To obtain a Rhode Island divorce, either spouse must have been a resident for one year prior to filing.

Rhode Island Divorce Filing Requirements

A Rhode Island divorce may be filed for in the county of residence of the party filing for divorce, unless the 1-year residency requirement has been satisfied by the non-filing party's residence. In such case, the divorce must be filed for in the county of the non-filing party’s residence.

Rhode Island Divorce Grounds

The grounds for a Rhode Island divorce are:

• irreconcilable differences which have caused the irremediable breakdown of the marriage;

• living separate and apart without cohabitation for 3 years;

• impotence;

• adultery;

• abandonment and presumed dead;

• alcoholism and/or drug addiction;

• confinement for incurable insanity;

• failure to consummate marriage;

• willful desertion for 5 years (or less within the discretion of the court);

• cruel and inhuman treatment;

• bigamy;

• life imprisonment;

• spouse is of unsound mind;

• incest; and

• gross neglect.

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