Business Details
29 Years
experience
Your Trusted Rhode Island Legal Advocate
Established in 1997, Paul J. Ferns Law has provided dedicated legal representation across Rhode Island, southeastern Massachusetts, and eastern Connecticut. Our practice focuses on family law, personal injury, and criminal defense, guided by a commitment to client-centered advocacy. With over 25 years of experience, we prioritize careful listening, transparent communication, and tailored legal strategies. Our team handles divorce proceedings, child custody matters, DUI defense, and personal injury claims with equal diligence.We maintain active memberships in the American Bar Association and Rhode Island Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, reflecting our engagement with legal best practices. Our approach balances aggressive courtroom representation with a compassionate understanding of client needs, ensuring informed decision-making throughout every case.
Services
Personal Injury
Family Law
Divorce
Child Support
DUI Defense
Details
- Year established: 1997
Highlights and features
- We offer 25+ years of legal experience specializing in Rhode Island family court proceedings
- Our team provides personalized attention with direct attorney communication
- Local expertise serving Warwick, Kent County, and surrounding regions
- Proven track record in complex divorce and personal injury cases
- Active membership in Rhode Island Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
What people say
Immediate response
Sound legal advice
Professional demeanor
Timely results
Highly recommend
Services
Personal Injury
Our personal injury practice assists clients recovering from auto accidents, medical malpractice, and premises liability. We handle car, truck, and motorcycle collision cases with uninsured motorist claims. Our representation includes negotiating with insurance companies and pursuing compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Attorney Ferns personally manages all cases to ensure maximum recovery for clients.
Family Law
We provide comprehensive family law services including divorce proceedings, child custody arrangements, and alimony determinations. Our approach focuses on minimizing conflict while protecting client interests in property division and support matters. The firm handles both contested and uncontested cases with expertise in Rhode Island's two-stage divorce process. We also represent clients in grandparent rights and common law marriage dissolution cases.
DUI Defense
Our DUI defense practice challenges field sobriety test validity and breathalyzer accuracy in Rhode Island courts. We represent clients facing license suspension, fines, and jail time for first-time or repeat offenses. The firm develops tailored defense strategies based on case-specific evidence and prosecutorial weaknesses. Our experience includes defending cases involving the Rhode Island State Police and municipal law enforcement agencies.
Child Support
We assist clients with child support calculations, modification requests, and enforcement actions under Rhode Island guidelines. Our services include establishing paternity, creating parenting plans, and addressing college expense contributions. The firm helps clients navigate support adjustments due to job loss or changed circumstances while prioritizing children's best interests.
Divorce
Our divorce practice handles both simple and complex asset division cases, including retirement accounts and business valuations. We guide clients through Rhode Island's 75-day nominal divorce process and contested proceedings requiring expert testimony. The firm specializes in minimizing tax implications and creating sustainable post-divorce arrangements for high-conflict or high-asset cases.
People
Paul J. Ferns
Head Attorney
Warwick native with 25+ years of legal experience, graduated cum laude from Western New England College School of Law. Specializes in family law, personal injury, and criminal defense. Active member of Rhode Island Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and American Bar Association.
Bryan Nappa
Of Counsel
Joined the firm in 2017 after law school internship. Focuses on personal injury case analysis using EMT experience and Northeastern University education. Handles pre-suit negotiations and trial preparation for injury claims and family law matters.
Questions
What areas do you serve?
We primarily serve Warwick, Rhode Island and surrounding areas including Kent County, eastern Connecticut, and southern Massachusetts.
Do you offer free consultations?
Yes, we provide free initial consultations for all practice areas including family law, personal injury, and criminal defense cases.
How experienced is your firm?
Attorney Paul Ferns has practiced law since 1996 with 25+ years of experience in Rhode Island family court and criminal defense.
What practice areas do you handle?
Our core practice areas include divorce and family law, personal injury claims, DUI defense, child custody, and criminal defense matters.
Are you available for urgent matters?
We prioritize prompt communication and offer emergency consultation scheduling for time-sensitive legal issues.
How are legal fees structured?
Most personal injury cases work on contingency basis. Family law and criminal defense matters use hourly billing with transparent cost tracking.
