Attorney David Slepkow

A child custody lawyer and divorce attorney discusses numerous tips and advice concerning how to behave during the Providence Family Court process.

Tips and advice by a RI divorce lawyer

• Cover your tattoos during your divorce hearing when you are in front of the judge or magistrate hearing the cause of action. Perception is reality.
• No, you cannot sign or file something that terminates your parental rights. Parental rights can only be terminated in Rhode Island via an adoption or by a termination of parental rights action taken by the Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF).

There is no right to a lawyer

• I often hear pro-se litigants request that an attorney be appointed. You have no right to an attorney in Rhode Island Family Court unless it is a criminal case heard in Providence, Kent, Newport or Washington County. (Criminal cases are rarely heard in RI Family Court) You have a right to an attorney if there is a possibility of imprisonment in a child support contempt proceeding. You also have the right to a lawyer in a proceeding for contempt that you could be incarcerated. Juveniles have the right to a lawyer in criminal cases in Family Court. A domestic violence victim, who qualifies for legal services, will be appointed an attorney for a complaint protection for abuse restraining order. You have no right to a lawyer in a divorce in Rhode Island.

Do not dress for the beach!

• RI family Court is not the beach. The Garrahy Judicial Complex is not a local fishing spot or a sporting event. Please dress appropriately. Also, don’t overdress. Overdressing makes you look like a fool. Dressing too formal can make you look like you are trying too hard to impress. I saw one guy dressed like a pimp in a white suit. It was quite a spectacle. PERCEPTION IS REALITY!
• You cannot win a grudge match with a judge or Providence Family Court Magistrate, so don’t even try. You will lose every time.
• Do not throw your Rhode Island divorce attorney under the bus in front of the judge. If your attorney told you something off the record, do not repeat it back to the judge. Your conversations with your RI child custody attorney should be confidential.

Constitutional amendments have little to no application in Providence Family Court

• ALMOST NEVER QUOTE A CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT IN RHODE ISLAND FAMILY COURT. Family Court is not really a court about rights. It is a court of equity as well as obligations. It is okay to take the Fifth Amendment at a court hearing if your testimony might incriminate you. Please see: constitutional amendment guy 
• A Rhode Island divorce attorney is often asked what percent of the divorce, child custody and family law cases he or she wins. This question makes no sense.  Family Court attorneys rarely ever “win” or “lose” cases for several reasons:
• (1) Nearly all cases settle without a full divorce or custody trial on the merits.
• (2) Winning and losing is highly dependent on the merits and the facts of the case.
• (3) No one really wins a divorce case since the standard is equitable division of the assets. Winning and losing only rarely occurs in RI Family Court. Winning usually pertains to cases that are black and white such as a child being allowed to relocate out of state or physical placement to mom or dad. Winning and losing often occurs concerning particular motions and particular issues and those decisions often lead to settlement.

The law library will not help much…

• Going to the law library probably will not help you much in RI Family Court unless you are going there to research the meaning of “organized chaos.”
• The main reason why you need a divorce lawyer or child custody attorney to represent you is because lawyers know how to present your case properly to the particular judge who is handling your matter. Different judges in family court have different ways they handle their court rooms. Sometimes they have their own ideology on how they handle legal issues. An experienced divorce lawyer would have seen that judge rule hundreds of times. A good Providence divorce attorney will know the proper way to present the case to that judge.
• Representing yourself PRO SE in Providence Family Court is usually a very bad idea.  You may make a very costly mistake. This could really hurt your case. You have no experience, do not know RI law and are not aware of making proper arguments and presenting your case to the Court.  We understand the rules and how the system works. We are aware of proper arguments to make and how to handle the matter. Experienced family law lawyers have argued cases in front of that particular judge hundreds of times.

Family court hearings can be stressful, but with preparation and the right approach, you can navigate them more effectively. Here are some helpful tips:

1. Stay Calm and Respectful

• Remain composed: Even if emotions are running high, it’s crucial to stay calm and respectful in front of the judge, opposing party, and others.

• Be polite: Address the judge as “Your Honor” and refrain from interrupting others during the hearing.

2. Prepare All Necessary Documents

• Bring all relevant paperwork: Have your court forms, evidence, and any documents supporting your case organized and ready to present.

• Proof of communication: If there are any text messages, emails, or other forms of communication that are relevant, have copies available.

3. Organize Your Thoughts

• Be clear and concise: If you’re asked to speak, make your points clearly and avoid rambling. Focus on the most important facts.

• Prepare for questions: Anticipate potential questions from the judge or opposing party and have responses ready.

4. Stay Professional

• Dress appropriately: Wear business attire or something neat and respectful. This shows you take the hearing seriously.

• Avoid personal attacks: If you’re dealing with another family member (like an ex-spouse), stick to the facts. Avoid making negative personal comments.

5. Understand the Child’s Best Interest

• Focus on what’s best for the children: Family court often prioritizes the well-being of children, so keep this in mind when presenting your case.

• Be prepared to discuss your relationship with your child and your ability to care for them.

6. Be Honest and Transparent

• Be truthful: It’s important to be completely honest with the court. Lying or misrepresenting facts can seriously harm your case.

• Don’t hide information: If there are issues that could come up (e.g., past mistakes, financial difficulties), address them upfront.

7. Listen Carefully

• Pay attention: Make sure you listen carefully to the judge, opposing party, and any witnesses. Don’t interrupt, and make sure you fully understand before responding.

• Take notes: Jot down key points, questions you want to ask, or things to clarify later.

• Prepare together: Work with your attorney to plan your strategy for the hearing.

RI child custody lawyer, David Slepkow traveled to Washington DC to be sworn in as a member of the United States Supreme Court Bar. David was honored to be admitted to this distinguished and exclusive bar. This bar includes some of the best lawyers in the United States.

Small contingent of lawyers sworn into this very exclusive bar

David Slepkow made the trip to attend oral arguments at the U. S. Supreme Court. Prior to the oral argument, another distinguished attorney submitted an oral motion before the full Court to the chief Judge requesting David Slepkow’s entry into the bar. David was part or a small contingent of attorneys sworn into this exclusive bar.

Tradition started by his grandfather

RI child custody Attorney, David Slepkow is also a member of the RI Bar Association and the MA Bar. He was a longtime member of the Bar for the Federal Court First Circuit District of Rhode Island. David’s Grandfather, Frank Slepkow, was a member of the U.S. Supreme Court Bar.  David was honored to carry on the Family legal Tradition started by his grandfather.

RI child custody attorney, David Slepkow is an experienced appellate lawyer at the RI Supreme Court

David Slepkow is experienced in appellate work at the RI Supreme Court. David won a divorce decision on behalf of his client at the RI Supreme Court. He overturned a Family Court Judge’s Decision in a 5-0 decision in favor of his client. The Rhode Island Supreme Court case is Rogers v Rogers In that case, the Court defined the residency requirements to file for divorce in Rhode Island Family Court.

In 2018, David was voted by residents of Rhode Island as one of the best three lawyers in Rhode Island in the Providence Journal Reader’s choice poll.

Legal Notice per Rules of Professional Responsibility: The Rhode Island Supreme Court licenses all lawyers and attorneys in the general practice of law, but does not license or certify any lawyer / attorney as an expert or specialist in any field of practice

Rhode Island  Lawyer David Slepkow is proud to have received a superb rating from AVVO. David prides himself on providing dependable, aggressive  and top level legal work for his divorce and domestic relations clients. David has been a regular at Rhode Island Family Court for over 27 years. David’s 10 out of 10 rating from AVVO is a validation of his hard work and excellent legal service he provides to his clients. David Slepkow was voted a top three lawyer in Rhode Island by the Providence Journal Reader’s choice poll.

David Slepkow’s AVVO Profile

David Slepkow knows how to navigate through the complex and confusing minefield of Providence Family Court.

David is also honored to be sworn into the US Supreme Court as a member of the High Court Bar. David practices in all areas of Family law including divorce, paternity, custody, child support, adoption and restraining orders.

A few of his client reviews:

• Brilliant Court Presence

  5.0 stars

  David Slepkow has a BRILLIANT COURT PRESENCE. He is articulate and concise. His knowledge of the law is unsurpassed. I have nothing but but complete success on every legal issue in which he has represented me. I would go as far as to call him an advocate for women. I highly recommend David Slepkow.

  I first contacted David Slepkow in 2006 for advice on a difficult issue. When meeting in his office he is soft spoken and takes the time to explain the benefits and the consequences of every question and/or request you may have. He returns all phone calls and has always been flexible in scheduling meetings. David displays a personal investment in the best needs and outcomes of his clients. Knowing Mr. Slepkow for almost a decade, I find him to be a well-educated, intelligent and moral person.

• Outstanding Advocate

  5.0 stars Posted by Michelle H.

   I was referred to David through a friend and client of his while looking to change counsel in the midst of a complicated motion in the Family Court. After meeting with David to review my case, it was evident that his knowledgable and understanding of the complicated Family Court System, that at times can leave families feeling quite vulernable, was…

• Excellent Attorney, Amazing Person!

  5.0 stars Posted by Nicole

  I am not typically the type of person who writes reviews, however, I feel that in this case it is necessary. David was my attorney in a very contentious divorce that took place over a 2 year period. He bent over backwards for me and my 3 children. He was my saving grace! He went above and beyond the call of duty! David is extremely knowledgeable, caring and compassionate. David’s level of communication was great and his attention to detail was above par! I would highly recommend David!