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Questions Answered by Neville Bedford
1 Answer | Asked in Domestic Violence for Rhode Island on
Q: My nephew is a recent college grad, job holder and has never been in trouble with the police. He was accused of domestic

violence by a former girlfriend. She contacted him to take a ride and "talk". She didn't like what he had to say (he had moved on and had another relationship) and began to throw things and hit him while he was driving. He held her wrist to keep control of the vehicle. Once at her... View More

Neville Bedford
Neville Bedford
answered on Sep 6, 2017

If he has an attorney, he will be well advised. Part of that advice may include a review of his right to remain silent and not discuss the matter in public, or in any manner that may damage his case. He should consult with his attorney privately to address these concerns.

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Rhode Island on
Q: Hi, is it possible to press criminal charges for DV against my husband whom I no longer live with, but who

repeatedly sabotaged my recovery from a traumatic brain injury that he indirectly caused? A week after the injury, he threw me on the bed and screamed in my ear twice. He fought with me the day of the injury and locked me in a car for 4 hours the following day. This type of thing happened over... View More

Neville Bedford
Neville Bedford
answered on Sep 6, 2017

Talk to the attorney you retained to assist you with your divorce. If you did not engage an attorney to assist you, you may encounter some challenges navigating the process. The possible criminal case will require a careful investigation to evaluate your evidence and testimony and any possible... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody and Family Law for Rhode Island on
Q: Signing rights over to family friend temporary

My daughter has a hold by dcyf due to my past. My husband and I wanna give custody to someone whos visiting from NC. Her and her husband would take her until we're able to. How do we go about doing it

Neville Bedford
Neville Bedford
answered on Sep 6, 2017

Meet with and retain a family court attorney to assist you in making proper arrangements. If DCYF is still open, they may be the ones who presently have legal custody . . . but it is impossible to tell without a thorough review of the case.

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody for Rhode Island on
Q: My boyfriend & I have shared custody w his mom in CT. She went to RI & now has full custody without our consent. Help!

Who do I call to have this modified in RI? We never received notice. And I just spoke to our son's child advocate lawyer in CT. She told me that the grandmother has tried several times in CT to obtain full custody and was denied. So even my son's lawyer thinks the grandmother has been up... View More

Neville Bedford
Neville Bedford
answered on Aug 28, 2017

This sounds like a complicated situation that may be best addressed with the assistance of a qualified family law attorney engaged to assist you.

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Rhode Island on
Q: If 2 people allege they were assaulted by each other who gets arrested

Non domestic.

Neville Bedford
Neville Bedford
answered on Aug 28, 2017

Whomever the police decide to arrest will get arrested. Then the lawyers and Judge will help sort it out.

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce for Rhode Island on
Q: Use of VA dependent education benefits for children's education and divorce

. I am a 100% disabled veteran. I have three daughters and have applied for the VA dependent education benefit (chapter 35) to pay for college expenses. My ex wife wants this to be applied to her half of the tuition that is due. E.g. We owe $8000 this year and instead of splitting that she wants to... View More

Neville Bedford
Neville Bedford
answered on Aug 22, 2017

These are best discussed with your attorney in private after a careful review of your court orders and agreements.

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Divorce, Foreclosure and Libel & Slander for Rhode Island on
Q: I'm in foreclosure; can the mortgage co. send my ex-wife a certified notice or would that be considered slander?

The property has always been in my name only & predates the marriage. My ex never lived there; her name was never on any of the paperwork. The divorce final judgment was 10/31/95. Our agreement clearly indicated the property was mine & she has no claim to it.

Neville Bedford
Neville Bedford
answered on Aug 19, 2017

If you have it, bring the notice to the attorney you have retained to assist you in the foreclosure matter.

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce for Rhode Island on
Q: Is there a time limit to filing a Motion for relief from final judgement in RI divorce? do I need to respond to motion?
Neville Bedford
Neville Bedford
answered on Aug 19, 2017

Yes, under rule 60, there is a time limit if you are petitioning the court to vacate the prior Judgment. If, however, there is a post final motion for relief and it is unanswered, the risk of a default judgment is very possible. To clarify this answer, contact an attorney to review your... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce and Child Support for Rhode Island on
Q: My ex wife has filed a motion for Relief after Final Judgement of our divorce. Date of final judgement was 2/24/16

. I am a 100% disabled veteran. I have three daughters and have applied for the VA dependent education benefit (chapter 35) to pay for college expenses. My ex wife wants this to be applied to her half of the tuition that is due. E.g. We owe $8000 this year and instead of splitting that she wants to... View More

Neville Bedford
Neville Bedford
answered on Aug 19, 2017

The law of your particular case will be found in your settlement agreement. If there are ambiguities that may be argued in your favor, go over these with your attorney. If you do not have an attorney, that is the first matter you should address. Issues of child support, parenting, and custody... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Rhode Island on
Q: My ex posted explicit photos of me online without my consent. Can I report him for any revenge porn crimes?
Neville Bedford
Neville Bedford
answered on Aug 4, 2017

Likely yes. You may want notify the site where they are hosted as well.

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Rhode Island on
Q: What can a person be charged with for having sex in a car in a public park in Rhode Island?

I should add that I am referring to 2 consenting adults.

Neville Bedford
Neville Bedford
answered on Aug 4, 2017

§ 180-1 Disturbing the peace.

Every person who shall revel, commit any nuisance or mischief, quarrel or otherwise behave in an indecent or disorderly manner in any of the public buildings or places to which the public is admitted, halls, railroad stations, places of amusement, churches,...
View More

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Rhode Island on
Q: Are people required to pick up their dog's poop when walking through neighborhoods?
Neville Bedford
Neville Bedford
answered on Aug 4, 2017

http://www.health.ri.gov/healthrisks/petwaste/

1 Answer | Asked in Child Support for Rhode Island on
Q: Interstate or Foreign Support Orders & Accrued Interest Owed to the Parent

Is it common for CSE caseworkers not to comprehend the UIFSA? It's very frustrating. Even more confusing is trying to find legislation that answers a specific question.

The case in question has a past due amount of $44,750.00 and no payment has been made on the account since 2013.... View More

Neville Bedford
Neville Bedford
answered on Aug 4, 2017

It may have been as simple as a data processing oversight. That is a substantial amount past due. Hopefully, you have retained competent counsel to ensure the interest is properly perfected.

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Child Custody for Rhode Island on
Q: If orders are filed by attorney of opposite party, and I am pro se, how do I obtain a copy of the orders

In Family Court

Neville Bedford
Neville Bedford
answered on Aug 4, 2017

There are copies available on the court web portal.

1 Answer | Asked in Traffic Tickets for Rhode Island on
Q: Pulled over told my license was suspended for failure to pay a ticket from 1993. What should I do
Neville Bedford
Neville Bedford
answered on Jul 26, 2017

Retain an attorney to assist you in getting this resolved.

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Rhode Island on
Q: My landlord is claiming he didn't know I lived there, but returned contact. Does this establash the law of acknowledge?

My roommate didn't pay the rent for two months, so I had to reach out to the landlord to get the truth as my roommate covered up lies with lies. I'm basically collateral damage in this. I'm disabled because of siezures and can't move by Monday like he's asking. And my... View More

Neville Bedford
Neville Bedford
answered on Jul 25, 2017

Take a good look at the lease. Does it permit subletting? Do you have one? You may have to take your roommate to small claims court if they defrauded you by renting you an apartment they did not have any right to rent to you.

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law for Rhode Island on
Q: Hi, how do I go about fighting a neglect charge through dcyf?

My state appointed lawyer is trying to get the neglect charge dropped however, the lawyer informed me it's unlikely. If dcyf refused to drop the neglect charge, what happens when I refuse to admit to the neglect? Family law doesn't require the state to provide actual evidence in any... View More

Neville Bedford
Neville Bedford
answered on Jul 25, 2017

If you are not satisfied with your court appointed lawyer(often, some of the most experienced attorneys in this area), You are free to retain private counsel to assist you. If the facts are against you and the investigation yielded sufficient information to indicate a finding of neglect, you may... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce for Rhode Island on
Q: In a divorce, can the estranged spouse be the witness to residency? Is there an alternative to bringing a witness?

My spouse has filed for divorce pro se. Everything is amicable. She has been told that she needs a witness to her residency; neither of us are comfortable asking someone to miss a day at work.

Neville Bedford
Neville Bedford
answered on Jul 25, 2017

Yes, there are many other details that may cause delay if you continue Pro Se. Consider hiring an experienced RI Family Court Divorce attorney to ensure you complete the process correctly and without delay.

1 Answer | Asked in Child Support for Rhode Island on
Q: My sons father has been out of the country since my son was born 13 years ago. can I get Child support?

My sons father has been out of the country. He was incarcerated and is finally back as a free man in RI. Can I get child support for all the years he hasn't given me any money? What can I do?

Neville Bedford
Neville Bedford
answered on Jul 25, 2017

Generally, child support is prospective from the time you open the case except in certain circumstances where there is a question of paternity. Consult with any of our fine Rhode Island Family Court attorneys to explore your options.

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce for Rhode Island on
Q: Is there an alternative to having a witness testify to residency in a nominal divorce?

We have an upcoming hearing. Neither of us are comfortable asking someone to take a day out of work to testify. Can we serve as each other's witness?

Neville Bedford
Neville Bedford
answered on Jul 25, 2017

Yes, or you could prepare a witness affidavit for the court. Ideally, you will have an experienced Rhode Island Family court attorney helping you navigate the hearing procedure and preparing the necessary follow up documents correctly, and in a timely manner.

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