Rhode Island Child Custody Attorney
Compassionate & Committed Visitation Rights Lawyer
At Assalone Lombardi, LLC, our family law attorney helps clients navigate the complexity of child custody and provides clear explanations of the process. We empower parents with information so they can make choices that support their plans for the future.
We guide parents through each stage of the visitation process, including working together to develop parenting plans that meet court requirements and reflect each family’s unique routine. Our team maintains open communication, promptly addressing questions and providing case updates for peace of mind during difficult times.
Child custody comes in two forms:
- Legal custody: This refers to the right to make health, education, and other key decisions for the child. Typically, both parents share this responsibility.
- Placement: This refers to where the child lives, which the court can split in various ways.
Call (401) 589-5599 or fill out our contact form to schedule a consultation with a Rhode Island custody attorney.
Representing Clients in Kent County and Beyond in Custody Matters
Realizing that you will no longer be able to spend every night with your children is often the hardest part of a divorce. Child custody frequently becomes one of the most debated and complex areas of a divorce case. As experienced and compassionate Rhode Island child custody attorneys, we listen closely to your goals and concerns while setting realistic expectations that ultimately serve your children’s best interests.
Rhode Island Family Court hears child custody cases for families in Providence, Kent, Newport, and Washington Counties, allowing parents across the state to resolve custody disputes locally. Judges consider the unique needs of Rhode Island families, including the importance of stable home environments near schools and extended family.
The Rhode Island Child Custody Process: Steps & What to Expect
When you start a child custody case in Rhode Island, you’ll follow several key steps. One parent files for custody at the local Family Court. Shortly after filing, the court often issues temporary orders so parents know their responsibilities while the case is pending. Parties then attend hearings or mediation to address disagreements. Rhode Island courts encourage parents to create a parenting plan together whenever possible. If you and the other parent cannot agree on essential issues, a judge will decide based on evidence and the state’s best interest standard. Each parent has the right to share information and recommendations concerning the child’s wellbeing. A Guardian ad Litem or custody evaluator may be appointed if the court needs more information. The specific courthouse—such as in Kent County or Providence—manages case scheduling and hearings, so some procedures may differ by location. Our team uses advanced technology so you can securely access court updates and case information from home. We focus on responsive communication to help make every stage clearer and less stressful.
Modifying & Enforcing Child Custody Orders in Rhode Island
Rhode Island law allows a parent to ask for changes to an existing custody order if circumstances have changed significantly since the order went into effect. Life changes that may prompt modification include a parent’s move, a change in work schedule, or evolving needs for the child. To alter an order, you must show the Family Court that the change benefits your child. When a parent does not follow a custody or visitation order, the other parent may request enforcement from the court. Rhode Island judges make stability and safety for children a top priority, so they address violations carefully. Our team supports parents through these legal processes, using court technology and clear communication to keep you informed. Families in different counties follow the same state laws, but local court practices can affect how quickly the case moves forward. We tailor our approach so parents know what to expect from their specific courts and understand each step of the process.
Many parents want to know how custody decisions can change as their lives evolve. In Rhode Island, you can request to modify a custody or visitation order if a significant life change impacts your child’s welfare—such as a change in a parent’s work schedule, moving homes, or health situations. The court requires clear evidence demonstrating that the change will benefit the child, reviewing how the adjustment affects stability and family relationships before making any modification.
Rhode Island custody lawyer Veronica Assalone has more than 27 years of experience guiding clients through the complexities of custody matters. She is respected in the Rhode Island legal community for her fierce commitment to her clients and her deep compassion for families.
Attorney Veronica Assalone has a proven track record of winning cases for her clients in family law. Former clients have said, “She is an exceptional lawyer with her clients’ best interests at heart,” and, “She has given me my life back.”
Our senior attorney, Veronica Assalone, is proficient in Spanish, French, German, Italian, and American Sign Language. Our office assistant speaks Spanish as well.
MILITARY DISCOUNT AVAILABLE.
General Information:
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a child custody case take in Rhode Island?
The timeline for a child custody case in Rhode Island depends on the family's circumstances and the court’s schedule. Uncontested agreements may resolve in a few weeks, while contested cases can take several months.
Can grandparents or relatives request custody in Rhode Island?
Grandparents or other relatives can petition the Rhode Island Family Court for custody or visitation if doing so serves the child's best interests. In these cases, third parties need to provide clear evidence that their proposed arrangement is appropriate for the child.
What factors can cause a custody order to change?
A custody order may change if a parent moves, the child's needs evolve, or a parent’s circumstances shift. The court reviews whether the new arrangement benefits the child before approving changes.
At What Age Can a Child Decide Which Parent to Live With in RI?
No set age in Rhode Island allows a child to decide where to live. The court considers the child’s wishes among other factors, but these wishes do not solely decide custody. Instead, judges look at the child’s relationships, the stability of each parent’s home, and educational and extracurricular needs.
As a child grows older, the court may give their preferences more consideration, but judges focus on the child’s best interests regardless of expressed wishes.
The Rhode Island Family Court Act requires judges to consider the children's preferences "if the child is of suitable age and capacity to express a preference." The court also weighs factors like "emotional ties with each parent,” “the child's adjustment to home, school, and community,” and “the mental and physical health of all parties involved." Judges decide custody based on the child’s best interests, not automatically preferring the parent the child selects. Every case is unique, and the court examines each situation’s full context before making decisions.
If you face divorce or separation in Rhode Island, contact a custody attorney who can help you understand each stage of the process and work to protect your rights.
How Can Our Team Help You?
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Veronica Assalone, Esq. Founding Partner -
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Unwavering Dedication to Achieving a Resolution
