×
Go back to Martindale-Avvo ➔

Rhode Island Family Legal Questions

Want a good answer? Ask a thorough question starting with "Who, What, When, How, Will I or Do I".
Then, add details. This will help you get a quicker and better answer.
Question field is required
Explanation field is required
A valid US zip code is required Validating the Zip Code.
Question type field is required
Question type field is required
1
Ask a Question
2
Details
3
Submit
1
Ask a Question
2
Submit
Fullname is required
A valid email address is required.
Receive a follow-up from lawyers after your question is answered
A valid phone number is required
Select the best time for you to receive a follow-up call from a lawyer after your question is answered. (Required field)
to
Invalid Time

*Required fields

Question
Description
By submitting your question, you understand and agree to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy for use of the site. Do not include any personal information including name, email or other identifying details in your question or question details. An attorney-client relationship is not being established and you are not a prospective client of any attorney who responds to your question. No question, answer, or discussion of any kind facilitated on this site is confidential or legal advice. Questions answered are randomly selected based on general consumer interest and not all are addressed. Questions may display online and be archived by Martindale-Hubbell.
51 legal questions have been posted about family law by real users in Rhode Island. Ask your question and dive into the knowledge of attorneys who handle your issue regularly. Similar topics to explore also include adoptions, child custody, and child support. All topics and other states can be accessed in the dropdowns below.

My daughter is in the 8th grade. She currently has an IEP. The past three years she has been bullied by classmates. I want to send her to a

Answered 10 years and 2 months ago by Cathy Lynn Naugle (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Family
It's hard to imagine any set of facts that would give you a successful claim against the town itself.
It's hard to imagine any set of facts that would give you a successful claim against the town itself.

Will my sister go to jail for not showing up on a subpoena?

Answered 12 years ago by Diane L. Berger (Unclaimed Profile)   |   7 Answers   |  Legal Topics: Family
If she was not served with the subpoena she had no obligation to attend court simply on the word of someone else.
If she was not served with the subpoena she had no obligation to attend court simply on the word of someone else.

Am I still legally responsible for my husband and with him being incapacitated am I responsible for his daughter?

Answered 12 years and a month ago by Helene Ellenbogen (Unclaimed Profile)   |   3 Answers   |  Legal Topics: Family
You have no legal responsibility for his daughter. You may have an ethical one (not enforceable) if the child sees you as her mother. However, you say nothing about the child's mother, who has both a legal right and responsibility for the child. Has either of you filed for divorce. It seems to me, that's what should happen. As long as you're not divorced or have a decree of legal separation, third parties (e.g. creditors) can treat you as a married couple.... Read More
You have no legal responsibility for his daughter. You may have an ethical one (not enforceable) if the child sees you as her mother. However, you... Read More

If my boyfriend is on the title of my car and has taken it without my permission, what are the steps I need to do to get the car returned to me?

Answered 12 years and a month ago by Mark T. Peters, Sr. (Unclaimed Profile)   |   6 Answers   |  Legal Topics: Family
Are you on the title? If not, I don't know anything you can do to get it. He legally owns it. If you are on the title, I suppose you could sue him for half the value, but he is co-owner in that case and has as much right to possession as you.
Are you on the title? If not, I don't know anything you can do to get it. He legally owns it. If you are on the title, I suppose you could sue him... Read More

If my boyfriend is on the title of my car and has taken it without my permission, what are the steps I need to do to get the car returned to me?

Answered 12 years and a month ago by Elizabeth Jones (Unclaimed Profile)   |   6 Answers   |  Legal Topics: Family
If he is on title then you will have to show that your rights are superior to his rights.
If he is on title then you will have to show that your rights are superior to his rights.

If my boyfriend is on the title of my car and has taken it without my permission, what are the steps I need to do to get the car returned to me?

Answered 12 years and a month ago by Helene Ellenbogen (Unclaimed Profile)   |   6 Answers   |  Legal Topics: Family
If he's on the title (you don't say if you are also on the title) he has a right to the car. If you are on the title, you might get some help from the police in finding the car, but he has not committed any wrongdoing legally.
If he's on the title (you don't say if you are also on the title) he has a right to the car. If you are on the title, you might get some help from... Read More

what if the mother is in the process of being served with papers to not leave state with a child but she leaves before she gets served?

Answered 12 years and 2 months ago by attorney William R. Pelger   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Family
DOn't call me but call a local RI lawyer. If this was PA, you can still get a relocation hearing, you will just now have to serve her wherever she is. If you have an address, it shouldnt be difficult. 
DOn't call me but call a local RI lawyer. If this was PA, you can still get a relocation hearing, you will just now have to serve her wherever she... Read More

Can I be arrested for kidnapping if I am keeping my son from his dad?

Answered 12 years and 3 months ago by Mark T. Peters, Sr. (Unclaimed Profile)   |   4 Answers   |  Legal Topics: Family
You need to immediately file for a change in the custody order. NOW! Yes, if you are violating the order, you could be held in contempt. I don't know if the judge would do that, based on the situation, but why run the risk. A local attorney can help you get this done quickly.
You need to immediately file for a change in the custody order. NOW! Yes, if you are violating the order, you could be held in contempt. I don't... Read More

my sons mother wants me to sign over my rights as a father

Answered 12 years and 4 months ago by attorney William R. Pelger   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Family
You should consult with a RI attorney, but it seems like what they are asking for is for a voluntarily terminate your rights. This means you will never have a right to see that child, and you will never pay support. That, is a tough decision. Good luck.
You should consult with a RI attorney, but it seems like what they are asking for is for a voluntarily terminate your rights. This means you will... Read More

How can I get my friend a power of attorney?

Answered 12 years and 4 months ago by John F. Brennan (Unclaimed Profile)   |   4 Answers   |  Legal Topics: Family
Hire an attorney to properly prepare it.
Hire an attorney to properly prepare it.

Can I give my son's stepmother a temporary custody until I get out of jail?

Answered 12 years and 5 months ago by William M Stoddard (Unclaimed Profile)   |   3 Answers   |  Legal Topics: Family
You can issue a power of attorney to take care of the child, but you have an obligation to tell the mother of the child what you are doing.? IF she does not object, well that will be what is in place if you are sentenced.? And may I say are you really that much of an Adonis that it was worth sending around the nude pics?? Sorry for your mistake.... Read More
You can issue a power of attorney to take care of the child, but you have an obligation to tell the mother of the child what you are doing.? IF she... Read More

How do I go about getting custody adopting or anything I can do to where the father cannot remove the child from me?

Answered 12 years and 5 months ago by Helene Ellenbogen (Unclaimed Profile)   |   2 Answers   |  Legal Topics: Family
The father signing away his rights is meaningless unless it happened in a legal proceeding (court case). You can petition for adoption and if, in that context the father signs a relinquishment and the court approves the second parent (you) adoption, the child would become your legal child. The father would then have no further rights unless the adoption included an open adoption agreement/order.... Read More
The father signing away his rights is meaningless unless it happened in a legal proceeding (court case). You can petition for adoption and if, in... Read More

Is a notarized agreement about a mother signing her rights over to me binding? If not, what can I do?

Answered 12 years and 6 months ago by Mark T. Peters, Sr. (Unclaimed Profile)   |   4 Answers   |  Legal Topics: Family
And that piece of paper is worth as much as the paper costs. No, a notarized agreement is not binding. Unless a court gives you guardianship, she can come in at any time and take the child. And how do you know father has no rights. Unless she has given you a copy of a court order taking his rights, then he probably still has them - he just can't exercise them because he is in jail.... Read More
And that piece of paper is worth as much as the paper costs. No, a notarized agreement is not binding. Unless a court gives you guardianship, she... Read More

Is a notarized agreement about a mother signing her rights over to me binding? If not, what can I do?

Answered 12 years and 6 months ago by Marco Caviglia (Unclaimed Profile)   |   4 Answers   |  Legal Topics: Family
Only a court can terminate parental rights and alter support obligations.
Only a court can terminate parental rights and alter support obligations.

Is a notarized agreement about a mother signing her rights over to me binding? If not, what can I do?

Answered 12 years and 6 months ago by Atty. Tajara Dommershausen (Unclaimed Profile)   |   4 Answers   |  Legal Topics: Family
No, the rights of both parents need to be terminated and the child adopted.
No, the rights of both parents need to be terminated and the child adopted.

Can a gift be taken back?

Answered 12 years and 6 months ago by Nancy Fioritto (Unclaimed Profile)   |   3 Answers   |  Legal Topics: Family
You are going to go to court over ownership of a laptop?
You are going to go to court over ownership of a laptop?

Can a child claiming to be a decease's son take authority without showing legally that he is the son?

Answered 12 years and 9 months ago by Jill K. Whitbeck (Unclaimed Profile)   |   4 Answers   |  Legal Topics: Family
A person cannot just show up out of the blue claiming to be a child of the deceased and take over. The other child has the right to require proof that the deceased was this other person's father a birth certificate, a court order, etc.
A person cannot just show up out of the blue claiming to be a child of the deceased and take over. The other child has the right to require proof... Read More

What do I do if my uncle is losing his memory and no one has power of attorney and the law will not give me?

Answered 12 years and 9 months ago by Michael J. Breczinski (Unclaimed Profile)   |   5 Answers   |  Legal Topics: Family
You have to go to court and get appointed guardian and conservator for him.
You have to go to court and get appointed guardian and conservator for him.

If our Schizophrenic dad is in hospital, can his Schizophrenic wife ban me and my siblings from visiting him?

Answered 12 years and 9 months ago by Cassandra T Savoy (Unclaimed Profile)   |   2 Answers   |  Legal Topics: Family
You need to seek guardianship from the court on an emergent basis. You can not do this without benefit of counsel. Find a lawyer.
You need to seek guardianship from the court on an emergent basis. You can not do this without benefit of counsel. Find a lawyer.

Can I change my son's last name into mine without his father's permission?

Answered 12 years and 9 months ago by Mark T. Peters, Sr. (Unclaimed Profile)   |   2 Answers   |  Legal Topics: Family
No. Go to court and ask for the name change. The father will have to be notified.
No. Go to court and ask for the name change. The father will have to be notified.
Family Law
Rhode Island

Helpful Resources