Legal Separation and Annulment in Rhode Island
Whether Rhode Island offers legal separation, how it differs from divorce, and the grounds for an annulment.
Short answer: Yes. Rhode Island grants a divorce from bed and board (legal separation) for any cause for which a divorce may be granted and for other causes that seem to require it, if the petitioner is domiciled in Rhode Island and has lived there long enough in the court's discretion. R.I. Gen. Laws 15-5-9
| Legal separation | Yes. Rhode Island grants a divorce from bed and board (legal separation) for any cause for which a divorce may be granted and for other causes that seem to require it, if the petitioner is domiciled in Rhode Island and has lived there long enough in the court's discretion. The court may order separate maintenance. Source: R.I. Gen. Laws 15-5-9 |
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| Annulment | Rhode Island law treats a marriage as absolutely void if either party was already married (or in an equivalent legal relationship) or was mentally incompetent at the time of the marriage, and prohibits marriage between close relatives. For any marriage originally void or voidable, the statute provides that a divorce is decreed. |
Where to get help in Rhode Island
More Rhode Island divorce & family law
- Getting a Marriage License in Rhode Island
- Adopting a Child in Rhode Island
- Guardianship of a Child or Adult in Rhode Island
- Establishing Paternity in Rhode Island
- Changing Your Name in Rhode Island
- Child Custody Laws in Rhode Island
- How Child Support Is Calculated in Rhode Island
- Divorce Records in Rhode Island
- Alimony and Spousal Support in Rhode Island
- How to File for Divorce in Rhode Island
- All Rhode Island divorce & family law rules
FAQ
Can you get a legal separation in Rhode Island?
Yes. Rhode Island grants a divorce from bed and board (legal separation) for any cause for which a divorce may be granted and for other causes that seem to require it, if the petitioner is domiciled in Rhode Island and has lived there long enough in the court's discretion. The court may order separate maintenance.
What are the grounds for annulment in Rhode Island?
Rhode Island law treats a marriage as absolutely void if either party was already married (or in an equivalent legal relationship) or was mentally incompetent at the time of the marriage, and prohibits marriage between close relatives. For any marriage originally void or voidable, the statute provides that a divorce is decreed.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.