Filing for divorce in Rhode Island without an attorney costs $160 in court fees. You must meet the residency requirement of 1 year in Rhode Island. Rhode Island is a equitable distribution state with a 3 months (nominal divorce) waiting period. An uncontested divorce typically takes 4-6 months. Victoria AI guides you through every step with Rhode Island-specific instructions.
Last updated: February 1, 2026 • Reviewed by Divorce.law Legal Team
| Filing Fee | $160 (The filing fee is $160 in Rhode Island Family Court. This is one of the lower filing fees in the country.) |
| Residency Requirement | 1 year in Rhode Island |
| Waiting Period | 3 months (nominal divorce) |
| Property Division | Equitable Distribution (fair, not equal) |
| Grounds for Divorce | Irreconcilable differences (no-fault), Impotency, Adultery, Extreme cruelty, Willful desertion for 5 years, Gross misbehavior, Separation for 3+ years, Drug addiction, Neglect to provide |
| No-Fault Only? | No (fault grounds available) |
| Uncontested Timeline | 4-6 months |
| Contested Timeline | 1-2 years |
| Fee Waiver Available? | Yes |
To file for divorce in Rhode Island, you must meet the following residency requirement: 1 year in Rhode Island.
At least one spouse must have been a domiciliary of Rhode Island for at least 1 year before filing, OR the grounds for divorce must have arisen in Rhode Island and the petitioner lived in RI at the time of filing.
Tip: Victoria AI can help you determine if you meet Rhode Island's residency requirements and guide you through the documentation needed to prove residency.
Follow these steps to file for divorce in Rhode Island without an attorney. Victoria AI guides you through each step with state-specific instructions.
At least one spouse must have been a domiciliary of Rhode Island for at least 1 year before filing, OR the grounds for divorce must have arisen in Rhode Island and the petitioner lived in RI at the time of filing.
Download the official Rhode Island divorce forms: Complaint for Divorce, Summons, Family Services Unit Information Sheet. All forms are available from the Rhode Island courts website.
Fill out the divorce petition (DR-6A or DR-6B) with your information, grounds for divorce, and what you're requesting (property division, custody, support).
File your completed petition with the Rhode Island court and pay the filing fee of $160. Fee waivers are available if you qualify financially.
Properly serve your spouse with the divorce papers according to Rhode Island rules. Options typically include sheriff service, process server, or certified mail with acknowledgment.
Exchange mandatory financial disclosure documents as required by Rhode Island law. This typically includes income verification, tax returns, bank statements, and a sworn financial affidavit.
Rhode Island requires an initial hearing, then a 3-month 'cooling off' period before the final hearing. The divorce becomes absolute 3 months after the final decree (called the 'interlocutory period').
Submit your final judgment to the court. For uncontested divorces in Rhode Island, this typically takes 4-6 months. The court will issue your final divorce decree.
These are the primary forms you'll need to file for divorce in Rhode Island. Victoria AI guides you through completing each form correctly.
Initiates the case (A=no children, B=children)
Notifies your spouse
Provides case information
Financial disclosure
The filing fee to start a divorce in Rhode Island is $160. The filing fee is $160 in Rhode Island Family Court. This is one of the lower filing fees in the country.
| Cost Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Court Filing Fee | $160 |
| Service of Process | $50-$100 (varies by method) |
| Certified Copies | $5-$25 per copy |
| Total DIY Uncontested | $300-$1,200 (uncontested DIY) |
If you cannot afford the filing fee, Rhode Island offers fee waivers for qualifying individuals. You'll need to complete a fee waiver application demonstrating financial hardship. This typically requires showing income below a certain threshold (often 125-200% of federal poverty guidelines) or receiving public assistance benefits.
Victoria can help: Our AI guides you through the fee waiver application process and helps you gather the required documentation.
After filing your divorce petition in Rhode Island, you must legally "serve" your spouse with the divorce papers. This ensures they receive official notice of the divorce and have an opportunity to respond.
A sheriff, constable, or private process server personally delivers the papers to your spouse. Most reliable method.
Papers sent via certified mail with return receipt requested. Your spouse must sign to acknowledge receipt.
Your spouse voluntarily signs an acknowledgment that they received the papers. Fastest and cheapest option if cooperative.
If your spouse cannot be located, you may be able to publish notice in a newspaper. Requires court approval.
You must file proof of service with the court showing your spouse was properly served. Without valid proof of service, your divorce cannot proceed. Rhode Island courts are strict about service requirements.
Rhode Island is a equitable distribution state.
Rhode Island is an equitable distribution state. The court can assign to either spouse any property owned by either, regardless of title, based on numerous factors including contribution, duration, and conduct during marriage.
Victoria's Financial Tools: Our AI-powered financial tools help you identify, categorize, and value marital assets. Victoria can help you understand how Rhode Island law applies to your specific property.
Rhode Island uses the Income shares model with adjustments.
Rhode Island uses the income shares model. Support is calculated based on combined parental income and the number of children, with adjustments for parenting time and other factors.
Understanding the timeline helps you plan and set realistic expectations for your Rhode Island divorce.
When both spouses agree on all terms including property division, custody, and support. This is the fastest and least expensive option.
When spouses cannot agree and need court intervention to resolve disputes. Involves hearings, discovery, and potentially trial.
File Petition
Day 1 - Submit your divorce paperwork and pay the $160 filing fee
Serve Your Spouse
Within 30 days - Ensure proper legal service of divorce papers
Response Period
20-30 days - Your spouse has time to file a response
Waiting Period
3 months (nominal divorce) - Rhode Island requires an initial hearing, then a 3-month 'cooling off' period before the final hearing. The divorce becomes absolute 3 months after the final decree (called the 'interlocutory period').
Final Judgment
Court issues your final divorce decree
Speed up your divorce: Victoria AI helps you complete forms correctly the first time, avoiding delays from rejected paperwork. Our checklists ensure you don't miss any steps or deadlines.
Low $160 filing fee
Divorce becomes final 3 months after decree
Called 'interlocutory' period before final
Family Court handles all divorces
Both fault and no-fault available
Initial and final hearing required
Common questions about filing for divorce in Rhode Island without an attorney.
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Rhode Island-specific forms
Guidance through every required form
Financial disclosure wizard
Complete your financial affidavit step-by-step
Child support calculator
Using Rhode Island's exact guidelines
AI document drafting
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Evidence notebook
Organize and categorize case documents
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Victoria provides legal information, not legal advice. For advice specific to your case, consult an attorney.
All Rhode Island divorce information verified from official state court sources.
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