Towns and Cities in Rhode Island often adopt zoning ordinances in an attempt to preserve or direct the character of the municipality. These ordinances may limit the number of occupants to a dwelling, the number of families permitted in a single building, or even the total square footage of a…
The increasing popularity and practicality of green energy production are causing conflicts between energy producers and rural residents nationwide and in Rhode Island specifically. Non-renewable energy production has commonly played a role in rural American life, through fossil fuel extraction and refining. The production of power using wind and solar…
The law concerning business organizations in Rhode Island and nationwide can be a complicated topic. There are several forms of businesses that people can participate in, including sole proprietorships, partnerships, corporations, LLCs, as well as others. Complicating matters further, several business organizations, with different owners and members, can be behind…
Property owners who desire to construct residential or commercial projects in the state must obtain permits for construction that satisfy the zoning and planning requirements of the municipality where the proposed construction will occur. Municipal zoning boards set regulations for the types of permitted construction that can occur on any…
Divorces and child custody cases can be some of the most conflict-ridden and emotionally charged legal disputes that are addressed by Rhode Island courts. Many parties to these disputes are so overcome with emotion from the conflicts that led to the legal filings that compromise and agreement can seem out…
Freeways and interstates in Rhode Island can be some of the most dangerous places for auto vehicle accidents. The variable speeds and lane mergers that occur near onramps and offramps can increase the risk of a crash, as well as the damage caused in an accident. The Providence division of…
The State of Rhode Island and the municipality existing within the state have passed laws and regulations to support residential and commercial development that supports the political leaders’ vision for the state. To encourage the development of “traditional, New-England style” villages, municipalities have passed ordinances that incentivize developers to construct…
Courts that are tasked with a fair and equitable property division as part of a divorce proceeding must consider many factors when dividing a marital estate. In marriages where one of the parties maintain a significantly higher earning ability than the other after the divorce, simply dividing the existing marital…
For many people seeking a divorce, the most desired result is simply the end of a marriage, and not much else needs to be determined. Most divorces in Rhode Island are not this simple. As part of the dissolution of a marriage, Rhode Island Law provides courts the authority to…
Trespassing, or physically inhabiting a property without the consent of the owner, can be both a civil and criminal offense in Rhode Island. There are some interesting exceptions to this rule, one of which is the law of adverse possession. Adverse possession, as applied to real estate, is a legal…