Bristol County Court Records Search
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Bristol County, Rhode Island encompasses three municipalities — Barrington, Bristol, and Warren — each maintaining their own local courts alongside the statewide judicial system that serves the Providence/Bristol County jurisdiction. Court records generated in Bristol County span multiple court levels, from the Superior Court handling serious felonies and major civil matters to local probate courts administering estates and guardianships in each of the county’s three towns. Understanding which court holds a particular record, and how to access it, is the first step for anyone conducting a records search in this county.
Residents and researchers looking for court case information in Rhode Island can consult RhodeIslandCourts.us as a starting point for navigating the state’s judicial structure. Beyond that gateway, the Rhode Island Judiciary maintains the official Public Portal — a searchable electronic database displaying registers of actions and docket sheets for cases across all court levels. The portal is accessible both remotely and through public-access terminals located in courthouse clerk offices throughout the state. Records can also be requested in person or by mail directly from the clerk of the relevant court. Knowing which court handled a case is essential before submitting any request.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Bristol County?
Locating a court case in Bristol County requires identifying the correct court based on the type of case involved. Most criminal felony and major civil matters are handled by the Providence/Bristol County Superior Court, while misdemeanors and small civil claims fall under the Sixth Division District Court. Probate matters are heard locally in each of the three towns.
The primary online tool is the Rhode Island Judiciary’s Public Portal, which is the official point of entry for electronic case information. Members of the public can view registers of actions and docket sheets remotely. The portal displays parties, case events, document filings, and other activities in chronological order. Full document access beyond the docket sheet is generally limited to admitted attorneys appearing in the case.
Step-by-Step: Searching Cases Online
- Navigate to the Rhode Island Judiciary Public Portal.
- Use the “Smart Search” function and enter the party’s name in last name, first name format, or enter a case number if known.
- Review the register of actions or docket sheet for the case.
- For documents beyond the docket, visit the courthouse clerk’s office in person during regular business hours.
In-Person Access
Public access terminals are available in each courthouse clerk’s office during regular business hours. Access at these terminals includes all public electronic case information, excluding sealed cases and confidential case types. Self-represented litigants and parties to a case may access documents in their own case at the terminal.
Bristol County Courts — Locations and Contact Information
| Court | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Providence/Bristol County Superior Court | 250 Benefit Street, Providence, RI 02903 | (401) 222-3250 |
| Sixth Division District Court | 1 Dorrance Plaza, Providence, RI 02903 | (401) 458-5400 |
| Providence/Bristol County Family Court | 1 Dorrance Plaza, Providence, RI 02903 | (401) 458-5262 |
| Barrington Probate Court | 283 County Road, Barrington, RI 02806 | (401) 247-1900 ext. 305 |
| Bristol Probate Court | 10 Court Street, Bristol, RI 02809 | (401) 253-7000 |
| Warren Probate Court | 514 Main Street, Warren, RI 02885 | (401) 245-7340 |
| Bristol Municipal Court | 400 Hope Street, Bristol, RI 02809 | (401) 253-7000 |
| Warren Municipal Court | 514 Main Street, Warren, RI 02885 | (401) 289-0630 |
Are Court Records Public in Bristol County?
Rhode Island’s Access to Public Records Act (APRA), codified at R.I. Gen. Laws § 38-2-1 et seq., establishes the legal framework governing access to court records throughout the state, including Bristol County. Under APRA, court records are presumed to be public unless a specific statutory exemption applies. The law gives individuals the right to inspect and obtain copies of public records maintained by government bodies, including court clerks.
Several categories of records are exempt from public disclosure:
- Records whose release would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy
- Information that could jeopardize an ongoing law enforcement investigation or court proceeding
- Records protected by the attorney-client privilege
- Any information designated confidential under a federal or state statute
- Juvenile court records, which are shielded from public access under Rhode Island Family Court rules
- Adoption records, sealed by order of court
- Records sealed pursuant to a court order or expungement proceeding
The Rhode Island Judiciary Rules of Practice Governing Public Access to Electronic Case Information further define which case types and document categories carry confidential designations within the electronic case management system. When records are sealed or designated confidential, they are not visible to the public either through the online portal or at courthouse terminals.
Bristol County Criminal Court Records
Felony criminal cases originating in Bristol County are heard by the Providence/Bristol County Superior Court, located at the Licht Judicial Complex in Providence. Misdemeanor cases fall under the jurisdiction of the Sixth Division District Court at the Garrahy Judicial Complex. Both courts maintain docket records accessible through the Public Portal, though the scope of remote access for members of the public is limited to the register of actions.
Requesting Criminal Court Records
- Contact the Superior Court Clerk’s Office at (401) 222-3250 or visit 250 Benefit Street, Providence, RI 02903.
- Contact the District Court Clerk at (401) 458-5400 or visit 1 Dorrance Plaza, Providence, RI 02903.
- Case-specific docket information is searchable through the Rhode Island Judiciary Public Portal.
- Copy fees at the Superior Court: $0.10 per page for standard copies; $3.00 per certified copy; $9.00 for exemplified copies (plus $3.00 per additional page).
Criminal History Background Checks (BCI)
Criminal history background checks — commonly called BCI reports — are processed separately from court records and are managed by the Rhode Island Office of the Attorney General’s Bureau of Criminal Identification. State BCI checks reflect fingerprint-supported arrests that resulted in a conviction or are pending prosecution. Records that were expunged, sealed, or dismissed are not reflected in the report.
Rhode Island Office of the Attorney General — BCI Customer Service Center:
Address: 4 Howard Avenue, Cranston, RI 02920
Phone: (401) 274-4400
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. (fingerprinting stops at 4:00 p.m.)
- State BCI check fee: $5.00 (in person by credit/debit card; by mail via check or money order)
- National background check (fingerprint-based): $45.00
- Mail requests require a signed and notarized release form, copy of valid photo ID, payment, and a self-addressed stamped return envelope. Allow 14 days for processing.
Bristol County Civil Court Records
Civil disputes in Bristol County are adjudicated at two court levels depending on the amount in controversy. The Providence/Bristol County Superior Court handles larger civil claims, while the Sixth Division District Court handles smaller civil matters and small claims.
Superior Court Civil Filing Fees
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Civil Filing Fee | $160.00 |
| Civil Case Processing Fee (Tyler Technologies) | $17.50 |
| Technology Surcharge | $3.25 |
| Credit Card Fee | 3.25% of transaction |
| Executions | $50.00 |
| Citations | $25.00 |
| Supreme Court Appeals | $150.00 |
| Rejection of Arbitration Award (within 30 days) | $300.00 |
District Court Civil Filing Fees
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Civil Filing Fee | $80.00 |
| Civil Execution Fee | $20.00 |
| Small Claims Filing Fee | $55.00 |
| Small Claims Execution Fee | $20.00 |
No action or proceeding is entered in the court record until all required filing fees have been paid. The Superior Court filing fees schedule and District Court civil fees are both published on the Rhode Island Judiciary’s official website.
Civil case records can be searched through the Public Portal by party name or case number. Records older than those in the electronic system may require an in-person request to the clerk’s office. Requesters should provide as much identifying information as possible — including full party names, approximate case dates, and case numbers when available — to facilitate an efficient search.
Bristol County Family Court Records
Family law matters arising in Bristol County — including divorce, child custody, child support, domestic violence, and adoptions involving minors — are handled by the Providence/Bristol County Family Court, located at the Garrahy Judicial Complex. The court can be reached at (401) 458-5262.
Divorce Records
Divorce records are maintained by the Family Court clerk. To obtain a copy of a divorce record, requesters may visit the court in person or submit a written mail request to:
Providence/Bristol County Family Court
Garrahy Judicial Complex
1 Dorrance Plaza
Providence, RI 02903
Requests should include the full names of both parties, the approximate date of the divorce, and the case number if known. The Family Court also offers a Guide and File self-help resource for individuals who need to initiate or finalize a divorce proceeding without an attorney. The filing fee for a divorce petition in Rhode Island is $160.00, with a 90-day nisi period required before the divorce becomes final.
Marriage Records
Marriage certificates are confidential under Rhode Island law and may only be requested by the individuals named on the certificate, their immediate family members, or authorized legal representatives. Marriage records can be obtained from the Bristol Town Clerk’s Office, the Warren Town Clerk, or the Barrington Town Clerk, depending on where the marriage was registered. Requests can also be submitted to the Rhode Island Department of Health’s Center for Vital Records.
To request a marriage certificate:
- Complete the Marriage Certificate Application available through the RIDOH.
- Submit the application with a copy of valid government-issued photo ID.
- Pay the applicable fee: $22.00 for the first copy in person; $25.00 for the first copy by mail; $18.00 for each additional copy purchased on the same day.
- Mail requests should be sent to the Rhode Island Department of Health, Center for Vital Records, Simpson Hall, 6 Harrington Road, Cranston, RI 02920.
- Payment may be by credit/debit card, check, or money order payable to the General Treasurer of Rhode Island.
Birth and Death Records
Birth and death certificates are restricted vital records available only to qualifying parties — typically the person named on the record, their immediate family members, legal guardians, or authorized representatives. Birth Certificate Applications and Death Certificate Applications are available through the Rhode Island Department of Health. Both records cost $22.00 for the first copy in person and $25.00 by mail, with additional copies costing $18.00 each when ordered simultaneously. The Center for Vital Records website provides complete details on processing times, eligibility requirements, and rush fee options.
Bristol County Probate Court Records
Each of the three municipalities in Bristol County operates its own probate court, which has jurisdiction over decedents’ estates, wills, guardianships, conservatorships, name changes, and adult adoptions. Probate court records are maintained locally by the probate clerk in each town and may also involve the Superior Court in certain appeal or contested estate matters.
Town Probate Courts — Jurisdiction and Schedule
- Barrington Probate Court — Sessions are held on the first Monday of each month at 9:00 a.m. in the Town Council Chambers, second floor, 283 County Road. Phone: (401) 247-1900 ext. 305. Governed by R.I. Gen. Laws Title 33; local administrative rules are in effect. Guardians ad litem fees are capped at $800.00 unless the court authorizes additional amounts. A criminal history check through the Department of Attorney General is required for all name change petitions.
- Bristol Probate Court — Sessions are held on the first and third Tuesday of each month at 9:15 a.m. Located at 10 Court Street, Bristol, RI 02809. Phone: (401) 253-7000
- Warren Probate Court — Presided over by the Honorable Anthony DeSisto. Probate Clerk: Sandrea J. Speroni. Sessions are held on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month at 9:30 a.m. via Zoom. Phone: (401) 245-7340
Warren Probate Court Fee Schedule
| Matter | Fee |
|---|---|
| Administration with Advertisement | $142.00 |
| Administration on Waiver | $88.00 |
| Wills with Advertisement | $142.00 |
| Wills on Waiver | $88.00 |
| Guardianship | $142.00 (plus Guardian ad Litem fee) |
| Accounts | $54.00 |
| Sale of Real Estate | $54.00 |
| Change of Name with Advertisement | $142.00 |
| Adult Adoptions | $142.00 |
| File and Record Only | $34.00 |
| Voluntary Informal | $39.00 |
| Affidavit of Completed Administration | $34.00 |
| All Other Petitions (RIGL 33-22-21) | $34.00 |
| Copies | $1.50 per page |
| Certification | $3.00 + $1.50 per page |
| Certificate of Appointment | $5.00 |
Probate forms required throughout estate proceedings are available through the Rhode Island Secretary of State’s Office. All statewide probate forms are mandatory for use under local Barrington rules, and the same standard forms are accepted by Bristol and Warren probate courts. Probate court is established under R.I. Gen. Laws § 8-9, with the operating statute for probate proceedings found in R.I. Gen. Laws Title 33.
Property Records
Property records in Bristol County are maintained at the town level, not by a county-wide office. Town clerks maintain land evidence records — including deeds, mortgages, easements, assignments of mortgages, liens, and declarations of homestead — while town assessors maintain property valuation and tax records. Requesters should contact the town where the property is located.
- Barrington Town Clerk: (401) 247-1900
- Bristol Town Clerk (Land Evidence): (401) 253-7000 — Land Evidence Department, 10 Court Street, Bristol, RI 02809
- Warren Town Clerk: (401) 245-7340
Rhode Island land records available online by municipality can also be accessed through the Rhode Island Secretary of State’s land records portal, which links to municipalities that have digitized their land evidence documents. The standard deed recording fee in Rhode Island is $84.00 for the first page (comprising an $80.00 base fee under R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-13-7 plus a $4.00 Historical Records Trust surcharge).