Rhode Island

Divorce Residency Requirements To Get Divorce In Rhode Island

To file for divorce in Rhode Island, at least one of the spouses must have had residency in the state for at least a full year.

Reasons For Divorce In Rhode Island

The no-fault ground for divorce in Rhode Island is “irreconcilable differences.” This is considered when it causes the irreversible breakdown of a marriage. The state also recognizes fault-based grounds for divorce. These reasons can include adultery, impotence, alcoholism, willful desertion for five years or more, extreme cruelty and substance abuse. There may be other at-fault reasons that are accepted by the court as well.

Custody Of The Children In Rhode Island

Parents can work together to agree upon something that is called joint legal custody. On the other hand, the court can choose to grant custody to either parent with the non-custodial parent having visitation. Even though joint legal custody will award both parties equal decision-making power when it comes to raising the child, it doesn’t mean both parents will have equal time with the children. It is important to resolve all child custody issues in an amicable and agreeable manner to file a divorce as an uncontested divorce and take advantage of the affordable, fast services available from Divorce.com.

Rhode Island Child Support Guidelines

The State of Rhode Island has child support guidelines that apply in nearly every case, barring unusual circumstances. The gross incomes of both parties and child-related expenses are taken into account when calculating child support obligations. Child support payments extend until the child or children reach age 18 and may extend until secondary education ends.

Venue

When you file for divorce in Rhode Island, you would normally file in the county where the petitioning spouse resides. There may be special circumstances that would allow for the DIY divorce to be filed elsewhere.

Divorce Mediation

To help resolve differences regarding custody and visitation, the family court might direct parties to participate in mediation. Mediation may occur before the divorce is filed or after it has been filed but before it proceeds to the court. By doing this, it may allow an otherwise difficult situation to go through the courts as an uncontested divorce.

Filing Fees

The fees charged for using Divorce.com to file a divorce without a lawyer are in addition to the local court filing fees. Filing fees can vary from county to county. For more information on these charges, we provide an easy way to look up the filing fees for your area. This ensures that you have a clear picture of all expenses specific to your situation before moving forward.