Ask a Question

Get free answers to your legal questions from lawyers in your area.

Lawyers, increase your visibility by answering questions and getting points. Answer Questions
Questions Answered by Neville Bedford
1 Answer | Asked in Divorce for Rhode Island on
Q: My former spouse put a document under seal in our divorce. What criteria does the court use to decide to unseal it?

In Rhode Island

Neville Bedford
Neville Bedford
answered on Jul 26, 2019

Speak with your attorney to evaluate what it is you seek to discover, prove, or reveal with the unsealing of a court record. If you don't have an attorney, find one. FOR EXAMPLE, Under what conditions might you like a judge to order your documents unsealed. If they were sworn financial... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law and Family Law for Rhode Island on
Q: My ex was emotionally abusive. I am being treated for PTSD, Depression and Anxiety. Can I sue for emotional damage?

It is 12 years later, he threatened me into selling my own house to get the equity, he broke into my house and yelled at me to sell it. He has alienated my three children from me, I sold the house, he didn't like the amount I was getting, he filed a restraining order against the sale. I... View More

Neville Bedford
Neville Bedford
answered on Aug 5, 2019

If you are experiencing these threats currently, call the police, or seek a protective order.

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody for Rhode Island on
Q: I currently have joint custody with a court order on a set schedule. He refuses to return my son today.

Is there anything that can be done? This is the second time he’s done this.

Neville Bedford
Neville Bedford
answered on Jul 22, 2019

Contact your lawyer and have them file the appropriate motion to get this in front of a judge to hold him in contempt of the court's order.

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce and Real Estate Law for Rhode Island on
Q: In RI, who should get back a deposit on an apartment lease when you are divorcing? I paid the deposit originally

My ex lied to my landlord and told them that I gave him the deposit to move it to his next lease starting August 1st. Since I paid the original deposit and he is starting a new lease, shouldn’t I be the one that receives it back?

Neville Bedford
Neville Bedford
answered on Jul 22, 2019

If your ex is lying to your landlord, there is a good chance they may also be lying to you. If you have the same landlord and you are now trying to convince them to return your deposit, this may have to be resolved in court if the landlord refuses to return your deposit. I suspect there are... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce for Rhode Island on
Q: There is a court date when you file for a divorce but then you need to wait 90 days which date is legal divorce date RI
Neville Bedford
Neville Bedford
answered on Jul 22, 2019

The time to enter the final Judgment begins three months and one day after a hearing in a case where the grounds are irreconcilable differences that have led to the irremediable breakdown of the marriage. The effective date is the date on which the judge signs it. At that point the parties are... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Rhode Island on
Q: What are my rights as a dog owner against false complaints?

When I let my dog out at night 10:30-midnight and he barks my neighbors complain (two of them - who have "ganged" up on me). (One neighbor says he wakes up her son and he can't go back to sleep.) My dog may only bark for a few seconds before I bring him in. (I stand in the doorway to... View More

Neville Bedford
Neville Bedford
answered on May 22, 2019

If upon affirmation in writing, signed by a resident of this town, and after investigation by the animal control officer or a police officer, that officer has cause to believe that an animal, whether licensed or not, is a habitual nuisance by reason of trespassing, howling, barking or making other... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Rhode Island on
Q: Any laws about dogs barking non-stop when owners aren't home but leave windows open so very loud for hours at a time
Neville Bedford
Neville Bedford
answered on May 22, 2019

Check your local municipal code for your specific town. The ordinance are generally available online.

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce for Rhode Island on
Q: Do you guys have a pro Bono divorce service if not do you know of any in the Narragansett or Wakefield county area?
Neville Bedford
Neville Bedford
answered on May 22, 2019

Contact Volunteer Lawyer Program Coordinator, John Ellis at (401) 421-7758 or jellis@ribar.com to see if you qualify for Pro Bono representation.

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody for Rhode Island on
Q: What can a person do if they believe their case was lost due to judge and plaintiff having friendship prior to the case

Custodial loses placement after non-custodial makes false allegations which are proven unfounded by dcyf custodial fights case for a year judge does not listen to evidence judge does not allow for a hearing judge continues case constantly for over a year information has come forward that plaintiff... View More

Neville Bedford
Neville Bedford
answered on May 22, 2019

Talk to your attorney if you are want to take an appeal from the judge's decision. If your attorney is not willing to represent you for the appeal, consult with another attorney soonest. There is a limited time to file an appeal.

1 Answer | Asked in Business Formation, Business Law, Civil Litigation and Trademark for Rhode Island on
Q: Is "Newport Wellness" registrable as a service mark? geographically descriptive + generic term for the services.

I don't think it is, but I'm looking for other opinions.

Per USPTO, Generic words cannot qualify as “marks” in the legal sense and are never registrable or enforceable against third parties. Because generic words are the common, everyday name for goods and services and... View More

Neville Bedford
Neville Bedford
answered on May 14, 2019

Speak with a trademark attorney. They will explain the impact of the disclaimer to the plain words, the limitation, of the category of trade for which one might register, and other options you may consider to give you more than "thin protection" . They will also explain the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Civil Rights, Intellectual Property and Juvenile Law for Rhode Island on
Q: Can a family court in rhode island take away my phone when I'm 13 under the orders of a judge?

Truancy

Neville Bedford
Neville Bedford
answered on May 14, 2019

They are more likely to prohibit you from using it. Speak with your court attorney to have them press your best arguments against such an order.

1 Answer | Asked in Traffic Tickets for Rhode Island on
Q: Charged w/ 2nd off. driving while suspended but I never have been cited or charged w/ a 1st offense..what should I do?

I was cited for driving on a suspended license - 2nd offense after another driver side swiped me. I wasn’t aware my license was suspended, the accident occurred in June 2018 and RI says they suspended it back in April 2016 stemming from a FTA for a traffic ticket. I understand the suspension but... View More

Neville Bedford
Neville Bedford
answered on May 14, 2019

Hire an attorney to muster your best defense and force the prosecution to produce their evidence.

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Rhode Island on
Q: What can I do if a search & seizure warrant was returned 22 days after it was executed? In RI should be returned in 14.
Neville Bedford
Neville Bedford
answered on May 14, 2019

Your attorney should be able to explain the impact of this http://webserver.rilin.state.ri.us/Statutes/TITLE12/12-5/12-5-3.HTM

2 Answers | Asked in Car Accidents for Rhode Island on
Q: As the owner of a vehicle that caused an accident while being driven by another insured adult, am I liable?
Neville Bedford
Neville Bedford
answered on Apr 10, 2019

Did you give that other driver permission to drive your vehicle?

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Adoption, Family Law and Gov & Administrative Law for Rhode Island on
Q: Which Rhode Island court do I petition to unseal documents related to my paternity?

I was born outside of marriage, and then my father signed an "affidavit of legitimation" after he married my mother. Per Rhode Island law, this document is sealed and Vital Records will only issue copies of it with a court order. I am applying for recognition of inherited Italian... View More

Neville Bedford
Neville Bedford
answered on Mar 28, 2019

Dual citizenship is a special status and probably worth investing with an attorney to assist you. Your chances of success will be much better with a professional advocating on your behalf.

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Domestic Violence for Rhode Island on
Q: What are my rights for getting help to relocate die to my son's father attacking me in my home and as result I have been

Put on a DV safe house with my son how can I get help to get another apartment since the attack happens at old one

Neville Bedford
Neville Bedford
answered on Mar 27, 2019

Work with you advocates at the DV safe house to continue your safety plan. Work with your attorney to establish sole custody to enable you to relocate.

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce for Rhode Island on
Q: Hi. I'm in the beginning stages of a divorce and have no idea what's going on. I feel I may have missed paperwork.

I do suffer mental health issues and I'm on ssdi and feel my wife is taking full advantage of this. Any advice is helpful

Neville Bedford
Neville Bedford
answered on Feb 27, 2019

Hire an attorney. If you cannot afford to hire your own attorney, contact the RI Bar association to get on the waiting list for a volunteer attorney.

Volunteer Lawyer Program - The Rhode Island Bar Association Volunteer Lawyer Program (VLP), funded through a grant from Rhode Island Legal...
View More

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant and Real Estate Law for Rhode Island on
Q: can a landlord tow my vehicle without notice?

we were in a rollover accident on 2/19 (it is now 2/22). we are still awaiting the police report, and our vehicle was towed to our parking area (private off street parking with assigned spaces, of which we are only taking up our own space). the vehicle has considerable damage to it, but is not... View More

Neville Bedford
Neville Bedford
answered on Feb 27, 2019

If it is not roadworthy, one could argue that it is "debris" or refuse." Probably best for you to get it to an auto body shop where they will be able to allow the insurance company to make their assessment and perform the necessary repairs, should that be the option you choose.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Child Custody for Rhode Island on
Q: Can I travel on vacation with my daughter without my husbands consent?
Neville Bedford
Neville Bedford
answered on Feb 27, 2019

This question gives rise to so many more questions. Are there court orders to the contrary? Is there a divorce pending in the court? Do you have a lawyer? Have you read the automatic orders of the family court? Why does your husband not consent to his daughter having a vacation with her mother ? Is... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Car Accidents for Rhode Island on
Q: totaled truck buy back repair myself under ri 31-46 -7 part c then retitle?

I want to repair my totaled truck myself. Ins co, and dmv say it can only be repaired by someone with salvage rebuilders licence. Law says I can rebuild it if title is stamped "for parts only". I hold the title. Can I repair it and then get it retitled?

Neville Bedford
Neville Bedford
answered on Feb 27, 2019

The title will likely remain a salvage title for the life of the vehicle.

View More Answers

Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.