Legal
Rhode Island laws, tenant rights, courts, and legal resources.
30 articles
Rhode Island tenant rights guide 2026
Rhode Island tenant rights are governed by the Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18), which provides comprehensive protections including mandatory habitability standards, security deposit limits of one month's rent, and required written rental agreements for leases over one year. Tenants have the right to a safe, habitable dwelling, protection against retaliatory eviction, and proper notice before lease termination—30 days for month-to-month tenancies and specific timeframes based on lease terms for fixed leases.
Rhode Island marijuana cannabis laws 2026
As of 2026, adults 21 and older in Rhode Island can legally purchase, possess, and use recreational marijuana under the Rhode Island Cannabis Act, which took effect in May 2022. Adults can possess up to one ounce of cannabis and grow up to six plants at home (12 per household), while licensed retail dispensaries operate throughout the state selling cannabis products with a 20% retail excise tax plus 7% state sales tax. Medical marijuana patients with valid registry identification cards continue to have access to the state's medical program with different possession limits and lower taxes.
Rhode Island gun and firearm laws 2026
Rhode Island has some of the strictest gun laws in the nation, requiring permits for concealed carry, background checks for all firearm purchases including private sales, and a "red flag" law allowing temporary firearm removal from individuals deemed dangerous. As of 2026, Rhode Island requires a Blue Card (pistol/revolver purchase certificate) to buy handguns, mandates a 7-day waiting period for handgun purchases, and bans certain assault weapons and high-capacity magazines over 10 rounds.
Best family law attorneys in Rhode Island
Rhode Island has numerous experienced family law attorneys practicing throughout the state, with concentrations in Providence, Warwick, and Newport. Top-rated family law practitioners include firms like Bilodeau Capalbo in Lincoln, Assalone & Mastandrea in Cranston, and Kirshenbaum Law Associates in Providence, among others. These attorneys handle divorce, custody, child support, domestic violence matters, and modifications throughout Rhode Island's Family Court system, which has locations in Providence, Warwick, Newport, and Woonsocket.
Best immigration lawyers in Rhode Island
Rhode Island has several highly-regarded immigration lawyers and firms, including Castronovo & McKinney, LLC in Providence, which has been serving immigrants for over 25 years; the Law Office of Karen L. Galatz in Warwick, specializing in family-based immigration; and the Mignanelli & Associates, LLP in Providence, known for both immigration and international law. These attorneys are members of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) and handle cases ranging from family petitions and work visas to deportation defense and asylum applications.
Rhode Island nursing home abuse resources
Rhode Island nursing home residents who experience abuse can report incidents to the Rhode Island Department of Health's Division of Facilities Regulation at (401) 222-2566 or the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program at (401) 785-3340. The state's Office of the Attorney General also investigates nursing home abuse through its Civil Rights Unit at (401) 274-4400, and victims can pursue civil claims through personal injury attorneys who specialize in elder abuse cases throughout Providence, Warwick, and other communities.
Rhode Island power of attorney guide
A power of attorney (POA) in Rhode Island is a legal document governed by Rhode Island General Laws Title 34, Chapter 22, that allows you to appoint someone (called an "agent" or "attorney-in-fact") to make decisions on your behalf regarding finances, property, or healthcare. Rhode Island recognizes both durable financial powers of attorney and healthcare powers of attorney (also called healthcare proxies), and while notarization is not legally required, it's strongly recommended for financial POAs and required for recording real estate transactions at your local city or town hall.
Rhode Island business law basics for startups
Rhode Island startups must register with the Rhode Island Secretary of State's office, choosing from business structures including LLC, Corporation, or Sole Proprietorship, with filing fees ranging from $150 for LLCs to $230 for corporations. All businesses operating in Rhode Island need to obtain necessary licenses through the Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation, register for state taxes with the Division of Taxation, and comply with employment laws if hiring workers. The entire registration process can be initiated online through the Rhode Island Business Portal at business.ri.gov.
Rhode Island probate court guide 2026
Rhode Island has 39 cities and towns, but probate matters are handled through a unified Probate Court system with offices in each county: Providence County (at both the Licht Judicial Complex in Providence and the Kent County Courthouse in Warwick), Newport County (Newport), Washington County (West Kingstown), and Bristol County (Bristol). As of 2026, probate filing fees in Rhode Island start at $100 for small estates under $15,000 and range up to $600 for larger estates, with the probate process typically taking 9-18 months depending on the estate's complexity.
Rhode Island bankruptcy guide 2026
Rhode Island bankruptcy cases are filed in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Rhode Island, located at 380 Westminster Street in Providence. As of 2026, Chapter 7 bankruptcy filing fees are $338 and Chapter 13 fees are $313, with additional costs for mandatory credit counseling (approximately $25-50) and attorney fees typically ranging from $1,200-$3,500 depending on case complexity. Rhode Island uses federal bankruptcy exemptions, which allow debtors to protect up to $27,900 in home equity, $4,450 in vehicle equity, and $1,875 in personal property per item as of 2024-2026 adjustments.
Rhode Island speeding fines and penalties 2026
Rhode Island speeding fines in 2026 range from $85 to $500 depending on speed and location, with violations typically assessed 2-5 points on your driving record. First-time speeding tickets for speeds under 10 mph over the limit start at $85, while excessive speeding (20+ mph over) can result in $190-$500 fines, mandatory court appearances, and potential license suspension. Rhode Island also implements doubled fines in construction and school zones, making violations particularly costly on busy corridors like Route 95, Route 6, and Route 295.
How to file for divorce in Rhode Island
To file for divorce in Rhode Island, you must first meet the state's residency requirement of living in Rhode Island for at least one year before filing, or if the grounds for divorce occurred in Rhode Island and one spouse currently lives here. You'll need to file a Complaint for Divorce at the Family Court in the county where either spouse resides, pay a filing fee of approximately $160, and serve your spouse with the divorce papers. Rhode Island offers both fault-based and no-fault divorce options, with the most common being irreconcilable differences that have caused the breakdown of the marriage.