Confirmatory Adoption Offers Clarity for Assisted Reproduction
Confirmatory adoptions are an easy and accessible way to create security and peace of mind for families formed via assisted reproduction. Assisted reproduction refers to a broad range of medical procedures used to address infertility and help individuals or couples conceive a child. These techniques involve the handling of eggs, sperm, or embryos outside the…
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Custodial Interference: What ‘The Child Refused’ Won’t Excuse
More often than one would like, family law attorneys confront a parent who refuses to return a child after parenting time, justifying their conduct by claiming “the child didn’t want to go.” In most jurisdictions, that explanation is not a legal shield when there is an existing custody order issued by the court. Several states…
Read MoreWhy Victims Need an Attorney—Even When They Can’t Drop the Case
How often do we assume a victim controls the trajectory of a criminal case? In reality, although a victim may initiate the criminal complaint, their control ends there. Once the complaint is in the hands of the prosecuting body, whether it’s the police, district attorney, city solicitor, or attorney general, a victim can no longer…
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Considering Adoption in Rhode Island? Here’s What You Need to Know
Adoption is a deeply transformative process, not only for the child but also for the birth parents and the adoptive parents. The decision to adopt or to place your child for adoption involves a range of legal, emotional and practical considerations, and it is essential to understand the legal framework surrounding adoption before embarking on…
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Florida Divorce Ruling on Personal Goodwill Could Impact Other States
In early July 2024, Florida enacted a significant amendment to its equitable distribution statute, particularly concerning the treatment of personal goodwill in divorce proceedings.[1] These changes, coupled with the pivotal case of Rosenberg v. Rosenberg,[2] have profound implications for divorce settlements both within Florida and potentially across the United States. Understanding Goodwill in Divorce Proceedings…
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The Tax Implications of Divorce: Alimony, Child Support, IRAs and More
Divorce is a complex and emotionally charged process that also brings substantial financial considerations, with three of the most significant financial aspects of a divorce being alimony (spousal support), child support, and property division under Internal Revenue Code (“Code”)[1] Section 1041. Understanding the tax implications of these decisions is critical, as they can significantly impact…
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Surrogacy, Adoption and Beyond: Your Parental Rights in Rhode Island
As the holidays approach, family is at the forefront in many people’s minds. Families come in every variety of size, color, age, gender and chaos. Some families look like the Cleavers or the Cosbys. Others look more like the Simpsons or the Tanners – and others are their own version of a Modern Family. Although…
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The Effect of Choice of Law Provisions in Prenuptial Agreements
When wedding bells are ringing, the last thing most couples want to think about is the possibility of death or divorce. However, for those entering long-term relationships or preparing for marriage, prenuptial agreements can be crucial for preserving control over assets. These agreements provide a framework for individuals to protect their assets and guard against…
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Corporate Divorce Can Be Messy, But Not for Those Who Are Prepared
While no one enters a partnership expecting it to end in divorce, no one is immune to failure. In the world of business, partnerships can sometimes mirror the complexities of personal relationships. Often, it is the “we’ve known each other forever” handshake partnerships that explode the loudest. When business partners decide to separate their interests,…
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