You don't have to take his or her word for it. If the person is from Rhode Island, and has been divorced there, then it is possible for you to find it out. Checking the marital status is really very important for the health of your future relationship. Perhaps you are contemplating marriage. It makes sense to learn whether the person is hiding anything or not. Asking about it on the face might not be the most dignified way to go about it. Can you be certain that what he or she says is the truth? So why not check it out, just to be sure? Some people are also keen on genealogy research – these people too need to access this information.
The good news is, legally you can do is in Rhode Island, like in the other states of the country. But some regulations and formalities will be different here. Divorce records are maintained by the state as a part of Vital Records, and the information here is in the public domain. The state is legally bound to maintain the record and share it with you. Of course, you must be eligible to access the record and must have made the application correctly.
To access a divorce record in the state, you need to approach the following office:
Division of Vital Records
Rhode Island Department of Health
3 Capitol Hill, Room 101
Providence, RI 02908-5097
You need to make an application requesting for the record. This application can be handed over in person. It can also be mailed. You need to pay a fee of $12.00 when you are making the application. Remember, the fee is not refundable even if the record cannot be found for whatever reason. This fee is payable to the Vital Records Department. You can pay it by check or money order.
You may also obtain the divorce record from the address given below:
Clerk of Family Court
1 Dorrance Plaza
Providence, RI 02903
Phone Number: 401-277-3340
To access the record and enable the search, you should try to provide a lot of information. You should furnish the full name of the people involved in the divorce, their nicknames if any, date of divorce, the place where the divorce was granted, the maiden name of the wife, their last known address, and anything else that is relevant. If you do not know the exact date of divorce, you must provide a span of time. You also need to provide your own details like your name, phone number, address, and a photo ID proof that is valid. Do also mention your relationship with the divorced person, and the reason why you must have the record.
Once the office has the information, a search will be conducted, and when it is retrieved, it will be forwarded to you at the address you have mentioned. This is why it is necessary to provide your address with the application.
To obtain a copy of a Rhode Island divorce certificate, follow the instructions below:
Step 1.
First, you must gather as much information about the divorce as you can before placing a request. Helpful information includes the names on the divorce, date, and place of divorce.
Step 2.
Next, contact the Clerk of the Family Court. A directory can be found through the Rhode Island Court Directory
Step 3.
Follow the instructions for a request. Be sure to include a check or money order for $3 made out to the Clerk of the Family Court.
For more information about Rhode Island Vital Records, visit:
Where to Find Rhode Island Divorce Records
Divorce records in Rhode Island are not kept or maintained with the state Department of Health Division of Vital Records. While most other vital records such as marriage, birth, and death certificates can be ordered from this office, divorce records are only stored with the Clerk of the Family Court in the county where the divorce took place.
Who Is Authorized to Order Divorce Certificates?
Rhode Island restricts access to divorce records. Only those with a "direct and tangible interest" may request a certified copy of a divorce certificate. That may include a person named on the certificate or his or her immediate family, attorneys or other professionals conducting their official duties, or a person granted a court order.
Why Are Divorce Records Difficult to Obtain?
Divorce records contain private and sensitive information. Usually an abstract of divorce will simply name the parties to the divorce, the date, and the place the divorce was finalized. However, a full divorce decree may contain extremely sensitive information, such as financial information, and even potential criminal information. Rhode Island has passed laws to make sure only those with an absolute need can obtain these documents.
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