RI Divorce Laws

There are many things you should consider when getting divorced in Rhode Island. Such matters are covered by the state regulations and therefore, it’s important to take into account the major rules applicable to each particular situation. These may include the residency demands, waiting period as well as the grounds for the breakup, among many others.

By following all the existing rules, it’s possible to get through the process smoothly and easily. RI divorce law suggests that you must follow certain residency rules. In fact, the proceedings can only start if one of the spouses has lived in Rhode Island permanently for a period of a year or more.

Besides, when divorcing in Rhode Island, you may make matters easier for both of you if you choose to undergo an uncontested dissolution instead of the usual contested one. This is possible only if you solve all the problems concerning your breakup in a friendly way without any arguments or confrontations.

Rhode Island divorce law in detail

As stated in the local regulations, it’s necessary to resolve all issues before applying for divorce. In this respect, if it’s an uncontested process, you won’t have to face as many difficulties as during a contested case. Furthermore, your expenses will also be reduced to a minimum.

Divorce laws in RI state that the things you need to resolve before the dissolution include:

• Child visitation and support – The amount of financial assistance offered to underage kids as well as the exact period during which you’ll need to cover these expenses may vary from case to case. The influencing criteria include your financial capabilities and other important factors.
• Distribution of marital assets – The divorce laws in Rhode Island presuppose that your shared possessions will be divided equally between both of you. The outcome of this distribution may also depend on many factors but as a rule, this state accepts “equitable distribution” of valuables belonging to the separating couple.
• Alimony – In RI, there are two different types of spousal support – permanent and short-term. Such factors as the age of the spouse or disability may require you to pay alimony on a permanent basis. In other cases, it’s usually assigned for a short-term period.

When all issues are resolved, it is possible to move on with the breakup procedure.

Grounds for divorce in RI

In this state, dissolution cases are based on either fault-related or no-fault reasons. Fault-related reasons presuppose that you are accusing your spouse of some misdeeds due to which your relations cannot be maintained. Such reasons include:

• Impotence
• Infidelity
• Cruel treatment
• Long-term abandonment
• Addiction to substances or alcohol
• Neglect
• Violent behavior, etc.

Meanwhile, the no-fault reason is irreconcilable differences between the spouses that do not allow them to carry on with their relations. In this case, you won’t have to place blame on the partner but instead, you will be able to resolve this matter peacefully without accusing your spouse of anything.

States divorce law