Family Law

• Divorce
  Cum laude, in 1979. She served as the General Legal Counsel to the Rhode Island Secretary of State and has over 30 years of experience in corporate and commercial law, civil litigation, estate planning, and family/divorce law.
• Child Support
  When people think of family law, they think of divorce proceedings, but family law is so much more. MEROLLA & ACCETTURO addresses divorces legal separations, child custody, child support, alimony, and asset allocation. However, we also address the issues pertaining to common law relationships, as well as civil unions and other domestic partnerships. We also address cases that concern adoption rights (e.g., same sex and foreign couples), surrogacy issues, and paternity fraud and testing.
• Child Custody and Visitation
  Family Law For all matters related to the legal aspects of relationships between members of a family. This includes marriage and divorce, child custody, adoption, the writing of wills, and any other matters involving family.
• Adoption
• Paternity
• Premarital Agreement
• Guardianship
• Spousal Support
• Legal Separation

Criminal Law

• Criminal Defense
  Criminal Law Unlike civil litigation, which concerns private disputes, criminal matters concern charges made against one or several individuals by the government. Our criminal lawyers have experience both in working for the government as area prosecutors and in representing accused members of the public as defense lawyers.
• DUI/DWI
  At MEROLLA & ACCETTURO, our defense attorneys, advise clients who face a range of charges ranging from probation violations, employee theft, drug cases, DUI, OUI, and more. Often we are able to resolve these cases prior to trial so we can protect the future interests of our clients and their employment. In cases that must go to trial, our highly experienced and knowledgeable legal staff painstakingly evaluates the evidence against our clients with the goal of minimizing the damage and presenting the case in the best possible light.
• Theft
• Drug Crimes
• Probation Violation

Business and Corporate Law

• Corporate Law
  Our firm will handle all commercial and corporate law issues expediently and at competitive rates. Our dedicated attorneys have years of business law experience and can resolve legal issues you may have with tact and integrity. In addition, no case is too large or small for our firm.
• Mergers and Acquisitions
• Business Disputes
• Intellectual Property

Employment Law

• Workers Compensation
  Workers Compensation For all workers' compensation (sometimes called "workmens' comp") matters in Rhode Island and Massachusetts representing employees on a contingency basis. The initial consultation is free and we are only paid if you win or settle the claim. Claims involve injuries related to employment, seeking compensation for lost time at work, medical expenses and related costs, scarring or disfigurement (including surgical scars), and loss of use. In Rhode Island, medical treatment providers seeking reimbursement for their services from insurance companies may also contact us for legal representation on a contingency basis.
• Wrongful Termination
• Employment Discrimination
• Employment Litigation
  Our attorneys take pride in helping correct legal wrongdoing concerning your employment. We work hard to resolve employment issues quickly and effectively with the least amount of disruption to the individual. Regardless of the problem, our attorneys can help. We have been been rectifying labor disputes since our firm opened it's doors. Moreover, we treat all of our clients with an equal amount of dedication and we keep our rates competitive. So whether you are having problems pertaining to employee benefits, safety, discrimination, or another employment-related concern, our knowledgeable attorneys can evaluate your case and review your options with you. If you have an employment-related issue you would like to discuss, give our office in Warwick, Rhode Island a call today at (401) 739-2900 to schedule a confidential free consultation.
• Severance Agreement
• Sexual Harassment

Property Law

• Real Estate Litigation
  Real Estate Law Our firm provides counsel and representation pertaining buying, selling and developing commercial and residential real estate. We also provide contract reviews and negotiations and litigate real estate disputes including adverse possession, and zoning matters
• Real Estate Transactions
  Every real estate transaction has legal issues that need to be handled carefully. MEROLLA & ACCETTURO has the expertise to take on all of your real estate legal matters. Representing clients in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Connecticut, our attorneys can counsel you and negotiate on your behalf, whether you are buying, selling, refinancing, building, or navigating another area of real estate. Our legal team will always provide exceptional guidance that is in your best interest. In addition to our work with individuals, we are a trustworthy resource for developers and business owners who are pursuing a range of real estate projects. Take a look at some of areas we can handle.
• Easement
• Land Use and Zoning
  Real estate development generally requires permits involving land use regulations, zoning ordinances and/or environmental issues. This type of transaction has legal issues that need to be handled carefully. MEROLLA & ACCETTURO has the expertise to take on all of your real estate development matters. Representing clients in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Connecticut, our attorneys can counsel you and negotiate on your behalf, whether you are buying, selling, refinancing, building, or navigating another area of land use and zoning law.
• Landlord-Tenant Disputes
  An eviction can be a very time consuming and expensive experience for both the landlord and tenant. MEROLLA & ACCETTURO has the expertise to represent landlords and tenants and reach a quick and cost effective solution.
• Property Damage

Health Law

• Personal Injury
  Robert Proulx: Mr. Proulx graduated from University of Dartmouth School of Law in 1998. His practice areas include personal injury, family law, civil litigation, and bankruptcy.
• Medical Malpractice

Trusts and Estates

• Estate Planning
  Estate planning is not only for the elderly. Every adult should have an estate plan, specifying what should happen to their property upon their death. Death is a reality that is often unplanned; therefore, it is important to have a will prepared to provide peace of mind. It’s especially important, if you have a spouse and/or children, to ensure they are properly provided for once you have passed.
• Wills
  Joseph P. Accetturo: Mr. Accetturo graduated from the Roger Williams School of Law in 2001. He is a decorated Vietnam War veteran and has served as Chairman of the Johnston Housing Authority. His areas of legal expertise include corporate law, personal injury, family law, bankruptcy, real estate law, municipal law, wills and trusts, and probate.
• Trusts
  Amedeo C. Merolla ”1929-2017”: Mr. Merolla graduated from Harvard Law School in 1954 and served in the United States Marine Corps and the Rhode Island Army National Guard. His areas of expertise include civil litigation, business law, trusts and estates, probate, estate planning, and wills.
• Power of Attorney
• Probate

Finance Law

• Bankruptcy
  However, sometimes simply trying to manage one’s debts won’t suffice. If your debts are large and you will never be able to pay them off in a reasonable time frame you may have no choice but to declare personal or business bankruptcy. Simply trying to salvage what’s left by remortgaging your home, extending credit lines, or cashing in your 401k, often isn't the right choice. It may not even be adviseable. Fortunately, our bankruptcy law professionals in Rhode Island and Massachusetts will carefully evaluate your financial options and review them with you so that you can make a decision that will allow you to move forward with dignity and a brighter future.
• Foreclosure
  Committed to protecting your real estate interests With over 100 years of combined experience, MEROLLA & ACCETTURO handles our clients' cases with the highest degree of competence. We are fully committed to representing you in all your legal matters giving you the individual attention you deserve. Give us a call today at (401)739-2900 to learn how we can help you.
• Tax Law
  Michael J. Chazan: Mr. Chazan graduated from Vermont Law School in 1985 and received his LL.M. at Boston University School of Law in 1989. He has extensive experience in estate and tax planning, probate litigation, succession planning, life insurance, employee benefits, and tax planning.
• Debt Collection
  Civil Litigation Civil litigation pertains to matters involving lawsuits resulting from disputes between private parties (individuals or corporations). Cases falling under the civil litigation area of the law might concern matters such as breach of contract, debt collection, trespass, or personal injury.