Serving divorce papers in Rhode Island

Were you served in Rhode Island?

Enter the day you got the papers (the summons and the petition). We show the deadline to answer.

How papers are served in Rhode Island

Your spouse must be served with the summons, complaint, Language Assistance Notice and other required documents under the Family Court rules.

Law: R.I. Family Court Rules of Domestic Relations Procedure, Rule 12(a)

Deadline to respond and default

20 days after service

If your spouse doesn't respond in time, you can usually ask the judge for a default judgment.

Serving your spouse in Rhode Island, step by step

1. File your papers first

   File with the Rhode Island Family Court. Service comes after filing.

2. Serve the papers

   Your spouse must be served with the summons, complaint, Language Assistance Notice and other required documents under the Family Court rules.

3. File proof of service

   File the proof of service with the court.

4. Watch the deadline

   20 days after service.

5. If there is no response

   If your spouse doesn't respond in time, you can usually ask the judge for a default judgment.

Questions about serving divorce papers in Rhode Island

More about divorce in Rhode Island

• All Rhode Island divorce laws
• Alimony in Rhode Island
• Divorce timeline estimator for Rhode Island
• Divorce checklist for Rhode Island
• Served with divorce papers: what to do
• Timeline estimator

Serving papers in nearby states