Kent County Family Attorney

Divorce, Custody, and Family Law in East Greenwich & Greater Rhode Island

Rhode Island family courts handle legal issues surrounding families and domestic relationships. These can be intensely challenging and emotionally-charged due to their deeply personal nature. The outcome of these issues can also have a profound effect on your future in terms of your finances, your children, and other matters closely related to divorce and family law. 

At Biafore Law, we have been providing guidance and support to individuals and families in resolving family law cases through effective representation and strong trial advocacy. We know that your divorce or other issue can be one of the most important legal matters you will ever face. That is why you need an attorney who will fiercely protect your rights and your best interests. Our firm will always provide you with the legal and personal support you need in seeking the best possible case outcome.

Facing a divorce or other family issue? Contact our Kent County family court attorney at Biafore Law at (401) 244-7433 or through our online form for a confidential initial consultation. Serving the counties of Kent, Providence, Washington, Newport, and Bristol. 

More About Family Law Cases in RI

DIVORCE

Divorce is often a daunting experience that can be confusing, uncertain, and stressful. Working with an experienced attorney can be invaluable throughout the process. You and your spouse will need to resolve issues relevant to your case, such as child custody and visitation, child support, asset division and property settlement, and alimony. Our attorney will work closely with you in alignment with your needs and goals as well provide aggressive advocacy both in and out of court. 

CHILD CUSTODY

This issue is commonly the most emotional for parents both during a pending divorce and in post-divorce matters or disputes. Custody is divided into two types: 1. Legal custody which gives a parent the right to make major decisions for a child, such as those relating to education, healthcare, religion, and more and 2. Physical custody which involves having a child reside with you. Courts favor joint custody as it is deemed in a child’s best interests to maintain an ongoing and meaningful relationship with both parents. This is preferred unless a parent is deemed to be unfit. 

CHILD SUPPORT

Whomever has primary physical custody of a child is entitled to child support under the law. This support is calculated according to state guidelines. It may be paid in different ways. 

DEPARTMENT OF CHILD, YOUTH & FAMILIES (DCYF)

Nothing is more frightening that the state getting involved with your children, as in child protection issues. These issues generally involve dependency petitions and allegations of neglect or abuse. Other issues can include daycare licensing, adoption, and other matters under the jurisdiction of this agency. If you have a matter or dispute with the DCYF, you will benefit from the extensive experience of our attorney. We can provide aggressive help in support of your parental rights and/or the guidance you need to resolve any situation in the best possible way.  

JUVENILE PROCEEDINGS

The Family Court has jurisdiction to handle criminal cases charged against children under the age of 18. Very few attorneys have experience with this type of legal representation. Attorney Biafore has extensive experience representing juveniles in the Family Court. These proceedings differ significantly from adult criminal proceedings. One example is that there is no setting of bail for juveniles who have been charged with a criminal offense.  The Judge will determine what the least restrictive means is to protect the juvenile and the community when he or she decides where the child will reside while the case proceeds.  This could be anywhere from being released home with no restrictions (other than keeping the peace and remaining on good behavior), to incarceration in the Rhode Island Training School.  Many options in between may be available and we will fight diligently for your child’s best interests from start to finish.

If your child is arrested or summoned to the court or even contacted by the police for a statement or interview, do not do anything until you speak to our attorney first. Anything you say can and will be used against your child.

Over 20 Years of Experience & Dedicated Legal Support

Ensure that you understand your rights, the laws, and your options in any family court matter. 

Attorney Christopher J. Biafore is a top Rhode Island Lawyer that has been licensed to practice law in the State of Rhode Island and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts since the year 2000. He has gained extensive knowledge and contacts throughout the legal community with his excess of 20 years of experience. In June of 2017, Attorney Christopher J. Biafore formed Biafore Law located in East Greenwich, RI, after previously working as an associate at two other prestigious law firms in Providence, Rhode Island.  

Reach out to Biafore Law today for a complimentary consultation about your case. 

• The division of marital assets, property, and debt
• Alimony
• Department of Children, Youth, and Families matters (child protective services)
• Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements
• Paternity
• Modifications and enforcements of court orders
• Domestic violence restraining orders
• Juvenile criminal cases

Child Custody Decisions in Rhode Island Are Made By Whom?

In Rhode Island, the primary goal of a family law court is to provide parents with options for where their children will live, how they will spend their time, where they'll spend holidays, and where they'll take vacations. It will be up to the parents who are facing an amicable divorce to decide the conditions and terms of child custody if they are able to agree on them.

It can be challenging for parents to agree on even the most basic of terms of child custody in cases where mediation fails and there is a highly contested divorce. Parents who cannot agree on child custody arrangements will likely go to court and a judge will make child custody decisions. Ultimately, a family court judge will decide what's in the child's best interest based on several factors.