Legal
Rhode Island laws, tenant rights, courts, and legal resources.
30 articles
How to expunge a record in Rhode Island
Rhode Island allows expungement of criminal records under specific circumstances outlined in R.I. Gen. Laws § 12-1.3. Individuals may file a petition with the Superior Court in the county where they were arrested or convicted, with eligibility depending on factors including the type of offense, time elapsed since conviction or dismissal, and criminal history. Filing fees are typically $120, though fee waivers are available for those who qualify based on income.
Rhode Island landlord tenant law explained
Rhode Island landlord-tenant law is primarily governed by Title 34 of the Rhode Island General Laws, which establishes specific rights and responsibilities for both parties. Key provisions include required security deposit limits (one month's rent), mandatory lead paint disclosures, specific eviction procedures through District Court, and habitability standards that landlords must maintain. The law also requires landlords to provide at least two days' notice before entering a rental unit and mandates specific timeframes for returning security deposits after a tenant moves out.
Rhode Island child custody laws guide
Rhode Island child custody laws prioritize the best interests of the child when determining custody arrangements, with no presumption favoring either parent based on gender. Rhode Island Family Court has jurisdiction over all custody matters, and judges consider factors including the child's relationship with each parent, the child's adjustment to home and school, the mental and physical health of all parties, and each parent's willingness to foster a relationship with the other parent. Rhode Island recognizes both legal custody (decision-making authority) and physical custody (where the child lives), which can be awarded solely to one parent or jointly to both.
How to write a will in Rhode Island
In Rhode Island, you can write a valid will if you're at least 18 years old and of sound mind by either handwriting it (holographic will), typing it and having two competent witnesses sign in your presence, or working with an attorney. Rhode Island law (Title 33, Chapter 5 of the General Laws) doesn't require notarization for a basic will, though adding a self-proving affidavit can streamline probate at the Rhode Island Probate Court. The state recognizes both self-made wills and attorney-drafted documents as long as they meet formal requirements.
Rhode Island workers compensation guide
Rhode Island workers' compensation is a mandatory insurance system that provides medical benefits and wage replacement to employees injured on the job, regardless of fault. All Rhode Island employers with one or more employees must carry workers' compensation insurance through private carriers or self-insurance, administered by the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training's Workers' Compensation Division located at 1 Dorrance Plaza in Providence. Injured workers typically receive two-thirds of their average weekly wage (up to a maximum set annually) and full coverage of medical expenses related to their workplace injury.
Rhode Island employment law basics 2026
Rhode Island employment law in 2026 provides workers with significant protections including a minimum wage of $14.00 per hour, mandatory paid leave under the Healthy and Safe Families and Workplaces Act, anti-discrimination protections through the Rhode Island Fair Employment Practices Act, and specific regulations on wage payment, overtime, and workplace safety. The Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training, headquartered at 1511 Pontiac Avenue in Cranston, enforces these laws and handles complaints from workers across the state.