Rhode Island - How to obtain a Divorce Certificate

ProcedureEdit

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 DocumentsEdit

Valid government issued photo ID
State issued drivers license or non-driver photo ID

Office Locations & ContactsEdit

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

EligibilityEdit

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.

FeesEdit

Certified copy: $3.00
Additional copies (each): $3.00

Note: Please do not send cash in the mail.

ValidityEdit

Explain the time until which the certificate/document is valid.
e.g. Birth Certificate Valid Forever

Documents to UseEdit

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Sample DocumentsEdit

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Processing TimeEdit

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InstructionsEdit

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 InformationEdit

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 DocumentEdit

If you want your Divorce certificate you can obtain one with following the procedure given below.

Information which might helpEdit

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External LinksEdit

Center for Disease Control and Prevention - Rhode Island Vital Records

http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/w2w/rhode_island.htm

Providence College Archives

http://genealogy.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?site=http://www.providence.edu/library/Pages/default.aspx

OthersEdit

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