Rhode Island Divorce Checklist — Step-by-Step (2026)

Phase 1 — Pre-Filing Assessment

• Confirm residency: 1 year in Rhode Island — OR 6 months if married in Rhode Island
• Confirm grounds: "Irreconcilable differences" (existing for at least 6 months)
• Gather all financial documents: income, bank accounts, investments, real estate, retirement, debts
• If children: identify Parenting Plan resources

Phase 2 — Financial Inventory

• All real estate: fair market value, mortgage balance, marital vs. separate
• Bank and investment accounts: balances, marital vs. separate
• Retirement accounts: total balance; marital portion (contributions during marriage)
• Vehicles: values and loans
• All debts: creditor, balance, marital vs. separate
• Business interests (if any)
• Monthly income and expense documentation (for Financial Statement)

Phase 3 — Complete Financial Statements (Required)

• Both parties complete their own Financial Statement (Family Court form)
• Discloses monthly income, living expenses, all assets, all debts
• Both sign and file with Family Court — mandatory in all RI divorces

Phase 4 — Draft the Property Settlement Agreement

• All marital real property addressed (assignment, buyout, sale; Quitclaim Deed → RI Land Evidence Records)
• All marital financial accounts assigned
• Retirement accounts: QDRO for employer plans; IRA transfer language
• Vehicles assigned; Rhode Island DMV title transfer
• All marital debts assigned; indemnification language
• Separate property acknowledged and confirmed
• Alimony: award with terms — or explicit waiver
• If children: legal custody, physical custody, Parenting Plan, child support per RI Guidelines
• Both spouses sign and notarize the Property Settlement Agreement

Phase 5 — Complete Court Forms

Forms: courts.ri.gov/Courts/FamilyCourt/Pages/Forms.aspx

• Complaint for Divorce (Family Court form)
• Summons
• Financial Statement (both parties)
• Acceptance of Service (if spouse cooperates)
• Property Settlement Agreement
• Proposed Final Judgment of Divorce
• If children: Parenting Plan; Child Support Worksheet per RI Guidelines

Phase 6 — File at Family Court

• File Complaint and Financial Statement at Rhode Island Family Court
• Pay $160 filing fee
• Receive case number
• Serve Respondent (or obtain Acceptance of Service)
• File Proof of Service / Acceptance of Service

Phase 7 — No Waiting Period

• No mandatory waiting period — schedule the final hearing immediately
• Schedule hearing with Family Court calendar clerk

Phase 8 — Final Hearing

• Appear at hearing
• Judge reviews Financial Statements, Property Settlement Agreement, Parenting Plan (if applicable)
• Judge enters Final Judgment of Divorce
• Obtain certified copies

Phase 9 — Post-Divorce Steps

• Real estate deed: Quitclaim Deed → Rhode Island Land Evidence Records at the city or town where property is located
• QDRO for employer retirement plans
• RI state employees: Employees' Retirement System of Rhode Island (ERSRI) — ersri.org
• Vehicles: Rhode Island DMV
• Name restoration: RI DMV → Social Security → accounts
• Beneficiary designations: life insurance, retirement, payable-on-death

Last reviewed: March 2026 | 1-year residency (6-month exception if married in RI) | No waiting period | "Irreconcilable differences" (6+ months) | Family Court — statewide | $160 fee | Financial Statement required — both parties | Parenting Plan required with children | Equitable distribution | RI Land Evidence Records for deed recording | courts.ri.gov/Courts/FamilyCourt/Pages/Forms.aspx

Last reviewed: March 2026 · Verify current fees and forms with your local court before filing.