Rhode Island Small Claims

Small claims is Rhode Island’s legal process to dispense speedy and final justice for modest, money-only consumer and contract disputes. Because each state sets its own rules, all concerned parties need to understand Rhode Island’s system. This will help them to recover money even without hiring an attorney.

What Is a Small Claims Court in Rhode Island?

Rhode Island small claims covers disputes based on a contract, a retail sale, or services rendered, and the court may award money damages only. Matters like unpaid bills or invoices, consumer dissatisfaction with a product or service, simple workmanship/contract issues, and collection matters are filed in a small claims court. Cases that involve personal injury, negligence, and property damage claims are not permitted on the small-claims track.

In Rhode Island, small claims are heard in the District Court under the District Court Rules of Small Claims Procedure.Parties may represent themselves as the rules are simplified, but the rules of evidence still apply to the case.

Small Claims Court Limits in Rhode Island

Individuals can only file for cases with a monetary cap of $5,000, exclusive of interest and court costs. Only cases such as contracts, collections, and consumer claims are eligible for the court. No personal injury, negligence, or property damage suits are entertained in the court.

How to File a Small Claims Case in Rhode Island

When filing a small claims case, a plaintiff is a person who files a claim, and the person being sued is known as a defendant. The plaintiff should take the following steps:

• Confirm small-claims eligibility. Individuals must ensure their claim is less than $5,000 and arises from a contract, retail, or service.
• Prepare the complaint. They must use the Judiciary’s current small-claims forms (such as Small Claims Notice of Suit – Complaint (plaintiff) and Small Claims Notice of Suit – Answer (defendant). Individuals may find these forms on the court’s website or contact the clerk’s office.
• File the case. Rhode Island maintains mandatory electronic filing for small-claims actions for attorneys and most represented parties. Self-represented litigants may e-file through the Rhode Island Judiciary’s Electronic Filing System (EFS), but are not required to do so.Court clerks can give procedural information but cannot provide legal advice or fill out forms.
• Pay the fee. They must pay a filing fee of $75.75 or request a fee waiver. To do this, plaintiffs may submit a completed Motion to Proceed in Forma Pauperis Form to the court.
• Arrange for service of the summons. After the filing of the complaint, the clerk will issue a summons. Personal service of a summons and complaint may be done in any of the following ways:
  • Upon an individual by delivering a copy to the defendant personally
  • By serving copies at the defendant’s dwelling house with a person of suitable age and discretion residing therein
  • Delivering a copy to an agent authorized by appointment or by law to receive service of process
  • Upon a person for whom a guardian or conservator has been appointed
  • Upon a private corporation by delivering a copy to an officer, a managing or general agent, or by leaving a copy at the office of the corporation with a person employed therein
  • ​Upon a public corporation, body, or authority, by delivering a copy to any officer, director, or manager thereof.

Service of a summons may be completed by a deputy sheriff or authorized constable (licensed by the Department of Business Regulations). After service has been made, the original summons must be returned to the appropriate clerk’s office as proof that service has been made.

• Defendant’s deadline to respond. The defendant has 20 days from service to file an answer. If no answer is filed by day 20, the court may enter a default judgment. If an answer is filed, the clerk schedules a trial date.
• Attorneys are allowed in hearings, but the small-claims procedure is intentionally simplified; many litigants may proceed without counsel. The evidence rules still apply.

Small Claims Court in Major Rhode Island Cities

Rhode Island’s District Court has several divisions widely distributed in cities around the state. Notable ones include:

• Providence: Individuals may file at the 6th Division District Court (Garrahy Judicial Complex). The court is located at 1 Dorrance Plaza, Providence, RI 02903.
• McGrath Fourth Division: In Washington County, individuals may file their small claims cases at the 4th Division District Court (McGrath Judicial Complex). The court is located at 4800 Tower Hill Road, Wakefield, Rhode Island 02879.
• Warwick: 3rd Division District Court (Noel Judicial Complex) is a common filing venue for Warwick-area disputes. It is located at 222 Quaker Lane, Warwick, RI 02886.

What to Expect at a Small Claims Hearing in Rhode Island

Small-claims trials are informal in the presence of a judge (no jury). The plaintiff presents their claims before the defendant. They show their organized, labeled exhibits (contracts, invoices, receipts, photos, screenshots/texts, and repair estimates) and any witnesses or experts. The judge may issue a decision at the hearing or shortly after. After the plaintiff wins the case, they will receive a judgment stating the amount owed.

While a losing defendant may appeal to the Superior Court within 48 hours, a plaintiff waives the right to appeal, including when awarded less than requested. Appeals from the District Court result in a trial de novo (a brand-new trial) in the Superior Court. There are narrow statutory exceptions. An example is the case of a defendant who files a small-claims counterclaim. They will give up their right to appeal that counterclaim. The clerk sets appeal filing fees.

How to Search for Small Claims Records in Rhode Island

Most small-claims dockets are classified as public records unless sealed by statute or court order. A small-claims docket shows the case number, party names, filings and service entries, hearing dates, image (if available), and judgment. Anyone may access the small claims records at:

• Public Portal. The Rhode Island Judicial Branch provides a Public Portal to search District Court cases. Individuals may search the portal by party name or case number and view the register of actions/docket sheets (events, filings, hearings, and dispositions).
• At the courthouse. Public terminals in clerk’s offices provide access to public electronic case information and filed documents. Individuals may find current case files with the District Court clerk who houses the case.
• Judicial Records Center (JRC). The JRC is the repository for archived/inactive records. Record seekers may visit the facility to view court records or request the documents.
• Third-party agency. The public may find some court records on third-party websites or agencies.