Shelley Glenn Prebenda

Accountability to my clients is paramount in my practice. A powerful advocate, I work diligently to ensure the best legal outcome for the clients I serve. I also seek to inform and empower my clients, keeping them apprised of developments in their case every step of the way.

FAMILY LAW is the primary focus of my practice. Thus I handle all aspects of divorce, including: property settlement agreements, matters of child support, child custody & visitation, premarital agreements, domestic violence representation, paternity, guardianship, adoption, child abuse, juvenile, and all other family matters. I also draft prenuptial and postnuptial agreements.

I am an experienced litigator.

CLIENT COMMUNICATION is a top priority: I am responsive and accessible to my clients. Call for a free initial consultation today.

PROBATE LAW is a growing part of my practice. In recent years, I have represented clients in numerous estate cases and served as Guardian Ad Litem in Rhode Island Probate Courts. I create estate plans, write wills, living wills, and powers of attorney.

*FOR MOTIVATED CLIENTS: I offer legal assistance and direction, write court pleadings, and draft client documents - known as LIMITED SCOPE REPRESENTATION. You can count on me. I am there to facilitate and to address your individual legal needs and concerns  

General Law Practice: I also handle landlord and tenant disputes, municipal, bankruptcy, probate and estate matters, criminal, non-profit corporations, and issues involving animals.

Free Consultation

Your initial consultation is free. This opportunity allows me to hear your legal issues and concerns, answer questions, and assess your case. Equally important, you can meet and evaluate me, as your potential lawyer.

I enjoy working with clients of diverse ethnic, racial, and economic backgrounds. I look forward to speaking with you and answering your legal questions.

I am fluent in the French language and somewhat proficient in Spanish.

Call or email now to schedule your free initial consultation.

My Fee

A client once remarked, "I don't like the way legal services are bought and sold."

I agree. It is difficult to find legal help that is both affordable and also reflects the value of the service provided.

I seek to address this concern. I will work with you to reach a mutually agreeable fee arrangement, and provide you with detailed and timely billing information during the course of my legal representation.

Personal

Ihave a deep understanding of partnership and marital disputes, issues involving children, and other complex family dynamics. Married with six children, I can personally attest to the challenges families face today. I also appreciate the challenges of married life, and the volatility and varied demands of children and young adults in the context of marriage and family stability.

My husband and I also cared for fifteen foster children during the years we raised our own children. Being a foster parent was eye opening, often trying, and deeply rewarding. I have a profound regard for the intricate balance required to raise children from infancy into adulthood.

I also recognize that relationships evolve and digress, upheaval creeps in, and life deals unexpected blows. I am sensitive to the needs and expectations of the individual clients I serve. And I respect the diverse perspectives and considerations these clients bring to my practice. 

Client Advocacy

I am an advocate first and foremost. It is an honor to serve members of the community, and to be entrusted with client confidence and faith. I take my role as attorney very seriously. I am reliable and accountable to my clients. Returning client phone calls is a top priority, and I strive to keep clients informed and apprised of developments in their case every step of the way.

Contact me today for your free initial consultation.

Domestic Violence

I am especially passionate about this issue. Often humbled by clients of domestic violence who face difficult choices, I am compelled to respresent these victims to the fullest. I have considerable experience advising women in crisis regarding their legal rights, providing representation, and helping to secure resources needed for protection and economic survival.

I also defend clients accused of domestic violence, and I am committed to the cause of fair and zealous representation.

Special Training

I am trained in mediation and collaborative law:

•  Mediation is an alternative to traditional courtroom litigation. A Mediator hears the legal issues presented by both sides of the conflict, encourages meaningful dialogue between the parties, and provides fair and neutral recommendations, consistent with the law. Mediation offers a meaningful alternativefor clients who are motivated to settle legal disputes without engaging in contentious, courtroom litigation.

• Collaborative Law is an alternative approach to the divorce process, and other civil disputes, whereby the parties agree up front to work in collaboration with each other and an informed TEAM of professionals. The collaborative law approach to divorce seeks to minimize conflict in favor of a more therapeutic and wholistic approach to resolve legal disputes. The collaborative team of professionals often includes one or more of the following: social worker, financial advisor or accountant, attorney, parenting coach, and/or child advocate. The parties sign an agreement early on, stating that the matter will not be litigated in court. The collaborative approach is one of thoughtful negotiation and rational dialogue, in hopes of minimizing stress, conflict, and combative legal tactics.  Client disputes are resolved through shared information, professional guidance and problem solving, negotiation, and compromise instead of traditional, contentious, conflict-based litigation.