Rhode Island Divorce and Dissolution Resources: Know Your Next Step
FamilyCourtHelp is an independent educational platform. It is not a court, law firm, government agency, or government partner. We organize and link to publicly available resources published by courts and government agencies. Official requirements may change. Always confirm current requirements with the applicable court or clerk.
A Rhode Island divorce is filed in the Family Court, and the paperwork you start with depends on whether you have minor children together and whether there is property to divide.
Rhode Island's core family statutes live in the Rhode Island General Laws Title 15 - Domestic Relations. In Rhode Island, a parent without a lawyer can file family papers online, and filing on paper with the clerk is still allowed. The official sources below cover the petition documents, the statewide forms collection, and the court's own filing instructions.
Official Rhode Island divorce resources
Official links below open in a new tab. You are leaving FamilyCourtHelp and opening an external government or court website.
Rhode Island family law forms (official index) (Rhode Island judicial branch): The official statewide collection of Rhode Island family law forms. When a direct document link stops working, this index is where the current version lives. https://www.courts.ri.gov/Pages/forms.aspx
Rhode Island court self-help resources (Rhode Island courts self-help): Official self-help information for people handling their own Rhode Island family case, including instructions and plain-language guides. https://www.courts.ri.gov/Public-Resources/Pages/default.aspx
eFileRI (Odyssey File & Serve) (RI Judiciary): Rhode Island's statewide eFileRI system covers Family Court. E-filing is required for lawyers but optional for people without lawyers, so you can e-file or bring papers to the courthouse. https://efileri.tylertech.cloud/OfsEfsp/ui/landing
Rhode Island official filing information (Rhode Island judicial branch): The court's own page explaining how documents are filed in Rhode Island and what a parent without a lawyer is allowed to do. https://www.courts.ri.gov/Legal-Resources/Pages/electronic-filing.aspx
Rhode Island financial affidavit and disclosure forms (courts.ri.gov): The official source for the financial disclosure paperwork most Rhode Island family cases ask both sides to complete. https://www.courts.ri.gov/Pages/forms.aspx
Rhode Island mediation and dispute resolution (Rhode Island judicial branch): Official information on mediation and other ways to settle a Rhode Island family case without a trial. https://www.courts.ri.gov/Courts/familycourt/Pages/mediation-program-faqs.aspx
Verified official Rhode Island divorce documents
These official documents cover starting a divorce, responding to one, settling, and the final orders. Requirements vary by county, so confirm the packet with your clerk before filing.
Complaint for Divorce or Divorce From Bed and Board (FC-56), form FC-56 (Divorce / Dissolution), official document: https://www.courts.ri.gov/Forms/Complaint%20for%20Divorce%20or%20Divorce%20From%20Bed%20and%20Board.pdf
Family Court Final Judgment (FC-44), form FC-44 (Final Judgment / Final Orders), official document: https://www.courts.ri.gov/Forms/Family%20Court%20Final%20Judgment.pdf
Official link data for Rhode Island was last verified June 2026. Report anything outdated through our contact page and we will re-check the official source.
Frequently asked questions
Where do I file for divorce in Rhode Island?
In the Family Court that serves the county where you live. In Rhode Island, a parent without a lawyer can file family papers online, and filing on paper with the clerk is still allowed.
How much does it cost to file a family case in Rhode Island?
Divorce filing fee: ~$160. If you cannot afford the fee, ask the clerk about a fee waiver or indigency application; every state has a process for requesting one.
Do I need a lawyer to file a Rhode Island divorce?
No. Rhode Island publishes its family law forms for people representing themselves, and the self-help resources on this page exist for exactly that. A consultation still makes sense when there is a business, a pension, or a serious safety issue in the case.
Free co-parent text messaging with evidence organization and behavior pattern tools
Preparing for a family court conversation often starts with finding the right information. Free co-parent text messaging, evidence organization and behavior pattern tools help you connect selected messages, supporting records and dated observations so you can review the details and prepare questions for your attorney.
Free co-parent text messaging
Keep everyday discussions about your child's schedule, school and appointments in a time-stamped message history. A clear question and the replies that follow can be easier to review than scattered screenshots. Include the surrounding conversation when selecting messages for your records. Free direct text messaging gives you a starting point; optional calls and other tools have separate plan details.
Evidence Builder for case preparation
Organize selected messages, notes and supporting files with dates, clear titles and source descriptions. Keep original files available and distinguish what a record says from your explanation of it. Evidence Builder helps you assemble exhibits and find the material you want to discuss. It does not submit evidence to a court or determine whether any item will be accepted.
Review behavior patterns in context
Use behavior pattern tools to review communication over time and connect dated observations to their supporting records. Response timing, unanswered questions and member-added notes can provide starting points for your review. Check automated findings against the full conversation, including later replies or explanations. The tools do not establish intent, diagnose a parent or replace an attorney's assessment of your circumstances.
Direct text messaging is free. Optional tools, calls, reports and downloads may require a paid plan. Review the current pricing for what is included. See plans and pricing