Legal Question in Family Law in Rhode Island

I went to court today for my divorce (neither of us are/were represented by a lawyer) and was advised that we needed to complete and file a particular form to complete the divorce proceedings. I was not preparded to take notes and was nervous and did not write down the name of the form. The judge suggested that we hire a lawyer to complete this form.

My question is:

What is the name of this form that we need to file and also what is the average cost for a lawyer to complete the form?

Thank you


Asked on 8/02/10, 8:44 am

1 Answer from Attorneys

Christopher Pearsall Law Office of Christopher A. Pearsall, Esquire

If the judge suggested it, then it is most likely the Interlocutory Decision Pending Entry of the Final Judgement.

However, there is no average cost for what a lawyer will charge to complete the form. Most lawyers don't complete forms on a piecemeal basis. This is true especially when the documents are just one of the documents in a legal proceeding. A Quitclaim Deed, a Last Will and Testament, a Power of Attorney, are typical documents many lawyers will do, but not usually a document in the middle of a divorce such as you are requesting. Therefore I am unable to provide you with an average cost.

I do prepare these document for my coaching clients when necessary. However, if you didn't take notes then you will need to contact the court stenographer and obtain a copy of the hearing transcript so that either I (or any attorney you select who might do it) will know what to include in the Decision based both upon what you and your spouse testified to, and what the judge ordered.

I do not publish my prices online though. If you want to call me on Monday, I will be happy to speak with you. (401) 632-6976.

My Best of Luck to you both in this matter regardless of what you decide to do.

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Answered on 8/08/10, 8:45 am


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