Procedure
Apply via Agent
Apply by mail:
- To Obtain a Divorce Certificate, the applicant has to approach the Rhode Island Public Health link
- An application form will be provided to the applicant by the concerned officer.
- The applicant has to enter all the details in the application form.
- Also, attach all the necessary documents that are mentioned in the “Required Documents” section of this page.
- The applicant has to attach the photocopies of the required documents along with the application form while submitting.
- Submit all the necessary documents along with the completed form to the Public Health Mailing address.
- The mailing address is mentioned in the “Office Locations & Contacts” section of this page.
- The fee for this procedure is mentioned in the “Fees” section of this page.
- After receiving the application, the concerned authority will check the submitted application and document set. If all are in place, the application will be accepted.
- Then the application will be processed further and if required, the applicant has to visit the nearest county department to give further details in person.
- Once the process gets completed, the applicant gets the certificate through mail.
- The processing time for this procedure takes up to 15 – 30 days.
Apply In Person
- To Obtain a Divorce Certificate, the applicant has to approach the Rhode Island Public Health link
- An application form will be provided to the applicant by the concerned officer.
- The applicant has to enter all the details in the application form.
- Also, attach all the necessary documents that are mentioned in the “Required Documents” section of this page.
- The applicant has to attach the photocopies of the required documents along with the application form while submitting.
- Submit all the necessary documents along with the completed form to the Public Health Mailing address.
- The mailing address is mentioned in the “Office Locations & Contacts” section of this page.
- The fee for this procedure is mentioned in the “Fees” section of this page.
- After receiving the application, the concerned authority will check the submitted application and document set. If all are in place, the application will be accepted.
- Then the application will be processed further and if required, the applicant has to visit the nearest county department to give further details in person.
- Once the process gets completed, the applicant gets the certificate through mail.
- The processing time for this procedure takes up to 15 – 30 days.
Required Documents
- Valid government issued photo ID
- State issued drivers license or non-driver photo ID
Office Locations & Contacts
- Contact Details
- Clerk of Family Court
- 1 Dorrance Plaza
- Providence, RI 02903
Certificates may also be obtained from your local county. Use the contact information below to inquire.
Bristol County : Bristol County Courthouse 1 Dorrance Plaza; Warren, RI 02885-4369
Phone: 508-823-6588
Kent County : Kent County Courthouse 222 Quaker Lane; West Warwick, RI 02893
Phone: 401-841-835
Newport County : Newport County Courthouse 8 Washington Square Newport, RI 02840-7199
Phone: 401-841-835
Providence County : Providence County Courthouse 250 Benefit Street Providence, RI 02903
Phone: 401-277-671
Washington County : Washington County Courthouse 4800 Tower Hill Road Wakefield, RI 02879-2239
Phone: 401-841-835
Eligibility
By Rhode Island state law, Vital records are confidential. Therefore, only those individuals who have what is called a "Direct and Tangible Interest" in the records may have access to records. The following individuals and/or groups make-up those having direct and tangible interest:
- The person named on the certificate, a member of his/her immediate family, his guardian, or an authorized agent of these individuals; or
- Attorneys-at-law, title examiners, or members of legally incorporated genealogical societies, in the conduct of their official duties; or
- Persons requiring information for the determination or protection of a personal or property right; or
- A person who has been granted a court order instructing the registrar to provide disclosure
Note: A direct and tangible interest shall not be demonstrated by firms, agencies, or individuals requesting information to be used for commercial purposes.
Fees
- Certified copy: $3.00
- Additional copies (each): $3.00
Note: Please do not send cash in the mail.
Validity
Explain the time until which the certificate/document is valid.
e.g. Birth Certificate Valid Forever
Documents to Use
Please attach documents which can be used by people who would like to follow this procedure.
Sample Documents
Please attach sample completed documents which would help other people who would like to follow this procedure.
Processing Time
Please explain the processing your application.
Videos explaining the procedure or to fill the applications.
Instructions
- Rhode Island Divorce certificates are not maintained by the Rhode Island State Office of Vital Records.
- To obtain a Rhode Island Divorce Certificate you must contact the Clerk of Family Court where the divorce was granted.
- You may request your certified copies by mail or in person
- Checks or Money Orders should be made payable to "Clerk of Family Court of Rhode Island."
- Please do not send cash.
- Fees are not refundable.
- For divorce records prior to 1962, contact the Providence College Archives
Required Information
- Name of husband.
- Name of wife.
- Date of decree
- Place of decree
- Applicant's name and address
- Applicant's phone number
- Reason for certificate request
- Your relationship as applicant to the Registrant
- Applicant signature
- Photocopy of Gov Issued ID
Need for the Document
If you want your Divorce certificate you can obtain one with following the procedure given below.
Enter other informations which might help
Other uses of the Document/Certificate
Certified copies of divorce records which are typically acceptable for proof of divorce or other legal purposes
External Links
Others
More information which might help people.