND THROUGHOUT BOTH RHODE ISLAND AND MASSACHUSETTS
Our Rhode Island family law lawyer is very experienced in handling cases of all shapes and sizes. No case is too big or too “small.” Whether a family law matter is relatively straightforward and amicable between parties – or whether a matter is “complex” and hotly contested, we have the knowledge and experience necessary to handle the case – effectively and efficiently.
We treat each and every client and case with respect, dignity, and compassion. Every one of our clients receives our 100% commitment, dedication, and attention to detail. We know that your case may be the most important thing in your life, and our Massachusetts divorce attorney never takes that for granted.
“Quality, efficient, attentive are just a few words to describe the type of services you receive [from Attorney Noah Kilroy]. He was able to answer everything and explain all matters to me thoroughly. He always kept things professional and always made sure I understood exactly what was going on. There was nothing that went on that I wasn’t aware of. If you want adequate and the best representation then hire him!” – Simone Cotton
DIVORCE 101
Divorce in Massachusetts or Rhode Island generally has three components:
- Property Division
- Parenting Time/Custody
- Financial Support: Child and/or Spousal
Each one of these areas of divorce is governed by different statutory provisions and relevant case law. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to divorce; and at Kilroy Law Firm, our proven Rhode Island divorce attorney understands that each case is unique. Therefore, we approach each case with the specific goal of obtaining favorable outcomes for our individual clients – whatever those desired outcomes may be.
PROPERTY DIVISION
First, the marital property of the parties must be divided. The general presumption in both states is that, upon divorce, the marital property should be split down the middle, whereby each party walks away with one-half of the total assets (taking into consideration any debts). There are, however, exceptions to this general principle; and the Rhode Island divorce lawyer at Kilroy Law Firm has extensive experience fighting and obtaining for our clients the assets they deserve.
PARENTING TIME/CUSTODY
Second, parenting time and custody of the parties’ children must be defined through parenting schedules and orders. There are many aspects of parenting that must be resolved during a divorce and thereafter, including the following:
- Primary custody
- Parenting schedule
- Holiday schedule
- Health and dental insurance
- Payment for education, necessities, and extracurricular activities
- Choice of a school district
- So much more
As with the division of marital property, the presumption in both Massachusetts and Rhode Island is that both parents are entitled to equal parenting time of their children. To the surprise of many parents, the legal landscape today is very different than it was fifty years ago. Neither parent is presumed to be more fit than the other for purposes of determining a parenting schedule. Of course, there are also exceptions to this general rule.
The Rhode Island family law attorney at Kilroy Law Firm is well-versed in the current status of parenting laws in both states. We have significant experience working with guardians ad litem, therapists, and other professionals in order to ensure the best interests of every child are first and foremost.
FINANCIAL SUPPORT – CHILD SUPPORT &/OR SPOUSAL SUPPORT
Third, monetary support, if any, must be determined and calculated. This includes both child support and/or spousal support. While child support is generally determined by a rather rigid formula set forth by the legislature, spousal support is not so well-defined. In each individual case, the court has the discretion to determine whether spousal support is warranted, and if so, the amount and duration of such an award.
The laws in both states set forth various factors that the court may consider when evaluating a request for spousal support. The family law lawyer at Kilroy Law Firm knows how to assess these various factors as they relate to each case. Our Rhode Island family law attorney has continued success in obtaining support goals for our clients.
SERVICES WE PROVIDE TO OUR VALUED CLIENTS
We help our clients get through these difficult times beginning the second they hire our firm. We inform our clients as to what is happening in their case at each and every step and junction. We will never leave our clients in the dark; and we will never let our clients wonder what is going on. In addition to dedicating our time and efforts to helping our clients remain actively involved in their legal matters, our Rhode Island family law lawyer provides some specific services as needed, depending on the matter.
Here is a list of some of the actions we take on behalf of our clients:
- Initiate divorce proceedings by filing the necessary paperwork and fees with the court (both individual and joint petitions)
- Respond to petitions for divorce filed by opposing parties
- Assist clients with completing required financial statements and gathering necessary financial documentation
- Request discovery from opposing parties (e.g., account information, insurance policies, etc.)
- Depose the opposing parties and any necessary witnesses
- File any necessary subpoenas
- File motions with the court and respond to any motions filed by opposing parties
- Handle evidentiary hearings, pretrial conferences, and final trials
OTHER FAMILY LAW MATTERS WE ROUTINELY HANDLE
Family law includes more than just divorce. Other aspects our Massachusetts family law lawyer regularly handles include the following:
CHILD CUSTODY, VISITATION AND SUPPORT WHERE THE PARENTS ARE UNMARRIED
Under Massachusetts and Rhode Island law, if there is no acknowledgment of paternity, the mother has automatic legal and physical custody of the child, even if the father was living with the child and played an active role in the child’s life. If the parents break up, the mother may try to restrict access to the child. Both states treat child support completely separate from custody, so a father may wind up responsible for paying child support but not be able to see his child. At Kilroy Law Firm, our Rhode Island child custody attorney fights this injustice and helps fathers assert their parental rights. We can help fathers establish paternity in court and fight for time with their children. Our Rhode Island child custody lawyer can also represent the other parent’s interests in securing a custody and visitation arrangement that will best serve the needs of the child.
POST-DIVORCE PARENTING AND SUPPORT ISSUES
As children get older or time passes after the divorce, things may change. An agreement may not work out as planned. Children’s needs and development change. Spousal or child support may not take into consideration the current needs and abilities of the parties. At Kilroy Law Firm, we will try to negotiate a modification to the order, if possible. We can also advocate for your needs in court to make changes to the divorce order.
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE/ABUSE
Massachusetts and Rhode Island courts provide protection from domestic abuse. Victims can seek an order of protection that restricts the abuser’s access to them. These orders can also establish temporary instructions regarding child custody, visitation, support, and housing issues. A legal practitioner will fight to keep you safe and away from an abusive partner.
RESTRAINING ORDERS
In addition to seeking orders to protect victims of domestic violence, we can also seek other orders from the court, prohibiting the other party from harassing you or taking action that will adversely affect your property.
SAME-SEX MARITAL DISPUTES
Our experienced Rhode Island family law attorney is well-versed in changes in the laws relating to same-sex couples. We can discuss your rights and work on crafting a solution to your marital dispute. We can also develop post-nuptial agreements that address your concerns.
- Child Custody, visitation, and support where the parents are unmarried
- Post-divorce parenting and support issues
- Domestic violence/Abuse
- Restraining orders
- Same-sex marital disputes
CONNECT WITH OUR KNOWLEDGEABLE RHODE ISLAND FAMILY LAW LAWYER
Kilroy Law Firm is a fully licensed and insured law firm practicing in Providence, Newport, surrounding areas, as well as in Massachusetts. We practice before many courts in both states and have earned a stellar reputation as a highly-skilled and effective divorce and family law firm. We have a good rapport with many other Rhode Island family attorneys, judges, and administrative agencies. Our credibility counts when it comes to the time to fight for our clients.
If you or a family member needs help with a family law or divorce matter, please contact our highly skilled Rhode Island family law attorney or text us anytime. Ask about our payment plans and Best Price Guarantee. For a free, no-obligation consultation, please send our office a message.
Proudly Serving Providence, and Throughout Both Rhode Island and Massachusetts
