{"id":376150,"date":"2016-03-31T21:36:36","date_gmt":"2016-04-01T02:36:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/rhode-island-law\/rhode-island-legal-requirements-for-divorce.html"},"modified":"2024-11-01T13:39:03","modified_gmt":"2024-11-01T18:39:03","slug":"rhode-island-legal-requirements-for-divorce","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/rhode-island-law\/rhode-island-legal-requirements-for-divorce.html","title":{"rendered":"Rhode Island Divorce Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Rhode Island Divorce Laws <\/h1>\n
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\n By Christie Nicholson, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by FindLaw Staff<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

State law governs divorce (dissolution of marriage). Rhode Island divorce laws<\/a> dictate the grounds for divorce, eligibility to file a complaint for divorce, and other legal issues. Some states also have waiting periods and residency requirements<\/a>. Rhode Island is no different.<\/p>\r\n

Here, we’ll highlight divorce laws in Rhode Island. We’ll also explain how the divorce process in Rhode Island works and how it addresses such things as alimony, child custody, and property division.<\/p>\r\n

Divorce Laws in Rhode Island: Chart<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

It is helpful to view Rhode Island divorce laws at a glance. The chart below highlights the state’s important divorce laws.<\/p>\r\n

See FindLaw’s Divorce<\/a> section for a variety of helpful articles and resources.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Code section<\/th>\r\n

15-5-1 to 28<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Residency requirements<\/th>\r\n

One year (if based on the defendant’s residency, you must personally serve them a copy of the divorce papers.)<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Waiting period<\/th>\r\n

30 days to three months<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

No fault grounds for divorce<\/th>\r\n

Irretrievable breakdown; separation for at least three years<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Defenses to a divorce filing<\/th>\r\n

Collusion<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Other grounds for divorce<\/th>\r\n