Family Law Attorneys in Rhode Island

Family law isn't just about legalities; it's about people, relationships, and families. At The Law Offices of Howe & Garside, Ltd., we understand that every family law case is unique and affects individuals deeply. From marriage and divorce to child custody and support, we're here to guide you through the complexities of the law with sensitivity and years of experience on our side. 

We offer a comprehensive range of family law services tailored to meet the unique needs of families in Rhode Island, including Lincoln, Newport, Jamestown, Portsmouth, Middletown, Tiverton, Lincoln, Providence, Cumberland, North Kingstown, South Kingstown, and Smithfield. Contact us today to set up a time to discuss your legal situation. 

Family Law Services 

Whether it's drafting prenuptial agreements, navigating divorce proceedings, resolving child custody and support issues, or handling adoption cases, we are steadfastly committed to protecting your interests and providing peace of mind. Some of our services include:  

• Divorce: The process of divorce involves the legal dissolution of a marriage. At The Law Offices of Howe & Garside, Ltd., we understand the emotional toll this can take on an individual. We offer expert guidance through every stage of the divorce process, ensuring your rights and personal interests are safeguarded throughout. 

• Alimony: Also known as spousal support, alimony is a critical aspect of any divorce. Our experienced family law attorneys will help you understand your rights and advocate for fair and just alimony agreements. 

• Child Custody: Child custody pertains to the legal responsibilities of parents regarding the upbringing of their children following a separation or divorce. We prioritize your child's welfare above all else, assisting you in making critical decisions about their life, education, and other child-rearing matters. 

• Mediation: Mediation is an alternative dispute resolution method that allows conflicting parties to reach an agreement without resorting to court proceedings. Our mediation services facilitate constructive conversations, helping you and your partner arrive at a mutually satisfying resolution that saves both time and money, reducing the emotional stress often associated with court battles. 

• Pre-Marital Agreements: Also known as prenuptial agreements, these legal documents stipulate the division of assets and financial responsibilities in the event of a divorce. Our experienced team drafts comprehensive pre-marital agreements that reflect fairness and ensure the protection of each individual's rights. 

• Antenuptial Agreements: Antenuptial agreements are similar to prenuptial agreements, but they differ in that they are signed after the marriage has taken place. Our team can assist you in creating a legally binding agreement that protects your interests and provides peace of mind. 

• Child Support: Child support refers to the financial responsibility that noncustodial parents contribute towards the upbringing of their children. We are dedicated to securing equitable child support agreements, making sure that your child's financial needs are sufficiently catered for. 

• Domestic Violence Restraining Orders: Restraining orders are legal measures designed to protect victims of domestic abuse. If you find yourself in such a situation, we are here to support and guide you through the process of obtaining a swift and effective restraining order, providing the necessary legal protection during this challenging time. 

• Military Family Law: Our team has extensive experience in handling military family law cases and understands the unique challenges facing military families. Whether you need assistance with child custody arrangements during deployment or divorce proceedings involving a service member, we are here to help. 

• QDROS: Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROS) are legal orders that outline how retirement benefits will be divided in the case of a divorce. Our team can assist you in obtaining and enforcing QDROS to ensure you receive your fair share of retirement benefits. 

• Adoption: At The Law Offices of Howe & Garside, Ltd., we know that adoption is a joyous and emotional journey. Our team is here to help you navigate the legal complexities of adoption, ensuring a smooth process for all parties involved. 

No matter your situation, our team at The Law Offices of Howe & Garside, Ltd. is here to provide you with compassionate and expert legal support. We understand that family law matters can be emotionally taxing, and we are committed to helping you navigate through them with the utmost care and professionalism. 

Family Law FAQs 

We believe that knowledge empowers. In our commitment to help you feel more equipped and confident, we have compiled responses to some of the most asked questions about family law. We hope these answers shine a light on your queries and aid your understanding of our practices. For any further questions you have, reach out to our office for answers. 

How long does it take to finalize a divorce? 

The duration of a divorce process can vary significantly depending on the complexity of the case, the level of agreement between the parties involved, and whether it is a contested divorce or an uncontested divorce. Generally, it can take anywhere from several months to a few years. 

Can a mediation agreement be changed after it’s been made? 

A mediation agreement is not a contract. If it has not been written and signed as a Property Settlement Agreement, it can be changed. Neither party is bound by their agreement until the contract is signed. Changes to child custody or support may be modified by a court if there is a substantial change in circumstances and if it is in the best interest of the child.     

How is child support calculated? 

Child support is often calculated based on each parent's income, the number of children, and the amount of time each parent spends with the children. The specific guidelines can vary by state. 

Do prenuptial agreements protect future assets?  

While prenuptial agreements typically outline the division of current assets and liabilities, they can also include provisions regarding the division of future assets. The exact details depend on the terms of the agreement. 

Can a restraining order be extended?  

Yes, a restraining order can be extended upon its expiration if there is a continued threat. The individual seeking the extension will need to provide evidence supporting their request. 

Remember, the answers to these questions can vary based on many factors. It's always best to consult with a qualified family law attorney for advice specific to your circumstances. 

Why Are the Divorce Lawyers Here Different? 

When our Rhode Island divorce attorneys represent a party in a divorce action, we often are met with unrealistic offers from opposing counsel or we are not provided the information to put forth a fair and realistic offer grounded on facts, instead of emotion. Our willingness to think ahead and the tools at our disposal assist us to do that. For example, we may use something called Family Law Software, which allows us to present clear projections of the current and future budgets of the parties with accurate future tax computations. The result can provide a more accurate picture of the possible economic consequences of an offer or counteroffer into the future. 

Similarly, when Tricia Martland and Jeremy Howe of “Partners In Mediation” mediate cases, they use Family Law Software in most of the mediations. The software serves the important purpose of pointing out the true and complete economic position of the couple. Most often, one or both of the mediating couple do not have a clear picture of their economic reality. If the other party or the mediator(s) show that reality, they can be seen as “siding” with the other person (who does understand their reality) or as trying to defeat the desire of the other to be divorced. 

More importantly, the software allows your mediators or your lawyer to manipulate all variables to determine which solution is the best solution: 

• What is the effect of alimony on their taxes? 

• Can we convert some property division into alimony within the IRS rules? 

• What difference does it make if mother or father takes the dependency exemption(s)? 

• Is the proposed property division fair? 

• Did the division of the assets take into account the tax consequences of the asset division? 

• What long-term financial effect will the offers have on the individuals? 

All of these questions can be answered through use of the software and in many divorces and mediations, the software information has been the key to showing our clients the “bottom” line regarding their future budget and their future estates. 

Another distinction between our attorneys and others is our “goal-oriented” approach. Much like mediating, we assist our clients to understand their rights, but we also help them consider their long term goals in order to improve their lives after divorce. 

In our cases, we bring our legal knowledge (Jeremy Howe, Kristy J. Garside, and Susan E. Brassard) and our therapy experience (Tricia Martland when mediating) into the room with our Family Law Software, and we have found that our method is cost-effective and that the parties are in a better position to negotiate or mediate, if they are not working in a vacuum. Similarly, a divorcing client can accept a solution if he or she can see the present and future effect of an offer on them personally. In all cases, we offer our clients or the mediating parties the option of validating the data with their own accountant. We submit that we can help clients through the difficult divorce process better through our use of Family Law Software and how we approach the issues. 

Family Law Attorney Serving Newport & Lincoln, Rhode Island 

At The Law Offices of Howe & Garside, Ltd., we are your most staunch advocates, trusted advisors, and compassionate companions. We are devoted to guiding you on your journey through the labyrinth of family law and military divorce, delivering our services with utmost empathy and professional excellence. Don't traverse this path alone. Contact us today at our Newport and Lincoln offices, and let's navigate this road together, safeguarding your interests and securing a brighter future for you and your family.