This Rhode Island divorce law post is authored by a Rhode Island divorce attorney with 27 years of experience representing clients in Providence Family Court.
Can we just sign papers and get divorce?
No. Rhode Island divorce law requires a nominal divorce hearing in open court to obtain a divorce. A nominal divorce hearing is a short hearing in front of a Rhode Island Family Court Judge. The Court hears testimony and makes a ruling.
A nominal only occurs if everything is agreed to by the parties. If the parties cannot agree then eventually there will be a trial on the merits.
Decision Pending Entry of Final Judgment
After the nominal divorce hearing, a Decision Pending Entry of Final Judgment and a Final Judgment of divorce must be entered in order to obtain a Rhode Island divorce. It is up to the parties to draft and submit the Decision Pending and Final Judgment and get a certified copy of those documents. If you do not enter final judgment in a case, you remain married to your spouse.
Rhode Island divorce attorney
I recommend obtaining a Rhode Island Divorce Lawyer to represent you in your contested or Uncontested Divorce in RI.
- 15-5-22 Trial required – Collusion. – No divorce from the bond of marriage shall be granted solely upon default nor solely upon admissions by the pleadings, except upon trial before the court in open session; nor shall the divorce be granted where the court is satisfied that there has been any collusion or corrupt conduct by the parties, or either of them, in regard to the proceedings to obtain the divorce.
Rhode Island Attorneys legal Notice per RI Rules of Professional Responsibility:
The Rhode Island Supreme Court licenses all lawyers 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.