About Kerry I. Rafanelli

Kerry I. Rafanelli is an establishing partner in the Rhode Island (RI) Law Offices of Rafanelli and Rafanelli. He is an experienced Rhode Island (RI) and Massachusetts (MA) trial attorney who handles cases in all areas of family law and also practices as a family law mediator assisting married couples, parents and domestic partners to resolve their issues amicably. Kerry has served as a Guardian Ad Litem in Rhode Island (RI) Family Court for the past 20 years, representing the best interests of children involved in custody and placement disputes.

In addition to family law, Kerry handles all Rhode Island and Massachusetts probate estate matters, including preparation of Wills, Trusts and Durable Care Powers of Attorney. Kerry I. Rafanelli also represents plaintiffs in personal injury and wrongful death matters, as well as District Court criminal misdemeanor matters.

Kerry graduated from Providence College in 1980 and received his Juris Doctorate cum laude from New England School of Law in Boston in 1983. He is admitted to practice law in Rhode Island, Massachusetts and Federal District Court. He has served as an assistant city solicitor for the City of Warwick since 1988. His professional memberships include the

- Rhode Island Bar Association

-The Edward P. Gallogly Rhode Island Family Law Inn of Court; and

- Kent County Bar Association.

Kerry received the Kent County Bar Association "Lawyer of the Year Award" in 1999.

 

Awards

Reviews for Kerry I.

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Overall Rating
Showing 1-10 of 27 client reviews from Lawyers.com
Lawyers.com Rating Snapshot
5 stars
89%
4 stars
4%
3 stars
4%
2 stars
0%
1 star
4%
What do people say on Lawyers.com?
Communication
4.8
Quality of Service
4.8
Responsiveness
4.8
Value for Money
4.9
Family Law
Posted by anonymous
March 21, 2026
Hired Attorney

I worked with Kerry and Jane in mediation and would highly recommend them. They provided valuable insight into finances and the distribution of assets. They were fair and balanced throughout the process. They took the time to clearly explain each step, making sure both parties felt heard and understood. Their professionalism and calm approach made a difficult situation much easier to navigate.

 
Family Law
Posted by Brian
December 27, 2025
Hired Attorney

I am honored to post a review of Attorney Rafanelli. My divorce was quite stressful. There are so many moving parts. Attorney Rafanelli helps take the stress away by being detail oriented and thorough. He speaks to you down to Earth and is always supportive and looking out or your best interests. His staff is excellent and friendly. It is easy to tell he is highly regarded in his field. I cannot recommend Attorney Rafanelli enough.

 
Family Law
Posted by Liz
July 14, 2024
Hired Attorney

As in most divorces, our mom’s divorce was emotional and stressful from dealing with nastiness from the other side. From the beginning, Attorney Rafanelli spoke to us on a “down-to-earth” level, he made us feel comfortable, never rushed. He explained each step of the process and answered lots of our questions with amazing patience and we really appreciated his honesty. And if Attorney Rafanelli tells you not to worry about something, he means it. Additionally, he is very kind, understanding and compassionate. Of course, there were moments of tears and somehow Attorney Rafanelli made us laugh, lightening the mood. And let me tell you, he is extremely smart and knowledgeable, exactly who you want representing and fighting for you. He has been doing this longer than most other attorneys, and that was evident in the courtroom where you can see his level of comfort and confidence. He is someone who will fight for you, really knows the law, and you can feel comfortable talking to.

 
Alternative Dispute Resolution
Posted by Moira
October 27, 2021
Hired Attorney

I would recommend Kerry Rafanelli to anyone in my family or my friends or friends of friends! Mr. Rafanelli takes the time to work with his clients and is highly knowledgeable in several areas of the law! Mr. Rafanelli was everything you could hope for in a lawyer and more; he took the time to explain the whole court process and alleviated the anxiety I had in regards to my case and appearing in court! Mr. Kerry Rafanelli is an exceptional lawyer and individual!

 
Family Law
Posted by anonymous
March 12, 2017
Hired Attorney

On the day I met with Kerry Rafanelli regarding legal representation for my divorce, I was put at ease by his professionalism and compassion as I explained my personal situation. He listened, asked all the right questions and immediately planned to do what was best for the future of my children and myself. In my opinion Kerry's invaluable legal experience and exceptional personality make him by far an attorney you want representing you in the process of divorce.

 
Family Law
Posted by anonymous
January 06, 2017
Hired Attorney

Rhode Island{para}I would highly recommend Kerry to anyone needing legal representation and advice! He is the BEST!
Kerry is compassionate, very outgoing and personable, and extremely knowledgeable in what he does. He was able to put me at ease during a very emotional and stressful time.
Kerry is very experienced and he is very well respected by his peers and in the courtroom.
Thank you so much, Kerry, for being by my side and getting me thru this difficult time!

 
Family Law
Posted by anonymous
September 05, 2016
Hired Attorney

Recently I had to deal with some child support issues. Kerry quickly and efficiently resolved it for me. I can't say enough of how well he took care of all the paperwork and helped my former spouse and I through all the guidelines. I would highly recommend Kerry for any legal proceedings you might have.

Family Law
Posted by anonymous
February 14, 2016
Hired Attorney

I was very pleased with the legal representation and advice that I received from Attorney Rafanelli for my divorce. He was able to help me resolve a difficult situation quickly, and to my satisfaction. I am very grateful and I highly recommend him and his firm.

Family Law
Posted by anonymous
September 06, 2015
Hired Attorney

Kerry represented me during my divorce case, and I'm quite happy with his services. He listened to my concerns and issues in a friendly and professional manner, and did a great job of helping me understand what the realistic outcomes might be in all aspects of the case, as it unfolded. I'm very satisfied with the end result, and I would certainly recommend Kerry to anyone seeking a divorce attorney.

 
Family Law
Posted by anonymous
July 16, 2015
Hired Attorney

This was my third divorce. in my first one I had a cheap lawyer and I lost my shirt and my house. This time I hired an exceptional lawyer and Kerry got me not only what I was looking for but much more. He made the process much less painful and it was amazing watching him work in court. If you have to get a divorce then hire Kerry and know that you have the best.

 

Services

Areas of Law

  • Criminal Law
  • Other 3
    • Domestic Relations Law
    • Personal Injury Law
    • Probate

Experience

  • Bar Admission & Memberships
    Admissions
    1983, Rhode Island
    1983, U.S. District Court, District of Rhode Island
    2006, Massachusetts
  • Education & Certifications
    Law School
    New England School of Law
    Class of 1983
    J.D.
    Other Education
    Providence College
    Class of 1980
    B.S.
  • Personal Details & History
    Age
    Born in 1958
    Providence, Rhode Island, September 28, 1958
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Attorneys FAQs

  • Is this attorney Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review rated?
    Yes, Kerry I. Rafanelli has a 4.9 Peer Rating from Martindale-Hubbell.
  • Is this attorney Martindale-Hubbell Client Review rated?
    Yes, Kerry I. Rafanelli has a 4.8 Client Rating from Martindale-Hubbell.
  • What law school did this attorney attend?
    Kerry I. Rafanelli attended New England School of Law.