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Rhode Island Family Law Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Criminal Law and DUI / DWI for Rhode Island on
Q: If there was any way I wanted to find an arrest record on my father how would I go about doing that?

I know he kidnapped me, and I would like the record of that, but I also know he was arrested for something regarding a machete and I would like to either be able to read it or something.... possibly to get another restraining order but not sure yet. He contacted me after a while because I sent him... View More

Neville Bedford
Neville Bedford
answered on May 15, 2020

Contact a lawyer to assist you. They have access to court documents. It sounds like you could benefit from some advocacy and professional assistance.

2 Answers | Asked in Family Law and Child Custody for Rhode Island on
Q: May I take minor out of country on vacation without consent from the other OCONUS parent? I have placement, RI.
John  Larochelle
PREMIUM
John Larochelle
answered on Apr 10, 2020

If you have sole custody, you are able to take your minor child out of country on vacation without consent from the overseas parent. Otherwise, you need the permission of the child’s other parent, whether or not he or she is OCONUS. I strongly recommend that you get that permission in writing.... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Real Estate Law, Domestic Violence and Landlord - Tenant for Rhode Island on
Q: What are my legal rights when I'm only tenant on my lease. My gf will not leave willingly

She has repeatedly threatened me to call police for no reason and have me removed out of my own place. I pay 1500 a month and she pays nothing. I'm trying to end this controlling relationship.

Neville Bedford
Neville Bedford
answered on Dec 24, 2019

If the threats are of imminent physical or bodily harm, seek a protective order. If your local law enforcement will not assist you in removing this now unwelcome guest, you may have to file a formal eviction. This is where the help of a private attorney will be most useful.

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for Rhode Island on
Q: I found out yesterday that my ex mother-in-law left my 9 year old daughter home alone for 15 min. Is this okay?

I am divorced and I found out yesterday that my ex mother-in-law left my 9 year old daughter home alone for 15 min because she needed to take my son to school because his bus never showed up at the bus stop. So instead of bringing my daughter with them to drop my son off, she left her home alone.... View More

Neville Bedford
Neville Bedford
answered on Dec 16, 2019

If the child was not in danger, they may argue that it does not constitute neglect. Talk to your attorney about the possibility of a first right for parenting time when either parent is not available to care for the child . . . such as when one parent must be travelling for an extended period.

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law for Rhode Island on
Q: Can I stop this somehow or can he pay for this?

My ex boyfriend/daughter's father is trying to blackmail me with text messages by saying he will show them to my current boyfriend of almost 2 years just because he is unhappy with my relationship and wants to ruin it. Keep in mind my daughter and I live in my boyfriend's home so that... View More

Neville Bedford
Neville Bedford
answered on Dec 12, 2019

How much do you want him to pay or is he asking you to pay how much? What Blackmail? Is it worth it? Ask yourself how bad are these text messages? Are they old/new? How much have you told your new BF so that he will be supportive and protective. If there is a recent threat of harm from... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody, Domestic Violence and Family Law for Rhode Island on
Q: How can a grandparent end guardianship when the parents refuse to take the child back? Troubled teenager.

Divorced parents don’t want teen and refuse to take him. Teen needs to be removed from grandparents home. Who can physically remove the teen?

Neville Bedford
Neville Bedford
answered on Nov 21, 2019

Children who are unwanted by parents and guardians oft end up in state custody. Meet with your attorney, either the one who assisted you with the Guardianship, or any other attorney of your choice, to discuss your options.

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Family Law, Child Custody and Juvenile Law for Rhode Island on
Q: I have a friend who was 16 years old when he got a 14 year old pregnant. Can he get in trouble now that he’s an adult?

No statue of limitations and it’s been 4 years 5 months

Gary Kollin
Gary Kollin
answered on Oct 9, 2019

Depends on the statute of limitations and how much time has passed

2 Answers | Asked in Family Law and Domestic Violence for Rhode Island on
Q: My brother & his girlfriend have lived in N. Carolina for about 6 yrs. and they have 2 kids. The girlfriend left with

Her new boyfriend and one of the children. When she arrived in Rhode Island she filed a domestic violence complaint with the courts in R.I. and she alleges the violence occurred in NC. Shouldn't she file in NC? Fyi- she filed this complaint to prevent my brother from driving to RI to bring... View More

Neville Bedford
Neville Bedford
answered on Oct 10, 2019

A2: Your brother would be well advised to consult with an attorney or two (one in each jurisdiction) to understand how the court handles the jurisdictional issue you present on his behalf. When there is a custody order in the foreign(to RI) jurisdiction, the case will normally be heard there. BUT,... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody and Family Law for Rhode Island on
Q: Can i file for custody and a visitation order if i dont know the other parties address?
Neville Bedford
Neville Bedford
answered on Oct 10, 2019

You could, but it may be pointless. Even if the court allows you to give notice by way of (very expensive) advertising, you will still not know where to find your children should the court grant your prayer for placement of the child(ren). An experienced family court attorney will likely have some... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Family Law and Civil Rights for Rhode Island on
Q: Is it okay for my 14 yr old to be walking around at 10pm in Cranston ri
Neville Bedford
Neville Bedford
answered on Sep 16, 2019

Assuming you are the parent, and you have given your child permission to walk (to unknown destination? Friends house - ? Food Hut? Dunkin? ), then it should be OK. If you have not given your child permission and they are Walking (running away), call the police. Some parts of Cranston are more... 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

Gary Kollin
Gary Kollin
answered on Jul 24, 2019

I doubt any attorney would take this case on a contingency fee basis.

Also what is the likelihood of recovering money should you get a judgment?

Those are my observations

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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 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 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

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Child Support for Rhode Island on
Q: If I'm paying child support in rhode island can I see my kids?
Neville Bedford
Neville Bedford
answered on Feb 16, 2019

Parenting time is a right, and Child support is a separate obligation. If you have an order from the court granting your request for parenting time, you have the right to. If you have not addressed this issue in the court, now would be a great time to contact a family law attorney to assist you in... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody, Child Support and Family Law for Rhode Island on
Q: Can I move out of state for a job advancement with my 2 children if I have sole legal and physical custody?

I have sole legal and physical custody of my 2 children. Mother lives in the next state over 30 min away. We want to move south about 12 hours away. She has not made contact with me to see them in 9 months. There is no visitations set up at all as she skipped the last 2 court dates. I have had them... View More

Neville Bedford
Neville Bedford
answered on Jan 29, 2019

Meet with your attorney to review the court orders in your particular case.

Also, you may consider retaining your private attorney to press for the child support you seek.

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Child Support for Rhode Island on
Q: A question about rigl 15.11.1.

My ex hasnt paid child support in almost a year and recently started again after getting court summons it said on jan. 10th defendant is found to be in compliance with the court order of support for purposes of liscense suspension as defined in RIGL 15-11.1. Does this mean she has her lisense... View More

Neville Bedford
Neville Bedford
answered on Jan 29, 2019

http://webserver.rilin.state.ri.us/Statutes/TITLE15/15-11.1/INDEX.HTM

Compliance is paying regularly. It is often argued in the court that without a license, one is unable to work in order to pay their support obligation.

1 Answer | Asked in Child Support and Family Law for Rhode Island on
Q: my daughter has 3 kids.Their father has avoided being served &DHS will not pursue child supportuntil he is. what to do?

its been 7 months. my wife & I are nearly bankrupt caring for 2 households. 1 can we be reinbursed for loses, 2 can she get help now and 9 can she get retro support back the 7 months. (she was a victim of physical abuse for which he only got 1 yr probation)

Neville Bedford
Neville Bedford
answered on Jan 16, 2019

I might suggest you meet with and retain a private attorney to assist IF the father has the ability to pay child support.

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody and Family Law for Rhode Island on
Q: My ex has filed contempt charges in our child custody. Not sure how to answer

He is an alcoholic, I have a no contact order against him, he does not pay child support, he has no license so I do not want my daughter in a car when he drives, I have many police reports against him for his abuse and harassment. Not sure what I need to do to answer and file for a countersuit for... View More

Neville Bedford
Neville Bedford
answered on Jan 16, 2019

A lawyer is what you need to assist you. You may qualify for a reduced fee attorney through the bar association, or a no cost attorney through legal services.

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Child Custody for Rhode Island on
Q: My ex and I signed an agreement that we would not have an overnight Guest of the opposite sex with our daughter present

He will not give me a straight anser if he is having an out of town female he is dating visit this weekend when he has my daughter , because he will not answer me i allowed to not let him take her Saturday morning without a straightforward answer to my question ?

Neville Bedford
Neville Bedford
answered on Sep 24, 2018

Check with your attorney. If you don't have one, it would be a great idea to meet with one to address custody, support, and visitation with enforceable orders.

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