Finding the Right Divorce Lawyer in Rhode Island
No matter how agreeable, divorce is never a pleasant experience. Whether you live in Rhode Island, or anywhere else for that matter, finding the right divorce lawyer can be difficult. You want to be fair, but on the other hand, you don’t want to give away the store to maintain your nice guy image. When hiring an attorney, you need someone who understands what you’re going through plus what you need to survive. If children are involved, it’s even more complicated. No-fault divorces sound like a civilized option, but any attorney will tell you this: if it’s not in writing, there’s a better than even chance that issues will arise in the future.
The Role of Divorce Lawyers
A good divorce attorney will:
- Negotiate with the opposing attorney to reach a realistic and satisfactory settlement
- Advocate on your behalf for child custody, child support, and spousal support
- Uncover any assets your spouse may be attempting to hide
- Evaluate offers for settlement
- Resolve any additional disputes that may arise during the divorce process
Unfortunately, there are instances where attorneys do not operate in the best interests of their clients. If you suspect your attorney is not completely working on your behalf, you have every right to question their decisions. Remember, you are not obliged to accept your attorney’s advice. You should never feel pressured to sign off on anything.
What Does a Divorce Cost
The cost of your divorce is a function of how contested your divorce is. Filing and service fees are about $200. If there are no disputes about child custody, child support, visitation, alimony, or the division of assets, your divorce could cost as little as $1,500. Assuming you use an attorney, the most uncomplicated cases cost around $1,500. Contested divorces, depending upon their complexity, can cost as much as $15,000 from each party. This money comes from the marital estate.
How to Pick a Good Divorce Lawyer
The notion of the “best” divorce attorneys is subjective. Each case is different, with its particular requirements. No one wants their divorce to be contentious. A good lawyer is equal parts appropriately firm on your behalf without creating unnecessary unpleasantness and conflict. They listen to your concerns and are honest with you if what you want is unrealistic. You’re looking for someone with the following qualities:
- Experience
- Respected by Their Peers
- Honesty
- Appropriately Aggressive on Your Behalf
- Forthright About Fees
- A Good Negotiator
- Committed to Your Case
- Compassionate
A good divorce has A+ communication skills; experience with cases similar to yours; people skills; willingness to research the facts of the case. Do not be reluctant to ask how cases similar to yours have turned out. If you sense that the attorney seems unduly negative regarding your situation, you may want to move on to someone with whom you feel better connected.
The Calvino Law Associates Promise
The legal team at Calvino Law Associates handles a wide range of divorce cases in Rhode Island and Southern Mass each year. Some of them are straightforward, some are unavoidably complex. Our attorneys always strive for amicable conclusions that keep cases out of court.
If you are contemplating divorce, call us at (401) 205-3733 or use our online contact form. We serve Providence, North Kingstown, and the surrounding areas in Rhode Island.
373 Elmwood Ave.
Providence, RI 02907
