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
SoLongSoulmate.com Editorial Team
Researched using official state court websites and verified legal aid resources. Filing fees and procedures verified June 2026. General legal information only — not legal advice.
Last reviewed: March 2026 · Verify current fees and forms with your local court before filing.