FAMILY LAW SERVICES
Practice Areas
Cuddy Law Office provides family law and child welfare representation for individuals and families across Rhode Island. Led by Kristen Forbes Cuddy, the firm offers thoughtful guidance in divorce, child custody, child support, guardian ad litem matters, child welfare advocacy, juvenile justice, and related Family Court proceedings.
RHODE ISLAND FAMILY LAW
Guidance for Families Facing Important Legal Decisions
Family law matters are personal. They often involve children, major life changes, financial concerns, and decisions that can affect a family’s future. Cuddy Law Office helps clients approach these matters with clarity, preparation, and steady legal guidance.
Kristen Forbes Cuddy brings 17 years of legal experience to her practice, including nine years serving as a CASA staff attorney and guardian ad litem for children involved in Rhode Island Family Court. That background gives her a unique perspective on family law, child welfare, and the sensitive issues families face in court.
Divorce
Representation in divorce with attention to critical issues of child custody, property division, and alimony.
Child Custody
Advocacy in child custody focused on protecting parental rights and promoting the best interests of the child.
Child Support
Assistance with child support issues, including establishing, modifying, and enforcing support obligations.
GUARDIAN ad LITEM
Guidance and representation informed by experience as a guardian ad litem for children in Rhode Island Family Court.
Child Advocacy
Representation in child welfare, DCYF-related issues, permanency planning, and juvenile court proceedings.
ADOPTION
Assistance with terminating biological parental rights, obtaining valid birth parent consent, contested adoptions and other legal issues.
DIVORCE
Divorce Guidance With Careful Preparation
Divorce can involvoe emotional, financial, and practical concerns. Cuddy Law Office helps clients understand their options, prepare for each step, and move forward with steady legal guidance.
CHILD CUSTODY
Child Custody Guidance Focused on Stability and the Best Interests of the Child
Child custody matters require careful attention to each family’s circumstances. Cuddy Law Office provides guidance for parents navigating custody questions, parenting arrangements, and Family Court proceedings involving children.
Kristen’s background in child advocacy and guardian ad litem work gives her meaningful insight into the issues that can arise when families are making decisions about children, parenting time, and long-term stability.
CHILD SUPPORT
Help With Child Support Matters in Rhode Island
Child support issues can affect both financial stability and family dynamics. Cuddy Law Office assists clients with child support matters involving support orders, modifications, enforcement concerns, and related Family Court issues.
The goal is to help clients understand their rights, responsibilities, and options while working toward a fair and practical resolution.
GUARDIAN AD LITEM
Guardian ad Litem Experience in Rhode Island Family Court
Kristen Forbes Cuddy spent nine years as a staff attorney with the Office of the Court Appointed Special Advocate, serving as guardian ad litem for children in the care, custody, and control of DCYF. Her work involved advocating for children across juvenile court calendars, preparing legal memoranda and briefs, and handling matters involving child welfare, permanency, and family court proceedings.
Cuddy Law Office brings that experience to matters involving court-appointed guardian ad litem applications and child-focused advocacy.
CHILD WELFARE
Child Welfare Advocacy for Rhode Island Families
Child welfare matters can be complex and deeply emotional. Cuddy Law Office provides representation in matters involving children, families, DCYF-related concerns, permanency planning, and related Family Court proceedings.
Kristen’s prior work as a CASA staff attorney involved advocating for vulnerable children, case management, educational issues, permanency planning, and mediation of conflicts between parties and DCYF.
ADOPTION
Navigating Adoption Matters
Adoption legally ends the biological parents’ rights, includes a home study of the prospective parents, and concludes with court hearings that result in a final decree.
Once complete, all parental rights and responsibilities are permanently transferred to you.
