Rhode Island Divorce Forms & Papers

Divorce Papers > Rhode Divorce Forms & Papers

The procedure for filing a divorce in the USA varies, depending upon the state you are filing a divorce in. The divorce laws and procedures are quite stringent in the state of Rhode Island. One should be completely aware of the laws, the terms and conditions and the procedures related to filing a divorce before one takes this drastic step. Partners going through a divorce has to go through a tough phase which is mentally and physically exhausting. And if your partner refuses to sign the divorce forms that you have filed in the state of Rhode Island, then one has to go through a lot more hassles. Rhode Island divorce forms and papers need to be filed after consulting a good lawyer. You should also confirm from the lawyer to check if the forms and papers are filled appropriately and learn a few basic laws to make yourself aware of the situation and the happenings.

The Rhode Island divorce laws require either spouse to be a resident of Rhode Island for one year prior to filing for divorce. Divorce may be filed for in the county of residence of the plaintiff, unless the one year residency requirements has been satisfied by the defendant's residence. In such case, the divorce must be filed for in the county of the defendants residence. [General Laws of Rhode Island; Title 15, Chapter 15-5-12].

Grounds for divorce in the state of Rhode Island:

The no-fault grounds for divorce in Rhode Island are: 1) irreconcilable differences which have caused the irremediable breakdown of the marriage; or 2) living separate and apart without cohabitation for three years. [General Laws of Rhode Island, Title 15, Chapters 15- 5-1, 15-5-3, 15-5-5].

A fault based divorce could be filed on the grounds of: 1) adultery 2) abandonment or the spouse is presumed dead 3) impotence 4) drug or alcohol addiction 5) desertion for over 5 years at will 6) inhuman or cruel treatment 7) neglect 8) bigamy

Whatever the reason could be for a divorce in the state of Rhode Island, the Do It Yourself divorce can help you get a divorce either on an agreed or on default basis.

As defined by the Rhode Island divorce laws, an agreed divorce is when both the spouses agree upon the terms and conditions laid in the divorce forms and papers. This basically pertains to property division and child custody. An agreed divorce is signed by both parties and preferred by most individuals.

A default divorce on the other hand is not signed by one of the spouses. They simply default on the case whereas the entire divorce process is carried by the other spouse. The spouse filing the divorce gets whatever is mentioned on the document.

The Procedure to file a divorce in the state of Rhode Island:

One should follow the three basic steps of a divorce in Rhode Islands, which includes:

Filing the divorce forms keeping in mind the terms and rules
Notifying the spouse about the same
Attending the court hearings

Child custody rules:

The Rhode Island divorce laws plans for the legal and physical custody of children apart from scheduling the visitations. It decides the place where children would live and whey they would see the other spouse, apart from deciding the school and church they would go.

The Rhode Island rules pertaining child custody is a shared arrangement. Whereas for sole custody the reason has to be agreed upon by both the spouses. The financial status of a parent is not considered for child custody. The custody decision of children is usually taken in their best interest of the child. The Rhode Island child support has also laid guidelines to determine the amount that partners have to spend for supporting the child.

USE THESE WORDS IN THE COURT DOCUMENTS FOR RHODE ISLAND

Use these exact words, all in capital letters: STATE OF RHODE ISLAND, FAMILY COURT, DIVISION
Use these exact words, all in capital letters: COMPLAINT FOR DIVORCE
Use the word "Plaintiff'. Be sure the "P" is capitalized.
Use the word "Defendant". Be sure the "D" is capitalized.
Use these exact words: FINAL JUDGMENT OF DIVORCE. Be sure to use capital letters only when placed as the title of your final document.
Use the word "County" here.

For detailed divorce laws in Rhode Island state, please see Rhode Island Divorce Laws page.

Free Rhode Island Divorce Forms for Download

Following divorce forms are free for download. Most of the forms are provided with instructions on how to fill the form. To download any of these divorce papers and forms just right click on the link and select "Save As...".

Rhode Island Divorce Instructions

Rhode Island Divorce Forms that both parties must sign

Forms & Documents

Rhode Island Divorce Court Forms