Rhode Island Divorce Tips by Attorney Chris Pearsall

The Rhode Island Divorce Lawyer and Family Law Coach serving Warwick, RI: Living Separate Lives, but Not Divorced

Do You Need Divorce Coaching or Legal Representation?  Consider this Example.

On a whimsical impulse Carrie and Jack got married in Las Vegas, Nevada in 1992 while on vacation with friends.  They remained married and living together for seven months in Rhode Island where Carried had her job and family and Jack was stationed in Newport with the military at NUSC.  

The marriage quickly deteriorated after Jack discovered that Carrie was a verbally abusive and sometimes violent alcoholic.  When Jack refused to buy Carrie alcoholic beverages of any kind, Carrie moved out.  Even though all the furnishings and other assets belonged to Jack before the two got married, Jack agreed to give Carrie everything.  Jack felt bad for Carrie and he went so far as to engage professional movers to pack up and move all the furnishings in their apartment to wherever Carried wanted them moved.  The only things Jack did not give to Carrie were the things that were provided to them by the US Military because he had no right to give them away.

Carrie left with 95% of everything and Jack kept only a few minor things that were needed for his survival in the apartment.  Jack went so far as to set up a military allotment to be deposited in an account of Carrie's choosing for half of the military pay he received each pay period.  Carrie's allotment was set up to last for an indefinite period of time.

Both Carrie and Jack were aware that as long as they remained married the military would provide Jack with an additional amount of money each pay period as long as he was classified as "married."  

Carrie and Jack each went their separate ways and verbally agreed to live their own lives under these circumstances.  Jack didn't want to hurt Carrie and realized she had a problem so he did not file for divorce.  Carrie did not seek any form of rehabilitation but she knew that if she filed for divorce she would get less money from Jack, so she never filed either.

Finally, Jack retired from the military in 2000 and the allotment to Carrie ceased pursuant to the military's own administrative guidelines.  Jack then began receiving a military pension for his 20 years of military service.

When the military allotment ceased, Carrie sought legal advice in Rhode Island where she had been living for the past 12 years and made a substantial claim for Jack's pension and other assets he had accumulated while they had been living separately.

Jack was surprised to learn that although the Rhode Island judge could certainly consider the totality of the circumstances surrounding the divorce, Rhode Island law did allow Carrie to claim that at least a portion of Jack's military pension was "marital" because it accrued while the parties were legally married and absent a Rhode Island or Federal Law which instructed the Rhode Island Family Court otherwise, the pension could be considered marital if the court made a finding that all or a portion of the pension was marital and should be equitably split between the parties as the court saw fit after trial.

Jack was not happy about the divorce proceedings.  All this time he thought he had "done the right thing" for Carrie and now she wanted even more and Jack didn't want to give more.  Jack felt he had given enough and he was willing to fight for his military pension as a non-marital asset because he had already given Carrie what amounted to more than her share.  In Jack's eyes he had already given more than he would have been ordered to give by any divorce court.

Perhaps the greatest thing to keep in mind regarding a scenario where you and your spouse separate all your assets and debts and live completely separate but you do not terminate your marriage legally is this. . . YOU ARE STILL MARRIED!

Can you answer these questions?

1.  Can Jack argue that since he and Carrie separated everything at the time they personally terminated their own marital relationship with each other that any asset accumulated after that time is non-marital?

2.  If Carrie runs up credit card debt in order to support herself during the time that she is separated from Jack, could a Rhode Island Family Court Judge find the credit card debt to be marital debt?

3.  If Carrie builds up an IRA plan during the time she is separated from but still married to Jack, does Jack have a reasonable claim to a part of that IRA plan if he didn't contribute to it?

4.  If Carrie has a child during the time she is separated from Jack and there is no name specified as the father of the child on the birth certificate, is it possible that Jack might have to pay child support for that child?

5.  Are there any federal laws which trump state law regarding any of these issues and decide the question for us so that the question(s) become a non-issue?

6.  Do you see the other eight (8) important legal questions/issues that a skilled divorce lawyer might address with you if you were either Jack or Carrie?  

If you do not see the other important legal questions/issues in this scenario, then you either need some professional RI Divorce Coaching or representation by a good Rhode Island Divorce Lawyer.

Authored By:

Christopher A. Pearsall, Attorney-at-Law

Rhode Island's Full-Time Divorce* Lawyer is Now
Rhode Island's Only Divorce and Family Law Coach!!

Discover the Tremendous Benefits You Receive by 

Participating in Family Law Coaching Sessions!

Consider using the RhodeIslandDivorceCoach.com

Call (401) 632-6976 Now
to
Schedule Your Low-Cost Rhode Island Divorce* or Family Law* Coaching Session!

Experience the Difference!

Copyright 2009.  Christopher A. Pearsall, Esquire
 Offering Rhode Island Rhode Island Divorce and Family Law Coaching for a New Millenium!

* The Rhode Island Supreme Court licenses all attorneys in the general practice of law.  There is no recognition for specialization of attorneys in any area of law.

- - Recommended Websites - -

Pearsall.net | AttorneyPearsall.com | Rhode Island Divorce Tips | ChristopherPearsall.com | GuaranteedWealth.com | Rhode Island Divorce Attorney | Rhode Island Divorce Lawyer | ChrisPearsall.com | LegalScholar.com | Pearsall-Law-Associates.com | Rhode Island Divorce Attorneys | Rhode Island Divorce Lawyers | Rhode Island Divorce Coach  |  RI Divorce Coach | RI Divorce Lawyer on Twitter | Rhode Island Divorce Coach on Twitter | Rhode Island Divorce Lawyer on Facebook.com | Rhode Island Home Buying Tips | Attorney Chris Pearsall at LawGuru.com

The Rhode Island Divorce Lawyer Expands on the Rhode Island Bar Association Web Site: What Kind of Issues Will I Discuss with my Attorney During my First Visit?

The following excerpt is a brief question and answer provided on the Rhode Island Bar Association website and previously noted at RhodeIslandDivorceTips.com as part of my expansion article series to give people a more detailed answer to the questions posed on the Rhode Island Bar Association's website regarding divorce:
 

WHAT KIND OF ISSUES WILL I DISCUSS WITH MY ATTORNEY DURING THE FIRST VISIT?

The separation of a married couple is one of the most traumatic occurrences in one's life. An attorney will address both family and emotional issues, including consideration of marriage counseling or other steps to help save the marriage; assisting you as a parent in meeting the needs of your children; and handling financial matters such as real estate and personal property. You should also be sure to discuss, and fully understand, the attorney's fee arrangement at the first meeting.

via www.rhodeislanddivorcetips.com  from  www.ribar.com

Your first meeting with your Rhode Island Divorce attorney will vary from divorce lawyer to divorce lawyer.  However, it could consist of any number of subjects relating to your divorce.  

If you haven't formally retained the divorce attorney then you should reasonably expect that your meeting will consist of discussing the following subjects:

1.  Formalizing and executing the written engagement agreement between you and your divorce attorney;

2.  Discussing the scope of the attorney/client relationship and each party's rights in that relationship;

3.  Identifying the documents you will need to provide to your attorney either a)  to file for divorce, or b) the documents needed to respond to the divorce documents that have been served upon you;

If you have already retained you divorce attorney, signed the formal agreement, and discussed the scope of the attorney/client relationship, then you should reasonably expect that your meeting with your divorce lawyer may include:

1. Providing your divorce attorney with the documents he or she has requested for your case;

2.  Discussion of the conduct of each of the parties during the course of the marriage both as to financial expenditures and contributions within the marriage and infidelities;

3.  Discussion of your assets, debts and minor children, if appropriate, and what you might be willing to settle for, assuming you are aware of all the facts;

4.  The manner in which you and your attorney choose to move forward in your divorce proceeding.
 

Authored By:

Christopher A. Pearsall, Attorney-at-Law

Rhode Island's Full-Time Divorce* Lawyer is Now
Rhode Island's Only Divorce and Family Law Coach!!

Discover the Tremendous Benefits You Receive by 

Participating in Family Law Coaching Sessions!

Consider using the RhodeIslandDivorceCoach.com

Call (401) 632-6976 Now
to
Schedule Your Low-Cost Rhode Island Divorce* or Family Law* Coaching Session!

Experience the Difference!

Copyright 2009.  Christopher A. Pearsall, Esquire
 Offering Rhode Island Rhode Island Divorce and Family Law Coaching for a New Millenium!

* The Rhode Island Supreme Court licenses all attorneys in the general practice of law.  There is no recognition for specialization of attorneys in any area of law.

- - Recommended Websites - -

Pearsall.net | AttorneyPearsall.com | Rhode Island Divorce Tips | ChristopherPearsall.com | GuaranteedWealth.com | Rhode Island Divorce Attorney | Rhode Island Divorce Lawyer | ChrisPearsall.com | LegalScholar.com | Pearsall-Law-Associates.com | Rhode Island Divorce Attorneys | Rhode Island Divorce Lawyers | Rhode Island Divorce Coach  |  RI Divorce Coach | RI Divorce Lawyer on Twitter | Rhode Island Divorce Coach on Twitter | Rhode Island Divorce Lawyer on Facebook.com | Rhode Island Home Buying Tips | Attorney Chris Pearsall at LawGuru.com

A Question for the Rhode Island Divorce Lawyer about a Concealed Divorce Judgment

QUESTION:  

My ex-husband kept the information from me that we have actually been divorced since 2008 from me. During all that time till now he had me thinking we are still married so I have been working on our marriage.  I want to know if i can sue him because of this.
 

ANSWER: 

In order to obtain a Final Judgment of divorce in Rhode Island, your ex-husband had to serve with the divorce papers in a way that was sufficient to give you notice of the divorce proceeding that meets due process standards.  If you knew about the divorce filing, it was up to you to make sure you kept up to date on what might be happening in the divorce case in the Rhode Island Family Court.

 Unfortunately there is not legal theory that allows you to sue your ex-husband under these circumstances.  If your husband wanted the divorce then you might have prolonged the proceeding but you would not have stopped it, so essentially you would have no damages to sue to recover.

If you weren't aware of the divorce itself and you have good reason why you would want to be married to this man as of today, you might want to find out how you were considered lawfully served by the Rhode Island Family Court and obtain an experienced divorce lawyer's opinion as to whether it was lawfully correct service of process.  It is possible, though rare, that you could successfully challenge the Rhode Island Divorce Judgment itself based upon lack of due process.

Authored By:

Christopher A. Pearsall, Attorney-at-Law

Rhode Island's Full-Time Divorce* Lawyer is Now
Rhode Island's Only Full-Time Divorce and Family Law Coach!!

Find out the Tremendous Benefits You Receive by 

Participate in Family Law Coaching Sessions!

Go to RhodeIslandDivorceCoach.com

Call (401) 632-6976 Now
and
Schedule Your Rhode Island Divorce* or Family Law* Coaching Session Now!

Copyright 2009.  Christopher A. Pearsall, Esquire
 Offering Divorce and Family Law Coaching for a New Millenium!

* Rhode Island licenses all attorneys in the general practice of law.

- - Recommended Websites - -

Pearsall.net | AttorneyPearsall.com | Rhode Island Divorce Tips | ChristopherPearsall.com | GuaranteedWealth.com | Rhode Island Divorce Attorney | Rhode Island Divorce Lawyer | ChrisPearsall.com | LegalScholar.com | Pearsall-Law-Associates.com | Rhode Island Divorce Attorneys | Rhode Island Divorce Lawyers | Rhode Island Divorce Coach  |  RI Divorce Coach | RI Divorce Lawyer on Twitter | Rhode Island Divorce Coach on Twitter | Rhode Island Divorce Lawyer on Facebook.com | Rhode Island Home Buying Tips | 

RI Divorce Coaching Question: What facts must be proven for a Common Law Marriage to be found under Rhode Island Law?

None.  There are no specific facts stated by Rhode Island law which must be proven for the RI Family Court to find that a common law marriage exists.  

Rhode Island law uses a two-pronged approach for determining common law marriages.  When considering the evidence with respect to each prongs (also called an 'element'), the party attempting to prove the existence of a common law marriage is held to proving the existence of the prongs by "clear and convincing evidence."  Silva v. Merritt Chapman & Scott Corp., 52 R.I. 30, 32, 156 A. 512, 513 (1931) 

Under Rhode Island law, a judge determines on a case by case basis if a common law marriage exists after considering all the evidence presented and determining whether the totality of the evidence establishes the following two elements in a "clear and convincing" manner.  

The party trying to prove the existence of a common law marriage must establish by clear and convincing evidence that, 

RI Common Law Marriage Article (con't) - Click Here

Authored by:  Christopher A. Pearsall, Attorney-at-Law

Call (401) 632-6976 Now
and
Schedule Your Rhode Island Divorce* or Family Law* Coaching Session Now about your Uncontested RI Divorce!

Copyright 2009.  Christopher A. Pearsall, Esquire
 Offering Divorce and Family Law Coaching for a New Millenium!

* Rhode Island licenses all attorneys in the general practice of law.

- - Recommended Websites - -

Pearsall.net | AttorneyPearsall.com | Rhode Island Divorce Tips | ChristopherPearsall.com | GuaranteedWealth.com | Rhode Island Divorce Attorney | Rhode Island Divorce Lawyer | ChrisPearsall.com | LegalScholar.com | Pearsall-Law-Associates.com | Rhode Island Divorce Attorneys | Rhode Island Divorce Lawyers | Rhode Island Divorce Coach  |  RI Divorce Coach | RI Divorce Lawyer on Twitter | Rhode Island Divorce Coach on Twitter | Rhode Island Divorce Lawyer on Facebook.com | Rhode Island Home Buying Tips | The Rhode Island Realtor

Coaching Tip from the RI Divorce Coach - Stock Inherited by One Spouse

Dear Rhode Island Divorce Coach,

I inherited some stock from my brother who died while my husband and I were in the process of our divorce in Rhode Island.  Are these stocks mine or will the court make us split them?  Any help you could give during this difficult divorce issue would be helpful.  Thanks.   Pam

Dear Pam:

Thank you for allowing me to share this fairly common issue with my Rhode Island Divorce Tips readers by changing your name and the name of your spouse and a few other things to protect your anonymity.  I'll give the short answer here but I addressed it in more detail at RhodeIslandDivorceCoach.com.

The article link is below:

Rhode Island Divorce Coach's Tip on Inherited Stock

The general rules are noted below but it is best to read the entire article at the link above.  As always, it is advisable that you consult with the licensed and experienced professional who can advise you after a complete review of all the facts and circumstances surrounding your Rhode Island divorce or family law matter.  Articles do not take the place of advice provided by a qualified professional who is informed about your specific case since even one small detail can affect the answer to your legal issue.

General Rule:  Items inherited solely by either party are not part of the marital estate and are the property of the individual who inherited them and are not subject to division by the Rhode Island Family Court.  

General Exception:  If the person who inherited an item commingles (mixes) that item in with marital property that IS subject to division, then the court may find that the inherited item has lost its "inherited character" and has become a marital asset of both parties which is subject to the court's power of division.

Warm Regards,

Christopher A. Pearsall

The Rhode Island Divorce Coach *

Authored By:

Christopher A. Pearsall, Attorney-at-Law

Rhode Island's Full-Time Divorce* Lawyer is Now
Rhode Island's Only Full-Time Divorce Coach!!

Call (401) 632-6976 Now
and
Schedule Your Rhode Island Divorce* or Family Law* Coaching Session Now!

Copyright 2009.  Christopher A. Pearsall, Esquire
A New Rhode Island Divorce Lawyering Practice -  Family Law Coaching for a New Millenium!

* Rhode Island licenses all attorneys in the general practice of law.

- - Recommended Websites - -

Pearsall.net | AttorneyPearsall.com | Rhode Island Divorce Tips | ChristopherPearsall.com | GuaranteedWealth.com | Rhode Island Divorce Attorney | Rhode Island Divorce Lawyer | ChrisPearsall.com | LegalScholar.com | Pearsall-Law-Associates.com | Rhode Island Divorce Attorneys | Rhode Island Divorce Lawyers | WholesaleQuiltBatting.com  | Rhode Island Divorce Coach  |  RI Divorce Coach | RI Divorce Lawyer on Twitter | Rhode Island Divorce Coach on Twitter | Rhode Island Divorce Lawyer on Facebook.com | Rhode Island Home Buying Tips

Rhode Island Divorce Coaching - Knowing Your Rights and Saving Yourself Money Just Makes Sense!

If you have never heard of Rhode Island Divorce Coaching that's completely understandable.

I'm the founder of this new innovation in Rhode Island family law practice and I tell you that I doubt I've been more excited about any other professional development in my entire career. 

Why am I excited? 

After more than two decades in the legal field and considerable thought about how I can more effectively help people as a divorce and family law lawyer, I have no doubt that I have found my way to making a difference in the world that has been too long in coming.

Rhode Island Divorce Coaching is a term that is well-suited to this new concept in domestic law practice.  I specifically designed this method of practice to save Rhode Island Family Court participants both time and money.  

Aren't these are two things just about everyone could use more of these days? 

Absolutely!

This new divorce and family law practice concept is also designed to help assist the Rhode Island family court system to handle its daily court calendars  by preventing the delay and bottlenecking caused by individuals who attempt to represent themselves (pro se) and are unfamiliar with the family court process by educating those people.

I learned long ago that for any idea is to be successful, there must be a "need" and a "solution that meets that need."
 

* * THREE FUNDAMENTAL FACTORS * * 

 The need for Rhode Island Divorce Coaching is based upon three (3) fundamental factors.

1)  The Rhode Island Family Courts have a limited number of judges who struggle to handle an overflowing number of cases on a daily basis.  

2)  People who represent themselves typically do not know Rhode Island family law or procedure and take up extended court time trying to represent themselves because they don't know what they are doing.  This bogs down the flow of court cases and hurts the entire system through inefficiency.

3)  Lastly, not everyone can afford to hire an attorney to represent him or her in family court.

* * THE NEED THAT CRIES OUT FOR A SOLUTION * *

 These three factors create the substantial need for a solution that, 

(1) Minimizes the strain placed upon the already overburdened Rhode Island Family Courts,

(2) Prevents people who represent themselves from bogging down the court system through lack of knowledge,

(3)  Affords those who cannot afford to hire a "Rhode Island courtroom attorney" the opportunity to become informed about their legal rights and learn how they might best proceed to help themselves and the courts.

  * * RHODE ISLAND DIVORCE COACHING IS . . . THE SOLUTION  * * 

Rhode Island Divorce Coaching provides the solution to this ever-growing need by offering a service never offered by Rhode Island Family Law Lawyers.

The concept of "coaching" is far from new.  Almost every sports team has one or more coaches.  These coaches are generally people who have already "played the game" and by their education, knowledge or personal experience have gained skills about the game that makes their coaching advice worthy of being followed by the athlete's they teach and train.  

Athletes like to win at different levels.  Some athletes want to be the best athlete in high school to get a scholarship.   Some athletes want to be the best at college football to have a chance to get drafted by the NFL.  Other athletes want to reach the Olympics.  To achieve these things athletes would hire experienced and even professional coaches depending upon their level of commitment and particularly what they can afford.

For any game to run smoothly, the player's need to know the fundamentals, the player's need to avoid running over referees or fighting with umpires, and the player's need to learn the rules and strategies of their game. . . all from their coach.  It is only by increasing their knowledge, skill and experience by applying advice they receive from their coach that players do better and the game runs smoothly.

Certainly, matters before the Rhode Island Family Courts are not games.  The outcome of every case has impact on the lives of everyone involved in the case.  Yet the principles that apply to a game situation can be reasonably applied to family court matters by way of analogy.

As an experienced Rhode Island Divorce Lawyer, I have had the opportunity to appear in the family courts for many years, handling motions, conferences and trials, etc. . . I saw the need.  People who represented themselves needed affordable access to the fundamentals of family court education and legal advice.  Today I'm filling that need as a Rhode Island Divorce and Family Law Coach.

* *  SO WHAT HAS CHANGED? * *

As a coach, I educate and teach my clients how the specific legal game they are in is played.  I teach the client about his or her legal rights.  As a client I coach you how to prepare court forms, necessary procedures, and possible strategies you will want to consider.

* * WHAT DOES THIS DO? * * 

This shifts my role as the player in the game itself, to being the coach for the person who represents himself or herself before the court because there isn't enough money to pay a $2,500 retainer upfront and $250 per hour.

Instead, a person hires me for a single coaching session or for as many sessions as the client needs me.  There is no upfront retainer.  My Rhode Island Divorce Coaching concept eliminates the immediate financial drain on the client.  Additionally, because divorce coaching eliminates my need to go to court for the client, the cost to the client is tremendously reduced.  The person pays for my session time when we meet and that is it.  The person is my client and our sessions are confidential and covered by the attorney-client privilege.  The client then schedules one or more sessions for additional coaching if and when he or she needs further assistance, all at the client's discretion.

By coaching the client, I educate him or her so that it lessens any strain on the court system when the client goes to court because the client is now more informed and has the information necessary to address the matter in a proper and efficient manner.  This helps the client to make sure that his or her case does not bog down the court's calendar because he or she is better prepared to address the case before the court.

By shifting from a Rhode Island Family court practice in the courtroom to a Rhode Island Divorce Coaching practice in the conference room, I provide the ability for more more people to gain affordable access to their legal rights and how they should proceed.  The shift to Divorce Coaching helps the client and assists the Rhode Island Family Courts by educating people who simply can't afford to hire an attorney to represent themselves in court.

Though it may sound cliche', I became a lawyer to help people.  The only ingredient this new shift  required on my part was a small tradeoff.  Today I have substantially less income in exchange for substantially more time with my wife, my daughter and my grandchildren.  All in all, it's a win-win-win proposition for the client, the court and for me!

You can be part of this winning new family law practice concept and it would be my privilege to help you.

Authored By:

Christopher A. Pearsall, Attorney-at-Law

Rhode Island's Full-Time Divorce Lawyer is Now
Rhode Island's Only Full-Time Divorce Coach!!

Call (401) 632-6976 Now
to
Schedule Your Rhode Island Divorce or Family Law Coaching Session!

Copyright 2009.  Christopher A. Pearsall, Esquire
A New Rhode Island Divorce Lawyer and Coach for a New Millenium!

* Rhode Island licenses all attorneys in the general practice of law.

- - Recommended Websites - -
Pearsall.net | AttorneyPearsall.com | Rhode Island Divorce Tips | ChristopherPearsall.com | GuaranteedWealth.com | Rhode Island Divorce Attorney | Rhode Island Divorce Lawyer | ChrisPearsall.com | LegalScholar.com | Pearsall-Law-Associates.com | Rhode Island Divorce Attorneys | Rhode Island Divorce Lawyers | WholesaleQuiltBatting.com  | Rhode Island Divorce Coach  |  RI Divorce Coach | RI Divorce Lawyer on Twitter | 

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Rhode Island Divorce Coaching Tips on Challenging The Guardian Ad Litem's Report

In many cases involving children, the Rhode Island Family Court will appoint a lawyer or attorney familiar with Rhode Island family law and it's standards as a Guardian Ad Litem for the child(ren).

The role of the Guardian Ad Litem is typically to investigate the circumstances of the parents and protect the best interests of the minor children.  The Guardian Ad Litem will use his or her factual investigation and apply his or her findings to the standards set forth by the Rhode Island Supreme Court in the case of Pettinato v. Pettinato, 582 A.2d 909 (RI 1990).

The Pettinato case is the primary case in which our Rhode Island Supreme Court set forth the factors to be considered when determining "the best interests of the child." 

Once the Guardian Ad Litem applies the Pettinato factors, he or she will make one or more recommendations regarding placement, visitation, and sometimes treatment for the minor child(ren) or even the parents.  The nature of the recommendation(s) are usually  based upon the reasons why the court appointed the Guardian Ad Litem.  

For instance, if the Family Court Judge wanted a recommendation regarding placement, then the Guardian will usually focus his or her investigation on investigating issues relating to placement of a child and the end result is likely to be a recommendation by the Guardian Ad Litem as to placement.

The factors for determining the "best interests of the child" as outlined in the Pettinato case include: 

1)  The wishes of the child's parent or parents regarding the child's custody.

2)  The reasonable preference of the child, if the court deems the child to be of sufficient intelligence, understanding, and experience to express a preference.

3)  The interaction and interrelationship of the child with the child's parent or parents, the child's siblings, and any other person who may significantly affect the child's best interest.

4)  The child's adjustment to the child's home, school and community.

5)  The mental and physical health of all individuals involved.

6)  The stability of the child's home environment.

7)  The moral fitness of the child's parents.

8)  The willingness and ability of each parent to facilitate a close and continuous parent-child relationship between the child and the other parent.

The formal report of virtually every Guardian Ad Litem will reference the Pettinato factors.  

So what does a Rhode Island family law attorney do if the Guardian Ad Litem's report and recommendations are adverse to their client?  Sadly, this is where things become problematic.  Too many Rhode Island family law attorneys will advise their client that the Guardian's Report "went against them", "that the judge will give the Guardian's Report tremendous weight/importance"  and therefore it is not practical to challenge the recommendations at a full hearing on the merits.  

So what do you do if a Guardian Ad Litem's report is not in your favor any you believe that the recommendations to the court are clearly wrong.

First, family law clients and attorneys need to discuss the Guardian's report and recommendations and what they mean from both a legal and a practical standpoint.  Why?  Because you do not want to spend time, effort and money challenging something if you don't understand what it means to you as a client and particularly as a parent.

Second, clients/parents must understand that a Guardian's Report is based solely upon that solidity of the Guardian Ad Litem's investigation.  

Third, clients/parents need to understand that not every Guardian Ad Litem will perform the same type or depth of investigation.  Therefore, some recommendations will be based upon a solid investigation and others may be based upon a weak investigation.

Fourth, clients/parents need to understand that some Rhode Island family law attorneys are not willing to question or challenge the recommendation of another attorney who may be a well-known attorney by reputation or a friendly colleague. 

Whether you are a family law client or a litigant representing yourself before the Rhode Island Family Courts, you must be aware that a Guardian Ad Litem's recommendation and report is just that... a recommendation.  The court is NOT bound by the Guardian Ad Litem's recommendation and it is the judge, based upon all the factors and all of the evidence presented who makes the final decision.

Why is it important to know these things?

Imagine that you are a judge.  You are presented a report and recommendation by a well-known Guardian Ad Litem that you assigned to the case.  The matter goes through a full trial.  During the Judge you hear all the evidence from a client/parent who was unwilling to accept the report and settle the case.  As the Rhode Island Family Court judge you want to make sure that any information and recommendation you are given is accurate and is based upon sound investigation so that you make the best possible decision.

Now as the judge you hear testimony and take evidence from people that you believe the Guardian Ad Litem should have spoken to before making his or her recommendation.  There is no explanation why the Guardian didn't consider these various people or records.  

In the end, as the Judge you believe that the Guardian simply didn't look deep enough or drew conclusions that were not reasonable because important information was not considered.

As the judge, how much significance would you give to the Guardian Ad Litem's recommendations if you believe the Guardian's investigation was not thorough enough?  Would you give the recommendations very little significance?  Perhaps even none?

This is not a rare scenario.  A Rhode Island Family Court judge wants to make the best decision possible for minor children.  The judge may well find that the Guardian Ad Litem's report should be given very little consideration when making his or her decision because the Guardian neglected to speak with key people, look at important records that were available, or to ask important questions which may substantially impact the Guardian's recommendation and the court's decision.

In my history working with Rhode Island Divorce Attorneys, I have witnessed too many attorneys who advise their client to settle a case when a Guardian Ad Litem's report and recommendations are unfavorable to their client.  This can be a grave mistake.

Individuals who represent themselves and attorneys with their client's best interests at heart need to scrutinize not simply the Guardian Ad Litem's recommendations, but more particularly the factual investigation.

In the end, a good Rhode Island Family Lawyer does not simply defer to a Guardian Ad Litem's recommendations simply because he or she holds the title of Guardian Ad Litem.

Consider this analogy. Carports are rarer these days but the idea is simple.  A carport is a roof that protects a car or truck and its owner/driver from the elements of sun, snow, wind, rain, etc...   This roof is held up at each corner by a post that must be strong enough to bear the weight of the roof and withstand the various elements that are thrown at them.

The recommendation of the Guardian Ad Litem is the roof of the carport.  A  judge would like to rely upon it for a reasonable level of stability just like the driver of a car sitting in his car under the carport wants to be to trust that the carport's roof will keep him safe.

Yet what happens if you show the driver of the car (i.e. the Judge) that the posts (i.e. the investigation) holding up the roof (i.e. the recommendations) are filled with termites, are made of weak wood, and can't support the roof (i.e. the investigation doesn't support the recommendations)? 

Is a judge likely to rely upon the builder (i.e. the Guardian Ad Litem) in that instance, or remain under the builder's roof (i.e. rely upon the Guardian Ad Litem's recommendations)?  The answer is . . . no. 

In short, a Guardian Ad Litem's Report is not the end.  The judge has the final word based upon all the evidence.

Carefully scrutinize the recommendations and particularly the investigative report upon which they are based.  If you are able to invalidate or weaken the investigation, then you remove the support for the recommendations. 

If you show a weak investigation then the Guardian's report and recommendations may not even be given the weight of the paper it is written on.

Authored By:

Christopher A. Pearsall, Attorney-at-Law

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The Rhode Island Divorce Coach Answers: Legal Custody . . . will I lose my child?

Here is a quick coaching tip for anyone who has received a Motion to Change or Terminate Legal Custody that will be heard before the Rhode Island Family Courts.

First, if you must represent yourself in the Rhode Island Family Court System regarding this motion, make sure you understand the motion itself.

If the motion says "Legal Custody" and NOT "Physical Custody" or "Placement" then unless the motion uses some other words relating to where the child resides, then it deals with the fundamental right you have as a parent to participate in the decision making process for your biological or legally adopted minor children regarding 'major aspects" of the child's life. 

These "major aspects" of the child's life have generally been held to include (a) medical care, treatment and anything constituting a reasonably important health-related concern, (b) the religious upbringing of the child, (c) the child's education and schooling, (d) nature and form of discipline for the child, and (d) anything of a reasonably substantial nature affecting the general welfare of the child.

Generally speaking, if no order has been previously been issued by Rhode Island or any other state's court, then as long as there is no dispute as to who the biological parents are, a general presumption is often made (as it should be) by most Rhode Island family court judges, that each parent has an equal say as to the major aspects of the child's legal custody. 

When there is disagreement between the parents of the child, then the Court is called upon in a legal custody dispute to hear both sides of the issue and determine what is in the best interests of the minor child.  Note that I did not say that the judge rules in favor of one parent or another.  The court takes a special interest in protecting the minor child and, if necessary, the judge will fashion a remedy is in the best interests of the child based upon the circumstances and the disagreement of the parents.

In short, if "Legal Custody" and not "Physical Custody" or 'Placement" is the issue, the issue is not whether you will lose your child.  The issue will be whether the court will agree with your decision as a legal custodian of your minor child, or whether the judge finds any substantial conditions or circumstances regarding your ability to make proper decisions for your minor child is impaired to such a degree that your right to make decisions for your minor child should be limited or denied entirely.

Generally speaking, it has been my experience in my divorce and family law practice that judges are very hesitant to remove a parent's decision making rights as a legal custodian without substantial just cause.  Ultimately, a good rule of thumb I have followed is this.  If the court gets the impression that you are unable to make good decisions for yourself, its a safe bet that the judge may not believe you can make good decisions for a minor child.

What might constitute just cause to deny your legal custodial rights?  Criminal charges, Alcohol Addiction, Drug Addiction, Domestic Violence, and substantial inability to maintain employment and support your child or participate in your child's life for an extended period of time are just a few.

In the end, know what you are defending against and know what your shortcomings are and how to address them to the court.  Be respectful and present yourself in the best light possible.  If something in your present or your past doesn't make you look good to the court, try to make sure you get the time to explain to the court how it is unrelated to the decisions for your child or how your experience has helped you learn to make better decisions for your child.  An attitude of caring for your child's well-being over your own is always a plus.

Authored By:

Christopher A. Pearsall, Attorney-at-Law

Rhode Island's Full-Time Divorce Lawyer is Now
Rhode Island's Premiere Full-Time Divorce Coach!!

Call (401) 632-6976 Now
to
Schedule Your Rhode Island Divorce Coaching Session!

Copyright 2009.  Christopher A. Pearsall, Esquire
A New Rhode Island Divorce Lawyer for a New Millenium!

* Rhode Island licenses all attorneys in the general practice of law.

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What some RI Divorce Lawyers do that Judges may buy into!

A Rhode Island divorce can be traumatic even if you have a lawyer to help you through it.  There is no doubt that some people are more fragile than others.  Some women who have been "jilted" or "scorned" may be angry, experience denial or otherwise need counseling.  Some men who have been good providers and faithful for years may find that they need some mental health services to get through a difficult divorce when they just don't understand what went wrong in their marriage.

Though it is often difficult for most people to deal with divorce, some people seem to get through it just fine even if they are not the party who filed the divorce action.  Experiences are not only varied but they are interesting to note.

Yet what is not so interesting, nor enjoyable is when Rhode Island family law lawyers represent a client and help them to achieve what may be self-centered goals by helping them create a situation where none existed before.

An example is perhaps the best way to illustrate this.

Peter and Claudia have been married for 18 years.  They have no minor children and own a home together.  Peter files for divorce which Claudia claims is "out of the blue" and a "complete shock to her" even though Peter has approached her numerous times over the last year about how unhappy he was with their relationship.  Apparently Claudia attributed it to a mid-life crisis or something Peter would pass through.  Peter files for divorce.  Claudia had been working for the past ten (10) years and she is upset and depressed about the divorce filing.  Claudia takes time out of work and begins thinking and re-thinking why Peter would do this to her.  Claudia considers that there must be another woman.  Claudia also considers that Peter should have done more in the marriage to make it work or that he should have suggested counseling.  Claudia gets angry and then more upset as thoughts of the last 18 years run through her mind. 

This is not an uncommon thought process for a woman to go through. 

Claudia returns to work but her mind isn't on her work as it should be and her work just isn't up to par.  Claudia's boss mentions it and Claudia is now fearful for her job security.  Claudia consults and hires a divorce attorney who suggests that she go to a psychologist or a mental health counselor about her feelings.  Claudia takes the attorney's advice and goes to an individual and marriage counseling specialist.  The counselor confirms that Claudia is understandably depressed by the divorce situation.  Claudia feels better after going to the counselor and continues to see the counselor on a weekly basis.

Claudia is advised to take an extended leave from work to deal with her divorce and the emotions she is going through.  Claudia continues to go to counseling.  After a month or so Claudia's attorney starts arguing to the court that Claudia should receive alimony from Peter for at least two years.

Peter's attorney asks for the reason why Claudia should be awarded alimony.  Claudia's attorney is adamant that Claudia is now in a deep depression, has lost time out of work and is unable to do her work effectively as a result of Peter's filing for divorce.  Claudia's attorney argues to the judge that if he can prove Claudia's depression and that it resulted from the divorce filing then Claudia needs a recovery period and needs to rehabilitate her mental state to be able to function in the working world again.

Situational depression is a common side effect of most divorces.  However, to argue that alimony should be awarded because one party has an adverse reaction to a divorce filing is essentially punishing the payer spouse merely for filing for divorce because the relationship has failed.

Yet it has been argued by some Rhode Island divorce lawyers that rehabilitative alimony is justified for a spouse who gets situational depression as a result of the divorce filing itself.  Regrettably, some Rhode Island family court judges have bought into the argument if it is adamantly argued with the right tenor and the right documentation. 

An important tip is to note when the onset of the depression symptoms occurred.  Even if the depression relates directly to the breakdown of the marriage, the lack of a diagnosis of chronic depression by a psychologist, depression is not and should not reasonably a basis for rehabilitative alimony, especially for those spouses who were previously capable of earning an income and only incur difficulty as a result of the divorce filing or the breakdown of the relationship. 

A person's inability to cope with the actual legal proceeding that precipitates the alleged depression is not a reasonable basis for alimony.  No rehabilitation is needed to acquire more education or new skills or for entry into the workforce.  These are the fundamentals for rehabilitative alimony in Rhode Island and as such alimony based upon anything other than a longstanding chronic depression should be opposed strenuously.  Most judges will see this for what it is if you give evidence of the timing of the depression but be wary.  A difficult battle may be on the horizon if Alimony is a primary goal of your spouse.

Authored By:

  Christopher A. Pearsall
Attorney-at-Law
70 Dogwood Drive, Suite 304
West Warwick, RI 02893

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401K's the Versatile Marital Asset in a RI Divorce!

Today's Question:

    For the sake of this question I'll call myself William.  I have a 401k that I began 10 years before I got married.  It had about $75,000 in it before Tammy and I got married.  We've been married for the past 13 years and my 401k is up to about $285,000.  I'm concerned about being able to pay my attorney's fees.  I'm also concerned because I want to keep the house my wife and I live in.  The house has been in our family for generations.  I don't think I can get a loan to buy out my wife's interest in the house because my credit isn't so good.  We have about $140,000 in equity in the house.  What can I do to save my house?  One attorney has told me that Tammy will get 1/2 of my 401k and that I can't touch my 401k monies while the divorce is pending.  This doesn't seem fair.  It looks like I'm going to lose 1/2 of everything I built.  I know Tammy is entitled to part of everything but it seems like I'm being left with no options but to lose the house and 1/2 of my 401k.  Is there anything I can do here?

    - William  (Coventry, RI)

Today's Answer:

    William, I can tell you that you have more options than you may think.  Ultimately, your 401k plan is the key to resolving your difficulties.  A 401k if much more versatile than a pension, annuity, IRA or any other investment vehicle. 

    First, Check with your 401k Plan Administrator.  Ask whether you are allowed to take a loan up to a certain percentage of your vested 401k balance.  Then confirm the amount of your vested balance and the allowable loan that you could take from your vested balance.  Loans on 401k plans are typical and are usually limited to 50% of your vested balance.

    For the sake of example let's assume this is a typical 401k plan and you can take a loan of up to 50% of your vested balance.  Based upon the numbers you have provided, I would be willing to venture a guess that you may be told that the entire $285,000 is vested and that your maximum allowed loan at 50% would be limited to $142,500.  You should also find out how much interest will be charged on whatever loan you take out and the maximum repayment period.  Of course you will be repaying yourself the interest so this is a considerable benefit to you.  Plus, you can check with your accountant to see if any of the 401k interest is potentially deductible because it is used as a buyout of your wife's interest in the real estate and adds to your adjusted basis in the property.

    Now William, there are a few things to take into consideration but careful planning will eliminate difficulty.  If you are already in the midst of a divorce then your are bound by the Automatic Orders of the Court.  These Orders prevent you from spending, hiding or doing anything out of the ordinary with any assets without the written consent of your spouse.  You may not unreasonably incur any debt that is not in the normal course of your home or running your business except for paying your attorney's fees.

At the outset this looks like it poses a massive hurdle but your case is a bit different.

The Rhode Island Family Court has the power of equitable distribution over the marital estate.  This means the marital assets and debts of the parties.  This does not include pre-marital assets.  You have already disclosed that your 401k had a value of $75,000 before you got married.  This $75,000 is a premarital asset.  These funds are yours.  Additionally, any appreciation relating solely to those $75,000 is also a non-marital asset because they are funds generated purely by virtue of a the pre-marital asset without further contribution from the parties.  Thus if over the 13 years if your 401k averaged 7% per annum return then your $75,000 has roughly appreciated to $180,738.38 making the marital portion of your 401k $285,000 minus $180,738.38 which equals $104,261.62.    The $104,261.62 should roughly be the true marital portion for distribution by the Rhode Island Family court.  It is certainly viable for you and your attorney take the position that this should be undisputed and that $180,738.38 is truly a premarital asset to which your wife is not entitled. 

If you are allowed a 50% loan to vested monies then you have in excess of $90,000 that you can take as a loan for both your attorneys' fees and to buy out your wife's interest in the house.  If your wife's share of the house equity is agreed to be $70,000 then even with poor credit you should be able to secure an equity line of credit or a refinance of the house even if you take out a loan of $40,000 and put $35,000 toward the house and rely upon $35,000 of the house equity to balance out the loan.  This also leaves you with an additional $5,000 for attorneys' fees.

If you take out a loan of $35,000 as suggested, then you still have $145,738.38 that should remain a pre-marital asset that you are entitled to claim as a pre-marital asset.

Keep in mind that this is an arguable position.  Technically, it is a judge's role to determine whether an asset is marital, non-marital, premarital or otherwise exempt from the court's equitable distribution power.  However, when the issue is as clear cut as this in accordance with the statutes, most judges will not penalize an individual for following the advice of his attorney in order to settle a matter on the judge's calendar.

If the judge disapproves of the manner in which you proceed and finds the circumstances to require the court's authority, the most likely conclusion is that the Judge will consider any disproportionate amount as an offset to your spouse against the marital estate.  However, pursuant to the Rhode Island General Laws this is an arguable position that you should be able to take and use without the written permission of the other party or an order of the court, especially if it is used in an effort to settle the case. 

However, if the funds are used for purposes other than settling the case, be prepared for the court to take more appropriate actions to punish you as an abusing party even if you are within your legal rights.

Authored By:

  Christopher A. Pearsall
Attorney-at-Law
70 Dogwood Drive, Suite 304
West Warwick, RI 02893

Call (401) 632-6976 Now for your low-cost consultation.
from
Rhode Island's Most Affordable Divorce & Family Law* Attorney
now
100% Digital and Virtual!

Copyright 2008.  Christopher A. Pearsall, A New Rhode Island Divorce Lawyer for a New Millenium

*The Rhode Island Supreme Court licenses all attorneys in the general practice of law.
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