Divorce Lawyer Near Me in Tiverton RI

Divorces in Tiverton Rhode Island

Divorce is one of the hardest things you can face in life—especially in a close-knit community like Tiverton. In a town like this, where everyone seems to know your business, the experience can make you feel incredibly isolated. That’s why having a skilled, strategic Tiverton divorce lawyer like Susan T. Perkins in your corner is essential during this process.

The Law Offices of Susan T. Perkins have supported individuals through divorce for over two decades. Our team has the experience, knowledge, and skillset to fight for your future, even if you expect your divorce will be particularly complex or contentious.

Above all, our top priority is securing a divorce agreement that’s honest and fair, while also protecting your best interests.

Key Factors in a Tiverton, RI Divorce

Rhode Island state law dictates that you must address the following four factors before your divorce can be finalized:

• Alimony
• Division of Assets
• Child Support
• Child Custody

But coming to an agreement on these matters isn’t something you should take lightly. The potential worst-case scenarios can negatively impact your life for years to come:

• An unfair property division could leave you struggling financially for the foreseeable future
• A poorly structured custody agreement might limit your role in important decisions about your children’s upbringing
• Inadequate child support could affect your children’s quality of life or educational opportunities

When you work with a dedicated, knowledgeable Tiverton divorce lawyer like Susan T. Perkins, you can expect attention to detail where it matters most, such as:

• Negotiating more effectively on your behalf
• Identifying assets you might not have considered
• Providing insights into long-term implications of various settlement options
• Ensuring all legal requirements are met, which prevents delays and complications
• Handling any unique aspects of your case, like international assets or prenuptial agreements

Alimony in Tiverton, RI

Alimony, also known as spousal support, is often a huge concern—whether you’re the one seeking it or the one being asked to pay it. The first thing to know is that in Tiverton, RI, alimony is meant to support the lower-earning spouse until they’re financially independent (R.I. Gen. Laws § 15-5-16).

As a result, payments can be ordered for anywhere between a few months and several years. The judge will consider many factors of your marriage before making a decision, like:

• Each party’s conduct during the marriage
• Your and your spouse’s age and health
• The employability of each spouse
• Your child custody arrangement
• Income earned by each spouse
• Your marital standard of living
• The length of your marriage

When you hire a knowledgeable Tiverton divorce lawyer, you’re ensuring that your alimony agreement is truly fair. As your attorney, Susan T. Perkins will take the time to:

Analyze your spouse’s financial situation to ensure accurate income reporting

Advocate for a reasonable amount that takes your lifestyle and financial capacity into account

Prevent overpayment by challenging inflated claims or hidden income sources from your spouse

Division of Assets in Tiverton, RI

Rhode Island, unlike many other US states, is not a community property state. Instead, during a divorce, assets are divided according to equitable distribution laws (R.I. Gen. Laws § 15-5-16.1).

This means anything you acquired using your own individual funds throughout your marriage solely belongs to you, and the same is true for your spouse.

But you each have to prove you indeed made each purchase with your own money. In a perfect world, you’ll have receipts or any kind of documentation to validate your ownership.

If you and your Tiverton divorce attorney can reach an agreement with your spouse, a formal martial settlement agreement (MSA) will be drafted. Otherwise, the court will hear your case and make the final ruling on who gets what.

Child Custody in Tiverton, RI

From the court’s perspective, protecting the best interests of the children is the top priority in any Tiverton divorce (R.I. Gen. Laws § 15-5-16). You can’t finalize your divorce until custody has been sorted out.

What you might not know is that there are two kinds of child custody in Tiverton, RI:

• Physical custody – Whoever lives with the child has physical custody. This can be shared by both parents, or one may have sole physical custody
• Legal custody – Whoever has the authority to make important decisions for the child has legal custody. As with physical custody, this may be granted to both parents or just one

The last key detail to know is that, while the court may allow your child to express their preferences regarding custody, the judge ultimately gets to make the decision.

Child Support in Tiverton, RI

Just like with custody arrangements, Rhode Island courts prioritize the best interests of the child first and foremost when it comes to child support. These payments are meant to minimize any disruption to the child’s life and maintain the standard of living they’re accustomed to (R.I. Gen. Laws § 15-5-16.2).

To make a fair, accurate determination, the court considers many factors:

• Educational needs
• Financial resources of the child
• Whether either parent is incarcerated
• Current physical and emotional condition
• Financial resources of the custodial parent
• Financial resources of the non-custodial parent
• What their standard of living would’ve been without the divorce
• Whether the child has major physical or mental health conditions

But state law also allows for the court to consider any other factors they feel are relevant to your child. The most straightforward way to find out what your payments might amount to is by contacting Tiverton divorce lawyer Susan T. Perkins today at (401) 324-2990.

Relevant Courts and Offices in Tiverton, RI

For residents of Tiverton, most divorce-related legal proceedings will take place at the Newport Family Court. But there are several other courthouses and offices that may be relevant to your divorce.

• Newport Family Court – Murray Judicial Complex, 45 Washington Square, Newport, RI 02840. Phone: (401) 841-8340.
• Rhode Island Family Court (Providence) – Garrahy Judicial Complex, One Dorrance Plaza, Providence, Rhode Island 02903. Phone: (401) 458-3200.
• Tiverton Town Hall, Municipal Court, and Probate Court – 343 Highland Road, Tiverton, RI 02878. Phone: (401) 625-6700.
• Rhode Island Family Court Mediation Office – Garrahy Judicial Complex, One Dorrance Plaza, Providence, RI 02903. Phone: (401) 458-5032​.

Safeguard Your Future with a Strategic, Dedicated Tiverton Divorce Lawyer

Getting divorced changes your life in more ways than you might initially realize. This goes far beyond being single again—the details of your divorce can impact your and your children’s lives for years to come.

With over two decades of experience advocating for individuals navigating divorce, Susan T. Perkins is the dedicated, strategic Tiverton divorce attorney you’ve been looking for. Call our Law Office at (401) 324-2990 today to schedule your free case consultation.

Tiverton Divorce Attorney FAQs

Directions to Our Providence Office

• Start by heading west on Main Road (RI-77) toward Route 24.
• Merge onto RI-24 North via the ramp to I-195/Providence.
• Continue on RI-24 North for approximately 8.5 miles, then take the exit toward I-195 West to Providence.
• Merge onto I-195 West and continue for about 11 miles into Providence.
• Take Exit 1B for Eddy St/US-44 toward Downtown Providence.
• Merge onto Eddy Street and continue straight.
• Turn left onto Broadway.
• Our office, 462 Broadway, will be on the right.