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Rhode Island Questions & Answers
0 Answers | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Rhode Island on
Q: What to do if told current landlord lost ownership?

I am a tenant, and someone recently approached me in person claiming that the current landlord no longer owns the property and advised me not to pay rent. I have not signed a new contract, nor have I contacted my current landlord to verify this information. Additionally, this person claimed to be... View More

0 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law, Personal Injury and Consumer Law for Rhode Island on
Q: Legal recourse if misled about HIV status in Rhode Island?

In Rhode Island, I was misled by someone who claimed to be HIV undetectable, but later confessed to not taking their medication for 3 months. This has resulted in severe health, emotional, and financial impacts on my life, including the fear of potential medication failure and health deterioration.... View More

0 Answers | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Rhode Island on
Q: A member of the household has had a dog for over a year and never taken it to the vet.

They generally take minimal care of the dog besides giving it food and letting it outside, besides that it's usually in a cage. It often defecates inside and barely knows how to sit. Do they even own the dog if they've never taken it to the vet, and if not can I call animal control to... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Child Custody for Rhode Island on
Q: I have shared custody of my daughter with 2 overnights weekly. Can the primary placement parent dictate where?

She won't let me have my daughter where I live. She's given me no reason

Albin Moser
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answered on Feb 11, 2025

No, she cannot dictate where. You would need to proceed in court in order to compel her to cooperate with the present court order. The court will order her to comply unless there is a big problem with where you live or who you live with.

0 Answers | Asked in Child Support, Family Law and Health Care Law for Rhode Island on
Q: Can a hospital refuse to let me and my child leave because they want a one night transfer to be observed?

If i went to the hospital and they gave my kid yhe stuff he needs but they say they want me to bring him to hasbro hospital for a night stay just to be observed when this is a normal thing for my son and ive gone 25 times to the hospital because he was born too early and his throat is deformed so... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Health Care Law for Rhode Island on
Q: Would I get penalized for not having health insurance for 2 months in Rhode Island due to affordability problems?

I will not have health insurance in between 1/31/25 and 4/15/25. I can't afford my previous employer's COBRA or the $235 premium that the state insurance program offered me.

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answered on Feb 5, 2025

The State of Rhode Island might try to penalize you, yes, but you might be able to show that you are exempt from the penalty. To do that, you could apply for a hardship exemption through the state website. I suggest that you look up on Google, "Application for an Exemption from the Rhode... View More

0 Answers | Asked in Employment Law and Civil Litigation for Rhode Island on
Q: In a Federal Civil Lawsuit, the Defendant loses and has to pay the Plaintiff, where does the money go. Is it the Federal

Is it the Federal Court (Massachusetts) that had the case involved in holding the funds?

0 Answers | Asked in Family Law for Rhode Island on
Q: Our granddaughter is also our foster child. She will turn 18 in December 2025. Best strategy for higher education?

We have raised our granddaughter under foster care since she was 3 years old. Her parents are around and available but admit they can't care for her. We could have adopted her with their blessing, but didn't. She simply becomes our granddaughter in December.

1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law for Rhode Island on
Q: Hi so I moved to the US at nine where I obtained citizenship through my father I also obtained a greencard but never

Got a citizenship certificate I am now now 21 years old and wants to proof my citizenship but my dad refused to give me his documents to prove my status ,should I file for n-600 or n-400

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 30, 2025

Since you were born outside the US but acquired citizenship through your father, the N-600 application would be the right option. This form is used to apply for a Certificate of Citizenship, which confirms that you are a US citizen. You are eligible for this if you were under 18 when your father... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Child Custody for Rhode Island on
Q: I live with my boyfriend can I just take my daughter and leave he says I can't leave permanently with her
Albin Moser
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answered on Feb 5, 2025

Yes, you can take your daughter and leave. The police will not stop you. The police will say that custody is a civil matter that must be resolved in Family Court. You can file a case in Family Court to get a determination of paternity, custody, child support and parenting time. The court's... View More

0 Answers | Asked in Divorce for Rhode Island on
Q: In Nigeria can a woman get half of the mans property during a divorce?

Like mean during divorce ruling in court. Can a woman get half of the man's property, in Nigeria.

0 Answers | Asked in Employment Law for Rhode Island on
Q: Was I wrongfully terminated after FMLA leave? HR forced resignation for seeking legal help, ignored ADA accommodations.

I recently returned from a 35-day FMLA leave due to my father’s passing and a car accident. Upon my return, HR confiscated my badge, limited my workplace access, and had me escorted out without a clear explanation or written termination notice. The HR representative interpreted my mention of... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law for Rhode Island on
Q: Is my brother's wife getting deported Jan 20th?

Hi, so my brother and his wife got married September of last year. She is technically illegal. My brother had fallen behind on doing his taxes for the past three years after our mom had died. So now they're trying to hurry with getting her green card paper work since Trump won office and... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 15, 2025

I understand how worried and scared you and your family must be during this uncertain time. Immigration situations are incredibly stressful, especially when they involve loved ones.

Your sister-in-law won't be automatically deported on January 20th - deportation processes don't...
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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Federal Crimes and Personal Injury for Rhode Island on
Q: person says undetectable. For hiv and transmitted hiv to me in rhode island Is this a criminal act

I was told he was undetectable and found days later it was not taking any medication nor took it for the last 3 months and find out I'm positive because of this person

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 6, 2025

I'm really sorry you're going through this. In Rhode Island, knowingly transmitting HIV to someone without informing them can be considered a criminal offense. If the person you were with was not actually undetectable and did not disclose their HIV status, they may have violated state... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law for Rhode Island on
Q: I filed for green card in 2018 and vawa in 2020. I was approved last in 2023 but no green card. What can I do?
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Dec 20, 2024

Having multiple immigration applications can make the process more complex, but there are steps you can take to move your case forward.

You should first contact USCIS directly through their website or phone line to inquire about your case status. Since your VAWA petition was approved in...
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2 Answers | Asked in Contracts, Criminal Law, Family Law and Social Security for Rhode Island on
Q: Is it illegal if a parent 'legally' robbed their child of their inheritance left in a will by her father before death?

I've stumbled upon a case where my Grandmother was left her father's "Entire Estate." However, due to the court's findings, they denied her her right to any inheritance due to her being an "illegitimate child" born out of wedlock. Is it possible that she was... View More

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answered on Dec 4, 2024

Those of us born out of wedlock can inherit pursuant to R.I. Gen. Laws § 33-1-8, a Rhode Island law that was first enacted in 1905. That 1905 law was probably enacted prior to the time of your great-grandfather's death, and would have prevented a finding that your grandmother could not... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Immigration Law for Rhode Island on
Q: How do I prevent my naturalized citizen daughter in law from being deported by Trump?
Carlo Franco L. Borja
Carlo Franco L. Borja
answered on Nov 11, 2024

Generally, a naturalized US citizen can no longer be deported

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1 Answer | Asked in Trademark for Rhode Island on
Q: I filed for a trademark using a personal address, is there anything I can do to have this hidden in public records?

I do not have a physical location for my business, so I used a personal address. I am a bit controversial online, and this information being public could be risky for me. Thank you for answering.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Oct 18, 2024

Using a registered agent service can help keep your personal address private in public records. These services provide a business address that can be listed instead of your home address, ensuring your personal information remains confidential.

You might also consider updating your trademark...
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1 Answer | Asked in Arbitration / Mediation Law, Child Custody, Child Support and Divorce for Rhode Island on
Q: I want to file for divorce in state of RI. What are my first steps. Doesn’t look like it will be an amicable divorce.

He is a narcissist

Albin Moser
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answered on Oct 30, 2024

There is a Guide and File portal on the Family Court section of the Rhode Island Judiciary's website. If you are trying to represent yourself then you can try to commence a case using the Guide and File and follow its instructions. Hiring a lawyer would be a good idea though.

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