Rhode Island Divorce Filing Fees and Costs (2026)
Court Filing Fee
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Complaint for Divorce | $160 |
| Certified copies of Final Judgment | $1–$5 per page |
Service Costs
| Method | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Acceptance of Service (spouse signs) | Free |
| Sheriff's service | $25–$60 |
| Process server | $50–$125 |
Fee Waiver — Financial Hardship
Rhode Island waives filing fees for qualifying low-income filers.
How to apply:
- Complete the Application to Proceed In Forma Pauperis (Family Court form)
- File with the Complaint
- Judge approves; fee waived
Forms: courts.ri.gov/Courts/FamilyCourt/Pages/Forms.aspx
Rhode Island Legal Services: rils.org — free legal help for qualifying individuals.
Ocean State Lawyer Referral: ri.gov/attorney — referrals for reduced-fee legal help.
Land Evidence Records — Deed Recording
Rhode Island deed changes are recorded at the Land Evidence Records office in the city or town where the property is located (not a county-level office — Rhode Island uses municipalities, not counties, for this purpose).
Fee: approximately $10–$25 per document. Check with the specific city or town.
Ancillary Costs
| Item | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Property Settlement Agreement (attorney) | $500–$2,500 |
| QDRO for retirement plan | $500–$2,000 per plan |
| Real estate appraisal | $400–$750 |
| Land Evidence deed recording | ~$10–$25 per document |
| Business valuation | $3,000–$15,000 |
| Mediator | $150–$400/hour |
Total Cost Estimates
| Scenario | Estimated Total (self-represented) |
|---|---|
| Agreed, no children, no real estate | $165–$400 |
| Agreed, with children | $300–$700 |
| With real estate and retirement accounts | $600–$3,000 |
| Contested divorce | $7,000–$60,000+ |
Last reviewed: March 2026 | $160 filing fee | Acceptance of Service saves service cost | Fee waiver available | Rhode Island Land Evidence Records — city/town level for deed recording | rils.org | courts.ri.gov/Courts/FamilyCourt/Pages/Forms.aspx
Written by the SoLongSoulmate.com Editorial Team
Researched using official state court websites, state statutes, and legal aid resources. All filing fees and procedures verified March 2026. This is general legal information — not legal advice.
Last reviewed: March 2026 · Verify current fees and forms with your local court before filing.