Sarah Oster Kelly

Sarah-Oster-Kelly

Contact Info

Email:

Tel:

(401) 453-1200

Bar Admissions

  • Rhode Island
  • United States District Court for the District of Rhode Island

Education

  • Roger Williams University School of Law, J.D.
  • Roger Williams University School of Law, Certified Mediator
  • Wheaton College (Norton, MA), B.A., Political Science

Accolades:

  • Rhode Island SuperLawyers, Rising Stars (2018-2020 2024)

Associate

Overview

Sarah Oster Kelly is an attorney in DarrowEverett’s Private Client Group with a focus on divorce and family law, probate and fiduciary litigation, and trusts and estates. In Family Court, she handles cases involving divorce, alimony, child custody, child support, relocation, and various other family law disputes. 

Known for her attentive listening skills, Sarah gathers all the necessary information to create a well-crafted strategy aimed at achieving her clients’ goals. She sets realistic expectations regarding the judicial process and provides clear guidance on the steps both she and her clients need to take, reducing the uncertainty that often accompanies family law cases. Clients rely on her to be their advocate in court, tirelessly working to secure the best possible outcome for their situations. As Sarah puts it, “What drives me is the gratitude from a father who, years after the fact, thanks me for helping him gain sole custody of his son, or from a mother who appreciates my assistance in obtaining guardianship of her child with special needs. My role is to support clients through their toughest times, guiding them through the court process toward a brighter future.” 

Sarah is bilingual and provides legal counsel to both English and Spanish speakers. Beyond her legal work, she has served on the Board of Directors for the Northern Rhode Island Boys and Girls Club for over a decade. She is also a member of the Rhode Island Bar Association Executive Board and Co-Chair of the Rhode Island Bar Association Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee. 

Representative Matters

  • Created estate plan for high-net-worth client post-divorce, covering $10 million in assets that went to the benefit of her minor children.
  • Represented multiple clients in multimillion-dollar trust administrations and provided legal guidance on asset management and distributions.
  • Represented trustee in a contested trust administration matter involving irrevocable living trusts, sparing the estate unnecessary legal costs.
  • Represented executor in complex probate proceedings for an estate, including filing necessary pleadings and resolving disputes among beneficiaries.
  • Represented client appointed as guardian for disabled adult child in probate court. Aided client with long-term-care planning, Medicaid eligibility, and the guardianship process.
  • Represented couple on their second marriage to create tailored estate plan for their blended family. Ensured clients’ assets were protected and distributed according to their wishes.

Prior Experience

Before joining DarrowEverett, Sarah worked at a New England-based firm ranked in the National Law Journal’s top 500. She also has experience working at a Providence-based boutique law firm that specialized in family law, wills and estate planning, criminal law, and contracts. 

Related Practices

Publications and Media Appearances

  • Professional Responsibility Panel, Panelist, Roger Williams University School of Law, April 2023
  • “Wills and Trusts 101,” Presenter, National Business Institute, June 2019
  • “The Probate Process from Start to Finish,” Presenter, National Business Institute, April 2019
  • “Lincoln Library: Estate Planning Lecture Series,” Lecturer, Oster Law Offices, March 2019
  • “Estate Planning: Top 8 Tools to Know,” Presenter, National Business Institute, February 2019
  • “Tax Cuts and Job Act Impact on Divorce Planning,” Guest Speaker, SK Wealth Podcast, August 2018
  • “Divorce Litigation from Start to Finish,” Presenter, National Business Institute, May 2018

Involvement

  • Edward P. Gallogly Family Law Inns of Court
  • Estate Planning Council of Rhode Island
  • Rhode Island Bar Association, House of Delegates
  • Rhode Island Bar Association, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee, Co-Chair
  • Rhode Island Family Court Bench Bar Committee
  • Rhode Island Probate and Trust Committee
  • Rhode Island Hispanic Bar Association, Treasurer
  • Rhode Island Women’s Bar Association
  • Northern Rhode Island Boys and Girls Club, Board of Directors