Divorce Lawyer in Providence, RI — Your Complete 2025 Guide

Finding the right divorce lawyer in Providence, Rhode Island can be a critical factor in achieving fair custody arrangements, protecting your assets, and navigating one of life’s most stressful transitions. Whether you're preparing for a contested divorce, dividing real estate or retirement assets, or pursuing an uncontested divorce, this guide explains everything you need to know about divorcing in Providence — including state rules, court procedures, attorney costs, and affordable alternatives to hiring a law firm.

Do You Need a Divorce Lawyer in Providence?

A Providence divorce lawyer may be necessary if your situation involves:

• Conflicts over child custody, visitation, or parenting schedules

• High-conflict communication

• Real estate, retirement accounts, or investments

• Businesses or professional practices

• Disagreements over alimony

• Domestic violence or need for a restraining order

• Suspected hidden assets or offshore accounts

• A case likely to require hearings, mediation, or trial

However, you might NOT need a lawyer if the divorce is uncontested, meaning you and your spouse agree on:

• Child custody and parenting time

• Child support and alimony

• Property and debt division

• Retirement and investment allocations

• Who stays in the home

For uncontested divorces, Divorce.com can prepare or file your Providence divorce paperwork at a fraction of the cost of hiring an attorney.

Where to File for Divorce in Providence, RI

Divorces in Providence are handled by the Rhode Island Family Court.

Primary Filing Location

Rhode Island Family Court — Providence/Bristol County
1 Dorrance Street
Providence, RI 02903
(401) 458-3200

The Providence/Bristol Family Court handles:

• Divorce & legal separation

• Custody, visitation & parenting plans

• Child support & alimony

• Domestic violence protective orders

• Mediation & family services

• Hearings & trials

Rhode Island supports e-filing through its Judiciary Electronic Filing System (JEFS).

Rhode Island Residency Requirements for Divorce

To file for divorce in Providence:

• One spouse must have lived in Rhode Island for at least 1 year prior to filing

Rhode Island recognizes no-fault divorce, including irreconcilable differences and living separate for at least 3 years.

How Divorce Works in Providence, RI

Here’s the typical divorce process in Providence County:

1. File a Complaint for Divorce

This petition includes basic information about the marriage and grounds for divorce.

2. Serve Your Spouse

Service may be completed by:

• Sheriff

• Constable

• Certified mail (in limited cases)

• Acceptance of service

3. Financial Disclosures

Both spouses must exchange:

• Income documentation

• Bank, credit, and retirement account statements

• Lists of all assets & debts

• Property valuations

4. Parenting Requirements (If Children Are Involved)

Providence requires:

• A complete parenting plan

• Possible parenting classes

• Mediation through Family Court Services

5. Mediation, Negotiation, or Hearings

Uncontested cases can move quickly.
Contested cases may require:

• Temporary orders

• Discovery

• Depositions

• Custody evaluations

• Settlement conferences

• Trial

6. Mandatory Waiting Period

Rhode Island requires:

• A 60-day wait after filing for a hearing

• A 3-month wait after the hearing for the divorce to become final

7. Final Judgment of Divorce

After the waiting period, a judge signs the Final Judgment.

How Much Does a Divorce Lawyer Cost in Providence, RI?

Attorney fees in Providence depend on complexity, conflict level, and required court time.

Typical costs:

• Hourly rate: $300–$500

• Uncontested divorce with attorney: $2,500–$6,000

• Contested divorce: $10,000–$25,000+

• High-asset or complicated cases: $30,000–$75,000+

Custody disputes and substantial assets significantly increase costs.

Local Divorce Lawyers in Providence, RI

Here are respected Providence divorce attorneys from your directory:

1. Kirshenbaum Law Associates, Inc.

https://www.kirshenbaumlaw.com

2. Lynch & Pine

https://www.lynchpine.com

3. The Law Office of Steven G. Wright

https://www.sgwrightlaw.com

These firms handle contested custody, high-asset divorce, mediation, and litigation.

More Affordable Alternatives to Hiring a Lawyer

Divorce doesn't have to be expensive. If your divorce is uncontested, you may not need a traditional attorney.

Divorce.com offers three simple, flat-fee options:

Paperwork Only — $499

We prepare all Rhode Island divorce documents.

We File for You — $999

We prepare and file your documents with the Providence Family Court.

Fully Guided Divorce — $1999

A divorce specialist assists you from start to finish.

These options are ideal for couples seeking a no-stress, low-cost alternative to hiring a law firm.

When You Should Choose a Lawyer Instead

Hire a Providence divorce lawyer if:

• Custody or visitation is contested

• Domestic violence or safety concerns exist

• Your spouse refuses to negotiate

• You own a business or large assets

• You suspect hidden assets or income

• The case may require extensive litigation

Why Divorce.com Is a Smart Choice for Providence Couples

• Rhode Island–specific divorce forms

• Transparent flat-fee pricing

• Filing services available

• Expert divorce specialists

• Faster and more affordable than attorney-led divorce

• Ideal for uncontested divorces

Divorce.com gives Providence families a clear, confident path forward.

Start Your Providence Divorce Today

Whether you choose an attorney or work with an online divorce platform, the most important step is getting started. Divorce.com offers a streamlined, affordable, and confidence-building path for Providence couples.