Rhode Island Divorce Checklist
divorce.law/resources/divorce-checklist/rhode-island/
Prepared: 5/20/2026
Data updated: 3/1/2026
Estimated Timeline
4-6 months for uncontested divorces in Rhode Island (approximately 65-70 days to the nominal hearing plus a mandatory 3-month waiting period under § 15-5-23). Contested divorces typically take 9-18 months depending on complexity of discovery, pre-trial conferences, and trial scheduling. The minimum possible timeline is approximately 75 days for a fully agreed-upon divorce that proceeds on the nominal track plus the 3-month nisi period.
Documents to Gather
- Certified Copy of Marriage Certificate
- Birth Certificates for Minor Children
- Rhode Island Driver's License or State ID
- Proof of Residency for 12+ Months
- Social Security Cards
- Prenuptial or Postnuptial Agreement(if applicable)
- Prior Court Orders(if applicable)
Financial Documents
- Last 3 Years of Federal and State Tax Returns
- Last 3 Months of Pay Stubs
- Bank Statements for Last 12 Months
- Investment and Brokerage Account Statements
- Retirement Account Statements
- Real Estate Documents
- Vehicle Titles and Loan Documents
- Life Insurance Policies
- Health Insurance Documentation
- Credit Card and Debt Statements
- Business Ownership Documents(if applicable)
- Social Security Statements(if applicable)
Key Steps
1. Before Filing
- Verify Residency Requirements
- Determine Grounds for Divorce
- Gather Essential Personal and Financial Documents
- Create a Safety Plan if Domestic Violence Is Involved
2. Filing Process
- Complete the Complaint for Divorce (Form FC-56)
- Complete the Financial Statement (Form DR-6/FC-5)
- Complete Additional Required Forms
- File the Divorce Complaint and Pay the Filing Fee
3. After Filing
- Serve Your Spouse Within 120 Days
- Comply with Automatic Court Orders
- Wait for Defendant's Response Within 20 Days
- Attend the Nominal Hearing (65-70 Days After Filing)
- Complete Discovery and Attend Pre-Trial Conferences (Contested Cases)
- Attend Trial (Contested Cases Only)
- File Decision Pending Entry of Final Judgment Within 30 Days
- File the Final Judgment After the 3-Month Waiting Period
Key Deadlines
Quick Reference
To file for divorce in Rhode Island, you must have been a domiciled resident of the state for at least one year under R.I. Gen. Laws § 15-5-12. File a Complaint for Divorce (Form FC-56) along with a DR-6 financial statement, Statement Listing Children (FCD-77-1), Report of Divorce (VS-6), Family Services Counseling Report (FCU-1), and a certified marriage certificate at the Family Court in your county. The filing fee is $160.00, with fee waivers available for income below 150% of the federal poverty level via a Motion to Proceed In Forma Pauperis. Serve your spouse through a county sheriff or licensed constable within 120 days. The defendant has 20 days to file an Answer. The clerk schedules a nominal hearing approximately 65-70 days after filing. If both parties agree on all issues, the divorce is granted at the nominal hearing. Rhode Island mandates a 3-month waiting period under § 15-5-23 before the Final Judgment can be filed. Uncontested divorces typically take 4-6 months total. Contested cases involving discovery and trial take 9-18 months.