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Rhode Island Small Claims Court Limits
Rhode Island small claims court limit is $5,000 for all plaintiffs.
Court Name: Small Claims Division of District Court
Official Website: https://www.courts.ri.gov/Courts/districtcourt/Pages/Small%20Claims.aspx
Filing Fees in Rhode Island
Filing fees vary based on the amount you're claiming:
| Claim Amount | Filing Fee |
|---|---|
| Typical Range | $30-75 |
Filing fees vary based on claim amount. Service fees additional.
Serving the Defendant
The court mails service. At least 20 days notice is required.
Allowed Service Methods:
- Certified mail (court sends)
- Personal service by constable
- Sheriff service
Important: You must serve the defendant at least 20 days before the hearing date.
What to Expect at Your Hearing
After filing, you'll typically wait 30-60 days for your hearing date.
Attorneys Allowed: Attorneys are permitted in Rhode Island small claims court but most parties represent themselves.
Appeals
Either party may appeal to Superior Court within 2 days.
Rhode Island Statute of Limitations
You must file your lawsuit within these time limits from when the dispute occurred:
| Type of Claim | Time Limit |
|---|---|
| Written Contract | years |
| Oral Contract | years |
| Property Damage | years |
| Personal Injury | years |
Do I Need a Demand Letter Before Filing?
Sending a demand letter is recommended to show you attempted resolution before filing.
Create Your Free Demand Letter
Before going to court, try sending a demand letter. It's free, takes 5 minutes, and often resolves disputes without filing.
Create Free Demand LetterFrequently Asked Questions
What is the small claims court limit in Rhode Island?
The Rhode Island small claims court limit is $5,000 for all plaintiffs.
How long do I have to sue for breach of contract in Rhode Island?
Rhode Island has a generous 10-year statute of limitations for breach of written or oral contract.
How do I appeal a Rhode Island small claims judgment?
Either party may appeal to Superior Court within just 2 days of the judgment - act quickly if you want to appeal.
Can I have a lawyer in Rhode Island small claims court?
Yes. Attorneys are permitted in Rhode Island small claims court, though most parties represent themselves.
More Resources: All State Guides | Demand Letter Templates | Statute of Limitations Lookup