
Peter E. Garvey, Divorce Attorney in Providence, Rhode Island
Over 32 years of legal practice · focused on Divorce and Litigation · 4.8/5 rating from 28 verified client reviews
PartneratHiggins, Cavanagh & Cooney LLP
Providence, RI
Practicing divorce in Providence since 1994.
- 32+
- Years practicing
- 4.8 ★
- 28 client reviews
- 4
- Bar admissions
Practices in
Are you Peter E. Garvey?
This profile was built from public bar records and is still unclaimed. Claim it free to control your photo, bio, and fees — and get client inquiries sent straight to you.
Quick answer
Peter E. Garvey is a partner based in Providence, RI. The practice focuses on Divorce and Litigation. Peter has over 32 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Higgins, Cavanagh & Cooney LLP. Rated 4.8 out of 5 from 28 client reviews.
- Based in
- Providence, RI
- Experience
- over 32 years
- Known for
- Divorce · Litigation
- Handles Divorce and Litigation matters from Providence, RI.
- Over 32 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About Peter E. Garvey: Peter E. Garvey is a partner based in Providence, RI. The practice focuses on Divorce and Litigation. Peter has over 32 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Higgins, Cavanagh & Cooney LLP. Rated 4.8 out of 5 from 28 client reviews.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by Peter E. Garvey
Peter concentrates on divorce and litigation. Each area below outlines the kind of case Peter handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Divorce cases in Providence, Rhode Island
Peter takes divorce matters in Providence, Rhode Island. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Peter agrees to represent you.
Litigation cases in Providence, Rhode Island
Peter takes litigation matters in Providence, Rhode Island. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Peter agrees to represent you.
Biography
About Peter E. Garvey — Over 32 years of Rhode Island divorce experience
Peter E. Garvey is a partner based in Providence, RI. The practice focuses on Divorce and Litigation. Peter has over 32 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Higgins, Cavanagh & Cooney LLP. Rated 4.8 out of 5 from 28 client reviews.
Peter was born in Rhode Island and graduated from the University of Rhode Island in 1989 and received a J.D. with honors from New England School of Law in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1994. Peter is admitted to practice in the State and Federal Courts of Rhode Island and Connecticut. He concentrates his practice in the areas of product, professional, premises, transportation and general liability defense. Peter is affiliated with the American Law Firm Association, National Restaurant and Retail Defense Association, Defense Research Institute and Defense Counsel of Rhode Island
How Peter handles divorce matters
Peter was born in Rhode Island and graduated from the University of Rhode Island in 1989 and received a J.D. with honors from New England School of Law in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1994. Peter is admitted to practice in the State and Federal Courts of Rhode Island and Connecticut. He concentrates his practice in the areas of product, professional, premises, transportation and general liability…
Who Peter represents
Peter reviews new inquiries case-by-case for divorce and litigation matters in Providence and the surrounding Rhode Island area.
Credentials
Peter E. Garvey's legal education and bar admissions
New England School of Law
J.D. · 1994
University of Rhode Island
B.A. · 1989
Jurisdictions
Peter's state bar admissions
Massachusetts
2016 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1996 · ACTIVE
Rhode Island
1995 · ACTIVE
Connecticut
1994 · ACTIVE
Peter studied at J.D. in New England School of Law and B.A. in University of Rhode Island.
Law school and academic background
Peter completed J.D. in New England School of Law and B.A. in University of Rhode Island. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Peter runs in Rhode Island is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Awards, publications, and recognition of Peter E. Garvey
Peter has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Locations
Peter E. Garvey's office in Providence
Peter's primary office is at 10 Dorrance Street, Suite 400, Providence, RI, 02903-3907. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Higgins, Cavanagh & Cooney LLP
10 Dorrance Street, Suite 400
Providence, RI 02903-3907
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of Peter E. Garvey — 4.8/5 rating from 28 verified client reviews
Every review below is from a verified client of Peter. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing divorce attorneys in Providence.
4.8
28 client reviews
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Peter E. Garvey claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Peter E. Garvey — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new divorce attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Peter usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Peter charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Peter's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Peter will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a divorce attorney in Providence, Rhode Island
A short list to run through before you commit: How many divorce matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Peter
Peter discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in divorce practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every divorce matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Peter confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Peter's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many divorce practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Peter E. Garvey
How much does it cost to hire Peter for a divorce case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Peter walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Peter offer a free consultation?
Peter charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Peter's office. Some divorce attorneys offer free consults — check Peter's current terms during booking.
How long do divorce cases in Rhode Island typically take?
Simple divorce matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Peter gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Peter take my case if I'm outside Providence?
Peter is licensed in Rhode Island. Matters governed by Rhode Island law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Peter will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Peter?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Peter will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Peter accepting new divorce clients right now?
Peter's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Divorce attorneys serving Providence, Warwick and Cranston in Rhode Island
Peter handles divorce matters throughout Rhode Island. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified divorce attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated divorce attorneys in Rhode Island
If Peter's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these divorce attorneys in Providence handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.

Stephen P. Levesque
Cranston, Rhode Island
5.0· 80

John Philip Larochelle
Providence, Rhode Island
5.0· 29

David C. Tapalian
Providence, Rhode Island
5.0· 18

Richard E Palumbo, Jr.
Cranston, Rhode Island
5.0· 17

Carl Joseph Asprinio
Providence, Rhode Island
5.0· 15

Lawrence J. Signore, Esq.
Providence, Rhode Island
5.0· 13