Family Court Locations
Rhode Island Family Court Information
The Purpose of Family Court
The primary purpose of family court proceedings is to make judgments and legal orders related to family law matters. Family court issues may include custody of children, child marriages, adoption, alimony, child support, motions in conjunction with divorce proceedings and more. This court exists to redirect a concentrated focus on pertinent legal matters specifically regarding children and families. The Family Court also manages the decisions regarding juvenile delinquents, abused, neglected or mentally challenged children.
In the state of Rhode Island, the Family Court’s mission is to protect, assist and restore families. Families are also connected with human service programs to improve their quality of life.
Rhode Island Family Court has a rich history of mobilizing on behalf of the rights of children and family in need of legal assistance. In 1958, the official recommendation for a family court was submitted, became an act and was implemented as law in 1961. The Rhode Island Family Court is historically noted as the first Family Court in the United States.
Family Court Juvenile Services
The Juvenile Services department oversees the investigations prior to court proceedings and determines if the basis of the case are valid and sufficient for a Family Court hearing. In regards to juvenile petitions, informal hearings can be conducted to determine the seriousness of the alleged offenses. Rhode Island has four Family Court locations to service specific regional areas.
Rhode Island Family Court
The Rhode Island Family Court is a division of the Rhode Island Superior court. The court handles the following types of cases from its four locations:
- Child custody
- Adoption
- Child support
- Alimony
- Adjusting current child support and custody orders
Rhode Island Family Court Locations
Newport Family Court
The Newport Family Court is located at the Murray Judicial Complex, 45 Washington Square, Newport, Rhode Island 02840-2913 on the second floor. The clerk’s office is located on the first floor, immediately to the right of the metal detectors. The phone number for the clerk’s office is (401) 841-8350.
The cities and towns which this court serves are Jamestown, Little Compton, Middletown, Newport, Portsmouth, and Tiverton.
Kent County Family Court
The Kent County Family Court is located at the Noel Judicial Complex, 222 Quaker Lane, Warwick, Rhode Island 02886-0107 on the third floor. The clerk’s office number is (401) 822-6750.
Cities and towns which this court serves are Coventry, Cranston, East Greenwich, Foster, Johnston, Glocester, Lincoln, North Kingstown, North Providence, North Smithfield, Scituate, Smithfield , Warwick, West Greenwich, and West Warwick.
Washington County Family Court
The Washington County Family Court is located at the McGrath Judicial Complex , 4800 Tower Hill Road, Wakefield, Rhode Island 02879-2239. Both the clerk’s office and courtrooms are located on the first floor. The clerk’s office number is (401) 782-4131.
Cities and towns served are Charlestown, Exeter, Hopkinton, Narragansett, New Shoreham, Richmond, South Kingstown, and Westerly.
Providence Family Court
The Providence Family Court is located at the Garrahy Judicial Complex, One Dorrance Plaza , Providence, Rhode Island 02903-2719. The clerk’s office is located on the second floor and the contact number is (401) 458-5400. Courtrooms for the Providence Family Court are located on both the 3rd and 5th floors.
The cities and towns served are Barrington, Bristol, Burrillville, Central Falls, Cumberland, East Providence, Pawtucket, Providence, Warren, and Woonsocket.
To learn more about Rhode Island Family Court guidelines contact our experienced Family Law attorneys. Having a well-versed lawyer to represent your best interests is important. The right Family Law attorney will be committed to protecting your rights and the rights of your children. Call (401) 421-4038 to schedule your free consultation. Come in to sit with our experienced attorneys and discuss the details of your case.