Create Signing Order For Legal Rhode Island Family Law Forms For Free

In Rhode Island, there are two ways to get a legal separation: by filing for a divorce or by filing for a separate maintenance action. When couples file for a divorce, they are automatically legally separated as of the date that the divorce complaint is filed.

The DR-6 (a-b) ?Statement of Assets Liabilities Income Expenses? is a form that all family court parties are required to fill out and file when filing complaints about divorce. separation, miscellaneous complaints, or when an answer or modification request is filed.

To file for legal separation in Rhode Island, you must complete and file a Petition for Declaration of Legal Separation with the family court in your county. The petition must be served on your spouse, who then has 20 days to respond. If your spouse does not respond, you may request a default judgment from the court.

To obtain a Family or District Court restraining order, you must complete the required paperwork, including an affidavit describing the specific ways that the defendant physically or sexually abused you, threatened to abuse you, or stalked you.

If you and your spouse have been living apart for 3 years or more, you can get a "separate and apart" divorce immediately. If you have not been apart for 3 years, the judge can grant a "nominal divorce" but you will need to complete the mandatory 3 month waiting period before your Rhode Island divorce becomes final.

Ultimately, the court will decide what is in the best interest of the child. A father will get joint or sole custody when he is able to show the court that he is a fit parent. However, this is only true if it's consistent with the child's best interest.