Providence County Court Records Search
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Providence County is the most populous county in Rhode Island and home to the state capital. Its court system spans multiple levels of jurisdiction, including the Superior Court, District Court, Family Court, municipal courts, and sixteen individual probate courts operated at the municipal level. Court records generated across these tribunals contain docket entries, party names, complaints, motions, exhibits, witness statements, transcripts, judgments, sentences, and fines. Residents and non-residents alike rely on these records for legal research, background checks, genealogical investigations, and media inquiries.
Individuals seeking court records in Rhode Island can begin by consulting official clerk offices, courthouse public-access terminals, and state-operated online tools. The Rhode Island Judiciary maintains an electronic case-information system that covers the Supreme, Superior, Family, District, and Workers’ Compensation Courts as well as the Traffic Tribunal. For broader statewide searches and additional county-level resources, RhodeIslandCourts.us may help users locate publicly available court case information. In-person access is also available at each clerk’s office during regular business hours, where computer terminals are provided for anyone to review electronic filings at no charge.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Providence County?
The primary electronic tool for locating a case is the Rhode Island Judiciary Public Portal. The portal draws from the Judiciary’s central database and displays a register of actions—a chronological listing of filings, parties, events, and other case activity. Members of the public can search using the following parameters:
- Party name (plaintiff or defendant)
- Business or organization name
- Case number or docket number
- Attorney name or bar number
- Citation number
- Warrant number
The Public Portal provides remote access to the register of actions (docket) for any public case across all state courts. It does not, however, allow the general public to remotely view the full text of filed documents. Only Rhode Island–admitted attorneys who have entered an appearance in a case may access full documents remotely after registering through the Judicial Technology Center at HelpDesk@courts.ri.gov and submitting a signed Data Subscription Agreement.
To view complete filings—including pleadings, motions, orders, and exhibits—members of the public must visit the clerk’s office at the appropriate courthouse and use the public-access computer terminals during regular business hours. No fees are charged for on-screen viewing at these terminals, although printing and certification carry separate charges.
Principal Court Locations in Providence County
| Court | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Providence/Bristol County Superior Court | Frank J. Licht Judicial Complex, 250 Benefit Street, Providence, RI 02903 | (401) 222-3250 |
| Sixth Division District Court | Garrahy Judicial Complex, 1 Dorrance Plaza, Providence, RI 02903 | (401) 458-5400 |
| Providence/Bristol County Family Court | Garrahy Judicial Complex, 1 Dorrance Plaza, Providence, RI 02903 | (401) 458-5262 |
| Providence Municipal Court | 25 Dorrance Street, Providence, RI 02903 | (401) 243-6414 |
The Sixth Division District Court operates Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Superior Court and Family Court clerk offices follow comparable weekday schedules. The Judiciary’s court forms page provides downloadable forms for various filings across all court levels.
Are Court Records Public in Providence County?
Rhode Island follows a dual framework governing public access to court records. The Access to Public Records Act (APRA), codified at R.I. Gen. Laws Title 38, Chapter 2, grants individuals the right to inspect and copy records held by state and municipal agencies. It is important to note, however, that APRA does not apply to court case files. Access to records within the court system is instead governed by the Rhode Island Judiciary Rules of Practice Governing Public Access to Electronic Case Information, promulgated by the Supreme Court.
Under those rules, public access at the courthouse includes all electronic case information that has not been designated as non-public. Remote access through the Public Portal is limited to the register of actions (docket) for the general public. No fees are assessed for viewing electronic documents on courthouse terminals, nor for remote docket searches through the Public Portal.
Categories of non-public records include:
- Juvenile case files (R.I. Gen. Laws §§ 8-10-21, 14-1-5)
- Child custody case files (R.I. Gen. Laws § 15-14.1-21)
- Adoption case files (R.I. Gen. Laws §§ 8-10-21, 14-1-5)
- Termination of parental rights records (R.I. Gen. Laws § 15-7-7(f))
- Mental health certification cases (R.I. Gen. Laws § 40.1-5-26)
- Paternity case files (R.I. Gen. Laws § 15-8-17)
- Sealed records of acquitted or exonerated individuals (R.I. Gen. Laws §§ 12-1-12(a), 12-1-12.1©)
- Expunged or otherwise sealed case information
- Medical and mental health records
- Identifying information of crime victims and confidential informants (R.I. Gen. Laws § 12-28-1 et seq.)
- Personal identifying information such as Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and driver’s license numbers
- Tax returns (R.I. Gen. Laws § 38-2-2(4)(O))
Filing parties bear the responsibility of redacting personal identifying information before submission. For cases filed before electronic filing was implemented, any party or attorney may file a Motion to Protect Non-Public Information requesting that portions of the record be designated non-public.
If you need records that are not available online, the Judiciary’s record, report, and document request page outlines the proper procedure for contacting the clerk of the court where the case was filed.
Providence County Criminal Court Records
Criminal matters in Providence County are divided among the Superior Court, District Court, and municipal courts depending on the severity of the charge. The Superior Court holds exclusive jurisdiction over felony proceedings. The Sixth Division District Court has original jurisdiction over misdemeanors carrying up to one year of incarceration and also conducts initial arraignments and bail hearings on felonies before they proceed to Superior Court. Municipal courts within the county handle traffic offenses and violations of municipal ordinances.
Searching Criminal Case Records
Criminal case information can be looked up through the Rhode Island Judiciary Public Portal. The portal does not allow filtering specifically by Providence County, so users searching under the Superior Court or District Court categories will see statewide results and must identify Providence County cases by docket number, party name, or other identifying details. For more targeted searching, individuals may visit the clerk’s office at the Licht Judicial Complex (Superior Court) or the Garrahy Judicial Complex (District Court) and use the courthouse computer terminals.
Criminal History Background Checks
The Bureau of Criminal Identification (BCI) within the Rhode Island Attorney General’s Office maintains statewide criminal history records. To obtain a state background check:
- Visit the AG’s Customer Service Center at 4 Howard Avenue, Cranston, RI 02920 (walk-in only, no appointment needed).
- Bring one valid government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, state ID, or U.S. passport).
- Pay the $5 fee by credit or debit card.
- Hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (closed state holidays).
State background checks reflect fingerprint-supported arrests resulting in a criminal conviction or pending prosecution within Rhode Island only. They do not include federal or out-of-state arrests.
For a national background check (required for certain employment and professional licenses), fingerprinting is required at the same location. The fee is $45, payable by credit or debit card in person, or by check or money order if mailing. Fingerprinting stops at 4:00 p.m. daily. Mail requests should be sent to:
Rhode Island Office of the Attorney General
Attn: Fingerprint Dept.
4 Howard Avenue
Cranston, RI 02920
For questions about state BCI checks, email BCIstate@riag.ri.gov. For fingerprint-related inquiries, email BCIfingerprints@riag.ri.gov.
Law enforcement records are also maintained by the Rhode Island State Police and the Rhode Island Division of Sheriffs, headquartered at 670 New London Avenue, Cranston, RI 02920, Phone: (401) 275-2900
Providence County Civil Court Records
Civil litigation in Providence County is distributed between the Superior Court and the Sixth Division District Court based on the amount in controversy. The Superior Court has original jurisdiction over civil claims exceeding $10,000 and equity matters, including injunctions and receiverships. It also hears appeals from District Court, agency decisions, zoning boards, and probate courts. The District Court handles civil claims under $10,000, landlord-tenant disputes, and small claims matters.
Civil court records encompass complaints, answers, motions, discovery materials, settlement agreements, depositions, court orders, and judgments. The types of civil actions heard include tort claims, contract disputes, personal injury lawsuits, property disputes, employment discrimination, consumer protection matters, professional malpractice, and mortgage foreclosures.
Accessing Civil Records
The Rhode Island Judiciary Public Portal provides docket-level information for civil cases across both courts. For full documents, individuals should visit the appropriate clerk’s office:
- Superior Court Clerk – Licht Judicial Complex, 250 Benefit Street, Providence, RI 02903; Phone: (401) 222-3250 Stephen T. Burke serves as Clerk.
- District Court Clerk – Garrahy Judicial Complex, 1 Dorrance Plaza, Providence, RI 02903; Phone: (401) 458-5400
No fees are charged to view records electronically at courthouse terminals. Printing and certification fees may apply; contact the clerk’s office for the current schedule.
Property Records
Property records are maintained at the municipal level in Rhode Island. In the City of Providence, the Recorder of Deeds maintains deeds, mortgages, liens, and discharges. Researchers may search the Providence Land Records Document Database online or visit Room 506 at City Hall, 25 Dorrance Street, Providence, RI 02903, during business hours. Recording hours are 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (summer hours 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.). The office can be reached at (401) 680-5545 or by email at Recorder@providenceri.gov. For other municipalities in the county, the Rhode Island Land and Tax Data page provides links to individual municipal records systems.
Providence County Family Court Records
The Providence/Bristol County Family Court, located at the Garrahy Judicial Complex, 1 Dorrance Plaza, Providence, RI 02903, handles all domestic relations and juvenile matters within the county. Its jurisdiction includes divorce and annulment, child custody and visitation, child support and alimony, paternity establishment, emancipation of minors, termination of parental rights, juvenile delinquency, and domestic violence protection orders.
Key Family Court Contact Numbers
| Division | Phone |
|---|---|
| Main Number | (401) 458-5300 |
| Domestic Relations / Adult Criminal Cases | (401) 458-3200 |
| Juvenile Clerk’s Office | (401) 458-3290 |
Most family court records are public and appear on the Rhode Island Judiciary Public Portal at the docket level. However, several categories are non-public by statute, including juvenile proceedings, paternity cases, child custody files, adoption records, and termination of parental rights files. Domestic violence protection order cases are also non-public when a juvenile is a party. Individuals seeking copies of public family court records should contact the Family Court Clerk’s office or visit the Garrahy Judicial Complex to use courthouse terminals.
Divorce Records
Dissolution of marriage records are maintained by the Family Court Clerk. Most divorce records are public unless sealed by court order. Anyone may request copies by visiting the clerk’s office in person.
Marriage Records
Marriage records in Rhode Island are maintained by the Rhode Island Department of Health, Center for Vital Records. Marriage records under 100 years old are restricted to eligible requesters. Historical open records (pre-1921 marriages) can be accessed through the Rhode Island Vital Records Portal maintained by the Secretary of State.
To request a certified marriage certificate from the state:
- In person: Visit the Center for Vital Records at Simpson Hall, 6 Harrington Road, Cranston, RI 02920. Hours are 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. weekdays. Cost is $22 for the first copy, $18 for each additional copy the same day.
- By mail: Send a completed marriage certificate application, a copy of valid photo ID, and a check or money order for $25 (payable to the General Treasurer, State of Rhode Island) to the Center for Vital Records at the address above.
Birth and Death Records
Birth and death certificates are confidential. Only the registrant (if 18 or older), immediate family members, legal guardians, attorneys, or persons with a demonstrated legal interest may request copies. Birth records over 100 years old and death records over 50 years old become open to the public. Historical records between 1853 and 1973 may be searched through the Rhode Island Vital Records Portal. Applications for birth certificates and death certificates are available from the Department of Health.
Providence County Probate Court Records
Probate matters in Providence County are handled by individual municipal probate courts rather than a single county-wide court. Each city and town appoints or elects a probate judge and clerk who administer estates, probate wills, appoint guardians and conservators, oversee trusts, and handle name changes and adult adoptions. There are sixteen probate courts serving Providence County municipalities.
Providence City Probate Court
Probate Court of the City of Providence
City Hall, 5th Floor
25 Dorrance Street
Providence, RI 02903
Phone: (401) 680-5307
Fax: (401) 861-6208
Email: ProvidenceProbateCourt@providenceri.gov
Office hours vary by day: Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday the office is open 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. only; Wednesday and Friday the office is open 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Judge John E. Martinelli presides, with Paul V. Jabour, Esq. serving as Clerk.
Providence Probate Court Filing Fees (effective December 1, 2022, pursuant to R.I. Gen. Laws § 33-22-21):
| Filing Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Appointment of Executor/Administrator (waiver matters) | $177 minimum + 1% of personal estate (max $1,500) |
| Appointment of Executor/Administrator (non-waiver) | $184 minimum + 1% of personal estate (max $1,500) |
| Minor or Adult Guardianship | $154 (add $75 if creditor’s notice issued) |
| Adult Adoption | $39 |
| Name Change | $39 |
| Will for Registry (no probate assets) | $34 |
| Certificate of Appointment | $5 |
| Certified/Exemplified Document | $1.50 per page + $3 certification |
| Accounts (Administrator, Executor, etc.) | $114 (advertising cost only) |
Payments must be made by check or money order payable to Providence Probate Court. Cash is not accepted.
Other Probate Courts in Providence County
| Court | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Burrillville Probate Court | 105 Harrisville Main Street, Harrisville, RI 02830 | (401) 568-4300 |
| Central Falls Probate Court | 580 Broad Street, Central Falls, RI 02863 | (401) 727-7400 |
| Cranston Probate Court | 869 Park Avenue, Cranston, RI 02910 | (401) 780-3197 |
| Cumberland Probate Court | 45 Broad Street, Cumberland, RI 02864 | (401) 728-2400 ext. 154 |
| East Providence Probate Court | 145 Taunton Avenue, East Providence, RI 02914 | (401) 435-7500 ext. 11036 |
| Foster Probate Court | 181 Howard Hill Road, Foster, RI 02825 | (401) 392-9202 |
| Glocester Probate Court | 1145 Putnam Pike, Chepachet, RI 02814 | (401) 568-6206 ext. 0 |
| Johnston Probate Court | 1385 Hartford Avenue, Johnston, RI 02919 | (401) 351-6618 |
| Lincoln Probate Court | 100 Old River Road, Lincoln, RI 02865 | (401) 333-1100 ext. 8005 |
| North Providence Probate Court | 2000 Smith Street, North Providence, RI 02911 | (401) 232-0900 ext. 205 |
| Pawtucket Probate Court | 137 Roosevelt Avenue, Pawtucket, RI 02860 | (401) 728-0500 ext. 259 |
| Scituate Probate Court | 195 Danielson Pike, North Scituate, RI 02857 | (401) 647-2822 |
| Smithfield Probate Court | 64 Farnum Pike, Smithfield, RI 02917 | (401) 233-1000 |
| Woonsocket Probate Court | 169 Main Street, Woonsocket, RI 02895 | (401) 767-9249 |
Persons seeking probate records should contact the clerk of the specific municipal probate court where the estate or matter was administered. Each court maintains its own files, and records can typically be reviewed in person at the clerk’s office. The Superior Court hears appeals from probate court decisions, and those appellate records would be available through the Superior Court Clerk at the Licht Judicial Complex. Providence County also has twelve municipal courts that handle traffic and ordinance violations; contact information for each is available through the individual municipality’s website.