Frequently Asked Questions

Answers From Lombardi Law Associates, P.C.
Legal matters can feel complicated, especially when they involve your family, finances, property, freedom, or future. Lombardi Law Associates, P.C. provides personalized legal guidance to individuals, families, and businesses throughout Rhode Island.
Below are answers to common questions about our firm and the legal services we provide. For advice concerning your specific circumstances, call 401-453-3900 to schedule a personalized consultation with one of our attorneys.
General Questions About Our Law Firm

What types of legal matters does Lombardi Law Associates handle?
Our general-practice law firm assists clients with a broad range of legal matters, including:
• Personal injury
• Workers’ compensation
• Criminal law
• Family law
• Divorce and related family matters
• Probate
• Estate planning
• Guardianships
• Residential and commercial real estate
• Business law and business disputes
• Civil litigation
Because every situation is different, we encourage you to contact our office to discuss whether we can assist with your specific legal needs.
Where is Lombardi Law Associates located?
Our office is located at:
370 Atwood Avenue
Cranston, RI 02920
We represent clients in Cranston, Providence, and communities throughout Rhode Island.
How long has Lombardi Law Associates served Rhode Island?
Our firm brings more than 50 years of legal experience to the clients we represent. Since 1991, Lombardi Law Associates has been committed to providing personalized attention and effective legal representation.
Does your firm offer personalized appointments?
Yes. We believe every client and every legal matter deserves individual attention. During your appointment, we take the time to understand your concerns, explain your options, and discuss the next steps that may be appropriate for your situation.
How do I schedule a consultation?
Call our Cranston office at 401-453-3900 to request a personalized consultation. Our regular business hours are Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
What should I bring to my first appointment?
The documents you need will depend on your legal matter. Helpful items may include:
• Government-issued identification
• Court notices and legal documents
• Police or accident reports
• Insurance correspondence
• Medical records and bills
• Employment or wage information
• Contracts and written agreements
• Deeds, closing documents, or property records
• Wills, trusts, or other estate documents
• Relevant emails, letters, photographs, and text messages
• A written timeline of important events
• A list of your questions
If you are unsure what to bring, call our office before your appointment.
Do you represent clients who speak Spanish or Italian?
Our firm welcomes Rhode Island’s diverse communities. Hablamos Español. Parliamo Italiano. Contact our office to discuss your needs and available language assistance.
Personal Injury Questions

What types of personal injury cases do you handle?
We assist clients with personal injury claims arising from accidents and other incidents caused by another party’s negligence. Because every claim has different facts, contact our office to discuss what happened and whether you may have a legal claim.
What should I do after being injured in an accident?
Your health and safety should come first. Seek appropriate medical attention, follow your healthcare provider’s instructions, and document the incident whenever it is safe to do so. Preserve photographs, reports, bills, witness information, and communications with insurance companies.
You should also consider speaking with an attorney before accepting a settlement or providing a detailed recorded statement to an insurance company.
How long do I have to file a personal injury claim in Rhode Island?
Legal claims are governed by filing deadlines known as statutes of limitations. The applicable deadline can vary depending on the type of claim, the parties involved, and other circumstances. Waiting too long could affect your right to seek compensation.
Contact an attorney promptly so the facts and potential deadlines can be reviewed.
What compensation may be available in a personal injury case?
Depending on the circumstances, a personal injury claim may seek compensation for:
• Medical expenses
• Lost income
• Reduced earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Property damage
• Other accident-related losses
The value of a claim depends on its specific facts, available evidence, insurance coverage, and applicable law. No attorney can guarantee a particular outcome.
Should I accept the insurance company’s settlement offer?
Before accepting an offer, make sure you understand the full extent of your injuries, future medical needs, lost income, and other losses. Once a settlement and release are signed, you may be unable to request additional compensation.
An attorney can review the offer and help you determine whether it reasonably addresses your claim.
Workers’ Compensation Questions

What is workers’ compensation?
Workers’ compensation is a system designed to provide certain benefits to eligible employees who suffer job-related injuries or occupational illnesses. Depending on the circumstances, benefits may include medical treatment, partial wage replacement, and compensation for certain lasting impairments.
What should I do if I am injured at work?
Report the injury to your employer as soon as possible and seek appropriate medical care. Keep records of when, where, and how the injury occurred, along with copies of medical documents and communications concerning the incident.
If your claim is disputed, your benefits are delayed, or you are uncertain about your rights, contact an attorney for guidance.
Can I receive workers’ compensation if the accident was partly my fault?
Workers’ compensation is generally different from a traditional personal injury claim and may not require proof that your employer caused the accident. Eligibility still depends on the circumstances and whether the injury arose out of and occurred during your employment.
Speak with an attorney about the facts of your situation.
What if my workers’ compensation claim is denied?
A denial does not necessarily mean you have no further options. There may be procedures for challenging the decision, but deadlines can apply. Save the denial notice and related documents, and contact an attorney promptly.
Criminal Law Questions

What should I do if I am arrested or charged with a crime?
Remain calm and avoid discussing the details of the case with anyone other than your attorney. You have the right to remain silent and the right to seek legal representation. Do not post about the incident on social media.
Contact a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible so your rights, charges, upcoming court dates, and defense options can be reviewed.
Should I hire an attorney for a misdemeanor?
Even a misdemeanor can create serious consequences, including fines, probation, license issues, employment difficulties, and a criminal record. Consulting an attorney can help you understand the charge, possible consequences, and available options.
Can an attorney guarantee that my charges will be dismissed?
No. Ethical attorneys do not guarantee a particular result. The outcome depends on the facts, evidence, applicable law, negotiations, court rulings, and many other factors. An attorney can evaluate the case, explain potential strategies, and advocate for you throughout the process.
Family Law Questions

What family law matters does your firm handle?
Our attorneys assist with family-related legal matters such as divorce, child custody, parenting arrangements, child support, property division, and other domestic-relations issues. Contact us to discuss your specific needs.
How is child custody determined in Rhode Island?
Custody and parenting decisions generally focus on the child’s best interests. Courts may consider multiple factors, including each parent’s relationship with the child, the child’s needs, the parents’ ability to communicate, stability, safety, and other relevant circumstances.
Because every family is different, personalized legal advice is important.
Do all divorces have to go to trial?
No. Many divorce and family law matters are resolved through negotiation, mediation, or an agreement between the parties. When an agreement cannot be reached, the disputed issues may need to be decided by the court.
Can child custody or support orders be changed?
Certain family court orders may be modified when legal requirements are met, such as when there has been a substantial change in circumstances. Whether a modification is appropriate depends on the existing order and the facts of the case.
Probate and Estate Planning Questions

What estate planning documents might I need?
An estate plan may include documents such as:
• A last will and testament
• Powers of attorney
• Healthcare directives
• Trust documents
• Guardianship designations
• Beneficiary planning documents
The appropriate documents depend on your family, assets, health, objectives, and other personal circumstances.
Why do I need a will?
A will allows you to state how you would like certain assets distributed after your death and may allow you to nominate a person to administer your estate. Parents may also use a will to express their preferences concerning guardianship of minor children.
Without a valid will, state law may determine how probate assets are distributed.
What is probate?
Probate is the legal process through which a deceased person’s estate may be administered. The process can involve validating a will, identifying assets, addressing debts and taxes, resolving disputes, and distributing property to beneficiaries or heirs.
Does every estate have to go through probate?
Not necessarily. Whether probate is required depends on how assets are owned, their value, beneficiary designations, and whether trusts or other arrangements are in place. An attorney can review the estate and explain the available process.
When should I update my estate plan?
Consider reviewing your estate plan after major life events, including:
• Marriage or divorce
• Birth or adoption of a child
• Death of a beneficiary or chosen representative
• A significant change in assets
• Purchase or sale of real estate
• Retirement
• Relocation
• Changes in family relationships
• Changes in relevant laws
Regular reviews can help ensure that your documents continue to reflect your wishes.
Real Estate Questions

Does your firm handle both residential and commercial real estate?
Yes. Lombardi Law Associates assists with residential and commercial real estate transactions. We can help clients understand documents, address legal issues, and navigate the transaction from the initial agreement through closing.
Why should I use a real estate attorney?
A real estate transaction involves legally binding contracts, title matters, financing documents, disclosure requirements, and significant financial obligations. An attorney can identify potential issues, explain your responsibilities, protect your interests, and help the transaction move toward closing.
Can you help with a real estate dispute?
Our firm handles various real estate and land-related legal matters, including certain disputes involving property interests, agreements, and title or land-evidence issues. Contact our office so we can review the nature of your dispute.
Business Law Questions

What business law services does Lombardi Law Associates provide?
We advise clients regarding a variety of business concerns, transactions, contracts, and disputes. Our goal is to help business owners understand their legal options, reduce unnecessary risk, and resolve problems efficiently when possible.
Can you review or prepare a business contract?
Yes. An attorney can help draft, review, or interpret contracts and explain the rights, responsibilities, risks, and remedies contained in an agreement. Obtaining legal guidance before signing may help prevent misunderstandings and costly disputes.
What should I do if my business is involved in a dispute?
Preserve contracts, correspondence, invoices, payment records, photographs, and other relevant evidence. Avoid making statements or signing agreements that could affect your position before receiving legal advice. Contact an attorney promptly to discuss your options.
Making It Fair For All Parties Involved

Speak With an Experienced Rhode Island Attorney

Speak With an Experienced Rhode Island Attorney
Whether you are facing an injury claim, criminal charge, family dispute, probate matter, real estate transaction, or business concern, you do not have to navigate the legal process alone.
Contact Lombardi Law Associates, P.C. to request a personalized consultation.
Lombardi Law Associates, P.C.
370 Atwood Avenue
Cranston, RI 02920
Phone: 401-453-3900
Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Hablamos Español | Parliamo Italiano
Important Legal Disclaimer
The information on this page is provided for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Reading this page or contacting the firm does not automatically create an attorney-client relationship. An attorney-client relationship is established only through a written agreement with the firm. Legal outcomes depend on the specific facts and circumstances of each matter, and past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Do not delay seeking legal advice because of information presented on this website.
