Rhode Island Real Estate Lawyer Blog

Rhode Island coastal communities often contain lots and structures of various sizes and shapes that have been developed inconsistently over time. As zoning, safety, and environmental regulations change, existing buildings may become noncompliant with current regulations. Although new regulations cannot generally be used to make a preexisting property illegal, owners who seek to renovate or…

The increasing relevance and importance of renewable energy projects in Rhode Island and nationwide have led to conflicts between companies proposing the development of green energy projects and the owners of property adjacent to such proposals. Solar and wind energy projects generally take up less space and disrupt less environmental, commercial, and residential activity than…

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 home. In response to the…

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 energy is a more recent…

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 what appears to be a…

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 piece of property. These regulations…

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 of the question. The fact…

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 Rhode Island Superior Court…

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 and maintain mixed-use developments that…

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 assets 50/50 may not be…