Question 1

Book and Appointment

Accepted Answer

Considering speaking with an attorney? We offer consultations to discuss your situation and go over your options together. Call our office at 401-539-8712 or use the contact form on this site to request a time. Scheduling a consultation does not create an attorney-client relationship, and no outcome can be guaranteed every case is different.

Question 2

Preparing for Your Appointment

Accepted Answer

A little preparation helps us make the most of your time together. Here's what's helpful to bring and know, by practice area.Criminal LawWhat to bring: any paperwork you've received from police or the court (citation, arrest report, summons, bail paperwork), and a timeline of events as you remember themGood to know: what you share with us is protected by attorney-client privilege the more complete picture you can give us, the better we can advise you.
Probate Law & GuardianshipWhat to bring: the original will (if one exists), a death certificate, and any information you have about the estate's assets and debtsGood to know: probate timelines and requirements depend on the size and complexity of the estate we'll walk through what applies in your case.
Bankruptcy LawWhat to bring: recent pay stubs, last 2 years of tax returns, a list of creditors and balances, bank statements, and a list of major assets (home, vehicle, etc.)Good to know: bankruptcy involves different chapters (Chapter 7, Chapter 13) with different eligibility rules we'll go over which may apply to your situation.
Business LawWhat to bring: any existing formation documents (LLC, corporation), contracts relevant to your issue, and a summary of the business matter you'd like to discussGood to know: the right legal structure or contract terms depend on your specific goals and risk tolerance we'll talk through what fits your business.
Family Law & DivorceWhat to bring: recent financial documents (pay stubs, tax returns, bank statements), a list of shared property and debts, and if children are involved, any notes on custody or parenting preferencesGood to know: outcomes in family law matters depend heavily on individual circumstances we'll discuss your situation and options together.
Personal Injury LawWhat to bring: any documentation related to the incident (photos, police or incident reports, medical records or bills), and contact information for any witnessesGood to know: personal injury matters are fact-specific and often involve deadlines (statutes of limitations) the sooner we can review the details, the better.
Wills and TrustsWhat to bring: a general list of your assets, any existing will or estate documents, and your thoughts on who you'd want to name as executor or guardian for minor children, if applicableGood to know: estate planning needs vary widely by family situation there's no one-size-fits-all document, so having your goals in mind helps guide the conversation.
Contract LawWhat to bring: a copy of the contract in question and any related correspondence or documentation about the dispute or agreementGood to know: contract terms and enforceability depend on the specific language used and the circumstances of signing we'll review the details with you.

Question 3

Basic Info & Common Questions

Accepted Answer

Straightforward answers to questions we hear often, organized by practice area. For anything specific to your situation, we're happy to talk it through at a consultation.Criminal LawDo I need a lawyer if I'm just being questioned by police? Yes. You have the right to remain silent and to have an attorney present, even before charges are filed.What's the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony in Rhode Island? Generally, felonies carry the possibility of more than one year in prison, while misdemeanors carry lesser potential penalties. The exact classification depends on the specific charge.Probate Law & GuardianshipWhat's the difference between guardianship and power of attorney? A power of attorney is a document someone sets up voluntarily to let another person act on their behalf. Guardianship is typically established through the court when someone is no longer able to make decisions for themselves.How long does probate usually take in Rhode Island? Timelines vary depending on the size and complexity of the estate, but simple estates often resolve faster than ones with disputes or many assets.Bankruptcy LawWill I lose my house or car if I file for bankruptcy? It depends on the chapter you file under and applicable exemptions. Some filers are able to keep essential property. We can review your specific situation with you.How long does bankruptcy stay on my credit report? Generally, Chapter 7 can remain on a credit report for up to 10 years and Chapter 13 for up to 7 years, though credit impact varies by individual circumstances.Business LawDo I need an operating agreement if I'm the only owner of my LLC? It's not always legally required, but having one in place helps protect your liability shield and clarifies how the business operates.What contracts should every small business have in place? Commonly needed contracts include client/customer agreements, vendor agreements, and employment or independent contractor agreements, depending on how your business operates.Family Law & DivorceDoes Rhode Island require a separation period before divorce? Rhode Island law includes provisions for both fault and no fault divorce, and requirements can depend on the grounds cited. We can walk you through what applies to your situation.How is property divided in a Rhode Island divorce? Rhode Island follows equitable distribution, meaning property is divided fairly, though not necessarily equally, based on a number of factors.Personal Injury LawHow long do I have to file a personal injury claim in Rhode Island? Rhode Island generally has a statute of limitations for personal injury claims, though exact deadlines can vary by case type. It's best to consult with us as soon as possible after an incident.Will my personal injury case go to trial? Many personal injury cases resolve through settlement rather than trial, though this depends on the facts of the case and how negotiations proceed.Wills and TrustsWhat happens if I die without a will in Rhode Island? Your estate would generally be distributed according to Rhode Island's intestacy laws, which follow a set order of relatives rather than your personal wishes.How often should I update my estate plan? It's generally a good idea to review your estate plan after major life events such as marriage, divorce, having children, or significant changes in assets.Contract LawWhat makes a contract legally enforceable? Generally, a valid contract requires an offer, acceptance, and consideration (something of value exchanged), along with the intent to be legally bound.Can a contract be changed after it's signed? Yes, contracts can often be modified after signing, but changes typically need to be agreed to by all parties and documented properly.Disclaimer: This page is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. Every case is different. Please contact our office to discuss your specific situation. This is attorney advertising.

Question 4

Local Resources

Accepted Answer

Rhode Island JudiciaryThe official website for Rhode Island's state court system, covering the Supreme Court, Superior Court, Family Court, District Court, Workers' Compensation Court, and the Rhode Island Traffic Tribunal. Includes case information access, court forms, and directions/parking for court complexes.http://courts.ri.govU.S. District Court for the District of Rhode IslandThe federal trial court for Rhode Island, located at the Federal Building and Courthouse, One Exchange Terrace, Providence. Includes case locator (PACER) access and general court information.https://www.rid.uscourts.gov/Rhode Island Bar AssociationA public resource maintained by the Rhode Island Judiciary with access to Rhode Island statutes, court rules, and general legal reference materials for anyone looking to understand the law on their own.https://ribar.com/ These links are provided as a convenience and point to third party government and organizational websites we do not control. This page is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. Please contact our office to discuss your specific situation.

Resources

Frequently asked questions

Book and Appointment

Preparing for Your Appointment

Basic Info & Common Questions

Local Resources