Rhode Island Recent Legal Answers from Lawyers

Are you legally separated or just separated physically? If there isn't a court order regarding your separation, then you can proceed with life as you have been doing so. If the courts are now involved, you may have to petition the court for removal (of the child out of IL), but refer to the language in your legal separation papers.... Read Answer

You may be able to amend the birth record to change your daughter's last name. You would go to the Bureau of Vital Statistics to ask for the necessary forms. If that does not work, you can petition the court to change the name. If you get married, your husband can petition to adopt your daughter after you have been married for one year. As part of the adoption, the court will order that the birth record be modified to change the child's name and to show your husband as the legal and natural parent of the child. If there is no order determining paternity, you may not have to give notice to the biological father or receive his consent to the adoption.... Read Answer

It sounds as though they still have not finished looking for your package so deciding what legal remedies exist is premature. You have to read the contract you signed with them to see what your remedies are. They probably have a clause limiting their liability to the fair market value of the object.s, which is very little. You can get a replacement passport.... Read Answer

If you mean the father is the custodial parent and you share joint legal with equal visitation, you should visit your child as set forth in your written custodial agreement which is probably contained in your divorce papers. If he will not release the child to you during your custodial time, call the police to assist you. If the police refuse to help, any police report will assist you in bringing a case to modify custody. The courts do not reward the parent who refuses to facilitate visitation. I hope the helps.... Read Answer

If the order gives you visitation time and he is not allowing it, you file a motion for dad to be held in contempt for violating the order. If the order allows dad to decide when you see the child, then you will have to wait until there has been a material and substantial change in circumstances to get the order changed.... Read Answer

Generally, yes. You can make a motion to withdraw. Attorneys, like yourself, need to be paid when they go to work. I am not familiar with your retainer agreement or how it is your charges arise but generally, if you are not paying your attorney in accord with your agreement they have every right, and in fact an economic necessity, to decline continuing representation.... Read Answer

You don't say how old your son is. If he is an adult, he can choose who gets his information. If he is a child (under 18) then whoever has legal rights under a custody decree or parenting plan has the legal right. The hospital must follow a court order if there is one or the wishes of the patient if he is an adult.... Read Answer