In Rhode Island the Final Judgment of Divorce can not be entered until the 91st day after the Nominal Divorce Hearing or Rhode Island Divorce Trial. The Parties remain legally married during the 91 day period until Final Judgment of Divorce actually enters. WARNING: Final Judgment does not enter automatically! You remain Legally married until Final Judgment enters.
§ 15-5-23 Remarriage – Final decree. – After final decree for divorce from the bond of marriage either party may marry again; but no decree for a divorce shall become final and operative until three (3) months after the trial and decision. Final decree from the bond of marriage may be entered ex parte and in chambers on the suggestion of the prevailing party at any time within thirty (30) days next after the expiration of three (3) months from the date of decision. After the expiration of the thirty (30) days, final decrees may be entered only in open court and on motion. Notice of the filing of the motion shall not be required in cases in which the original petition is unanswered.
History of Section.
(G.L. 1896, ch. 195, § 19; P.L. 1902, ch. 971, § 6; G.L. 1909, ch. 247, § 19; G.L. 1923, ch. 291, § 19; G.L. 1938, ch. 416, § 19; P.L. 1939, ch. 707, § 3; P.L. 1940, ch. 945, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 15-5-23; P.L. 1976, ch. 338, § 1.)
Legal Notice per Rules of Professional Responsibility: The Rhode Island Supreme Court licenses all lawyers and attorneys in the general practice of law, but does not license or certify any lawyer / attorney as an expert or specialist in any field of practice.