Finalizing a divorce in Rhode Island requires careful attention to the Ri Family Court procedures, particularly concerning the filing of essential legal documents. It’s crucial to understand that in Rhode Island, the divorce process isn’t fully complete until both the “Decision Pending Entry of Final Judgment” and the “Final Judgment” forms are officially filed with the court and signed by a judge. Missing this step can mean you are not legally divorced.
To help you navigate this process with clarity, this guide outlines the necessary steps for filing these critical forms with the RI Family Court.
Filing Form #1: Decision Pending Entry of Final Judgment
The first form, titled “Decision Pending Entry of Final Judgment,” is time-sensitive. After the court grants the divorce – which is the date of the court decision – you have a strict 30-day window to file this form with the RI family court. Ensure you meet this deadline to keep your divorce proceedings on track.
Filing Form #2: Final Judgment
The “Final Judgment” form is the second crucial document. However, it cannot be filed immediately. A mandatory three-month waiting period begins after the date of the court’s initial decision. It’s vital to safeguard this form and mark your calendar to file it with the RI family court only after this three-month period has passed.
What happens if you miss the filing window for the Final Judgment? If 270 days (approximately nine months) have passed since the initial decision date and the Final Judgment hasn’t been entered, it can still be filed. This can be done with the written consent of both parties or their attorneys. If consent isn’t possible, a formal motion to the court to enter the Final Judgment out of time will be necessary, adding potential delays and complications.
How to File Your Documents with the RI Family Court
Once you have both forms prepared and are within the correct filing windows, you have several options for submitting them to the RI Family Court:
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Electronic Filing: For convenience, the RI Family Court offers electronic filing. You can find detailed instructions and access the electronic filing system here.
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Filing by Mail: You can mail your forms to the clerk’s office in the appropriate county. See the addresses below.
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In-Person Filing: To file in person, it’s advisable to call the clerk’s office in your county beforehand to confirm their procedures for in-person submissions.
RI Family Court Locations:
| Newport CountyMurray Judicial Complex45 Washington SquareNewport, Rhode Island 02840(401) 841-8340 | Kent CountyNoel Judicial Complex222 Quaker LaneWarwick, Rhode Island 02886(401) 822-6725 |
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| Washington CountyMcGrath Judicial Complex4800 Tower Hill RoadWakefield, Rhode Island 02879(401) 782-4111 | Providence/Bristol CountyGarrahy Judicial ComplexOne Dorrance PlazaProvidence, Rhode Island 02903(401) 458-3200 |
To begin the process of generating your divorce forms, you can utilize the RI Family Court‘s online “Guide and File” service.
It is highly recommended to use the “Guide and File” service provided by RI Family Court to generate the necessary divorce forms.
By understanding these steps and deadlines for filing with the RI Family Court, you can ensure a smoother and legally sound conclusion to your divorce proceedings in Rhode Island. Remember, completing both filing stages is essential to be legally divorced in Rhode Island.
