reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 15 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 15-2 - Marriage Licenses › Section 15-2-7. - Form and contents of certificates, reports, and other returns.

§ 15-2-7. Form and contents of certificates, reports, and other returns.
The forms of certificates, reports, and other returns required by this chapter, or by regulations adopted pursuant to this chapter, shall include as a minimum the items recommended by the federal agency responsible for national vital statistics, subject to approval of and modification by the state director of health. Both parties shall subscribe to the truth of data in the application in the presence of the local registrar or his or her assistant.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 191, § 10; P.L. 1898, ch. 549, § 1; G.L. 1909, ch. 243, § 10; P.L. 1909, ch. 430, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 287, § 10; P.L. 1927, ch. 1064, § 1; P.L. 1938, ch. 2580, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 415, § 10; G.L. 1956, § 15-2-7; R.P.L. 1957, ch. 65, § 1; P.L. 1967, ch. 192, § 1; P.L. 2013, ch. 4, § 3; P.L. 2013, ch. 5, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 15 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 15-2 - Marriage Licenses › Section 15-2-8. - Period of validity of license — Return if unused.

§ 15-2-8. Period of validity of license — Return if unused.
The license required by § 15-2-1 shall be valid for three (3) months after the date of issue, and if unused at the expiration of the three (3) months, the party or parties having possession of the license shall immediately return it to the town or city clerk from whom it was obtained.
History of Section.
G.L. 1923, ch. 287, § 10; P.L. 1927, ch. 1064, § 1; P.L. 1938, ch. 2580, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 415, § 10; G.L. 1956, § 15-2-8.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 15 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 15-2 - Marriage Licenses › Section 15-2-9. - License fee — Presentation of license to person performing ceremony.

§ 15-2-9. License fee — Presentation of license to person performing ceremony.
For issuing the license the town or city clerk shall collect a fee of fourteen dollars ($14.00). The license shall be presented to the minister, elder, justice, warden, or other person who performs the marriage ceremony. The city or town shall retain six dollars ($6.00) of the fourteen dollars ($14.00) for its own use and in lieu of any reimbursement to which it may be entitled pursuant to § 45-13-7. The city or town shall forward the eight dollars ($8.00) balance of the fourteen dollars ($14.00) to the general treasurer of the state of Rhode Island.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 191, § 10; P.L. 1898, ch. 549, § 1; G.L. 1909, ch. 243, § 10; P.L. 1909, ch. 430, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 287, § 10; P.L. 1927, ch. 1064, § 1; P.L. 1938, ch. 2580, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 415, § 10; G.L. 1956, § 15-2-9; P.L. 1961, ch. 100, § 1; P.L. 1971, ch. 230, § 1; P.L. 1981, ch. 414, § 1; P.L. 1990, ch. 65, art. 59, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 15 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 15-2 - Marriage Licenses › Section 15-2-9.1. - Additional fee for family and children trust fund.

§ 15-2-9.1. Additional fee for family and children trust fund.
For each license the town or city clerk shall charge and receive an additional fee of ten dollars ($10.00), of which he or she shall retain two dollars ($2.00) and shall transmit eight dollars ($8.00) to the general treasurer for deposit to the credit of the family and children trust fund created by § 42-72-30. Each clerk shall keep an accurate account of all fees charged and received under this section and shall transmit all sums due to the general treasurer at least monthly in the manner and with the forms which the general treasurer shall prescribe.
History of Section.
P.L. 1983, ch. 220, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 15 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 15-2 - Marriage Licenses › Section 15-2-10. - Repealed.

§ 15-2-10. Repealed.
History of Section.
G.L. 1938, ch. 287, § 10; P.L. 1938, ch. 2580, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 415, § 10; G.L. 1956, § 15-2-10; P.L. 1964, ch. 29, § 1; P.L. 1989, ch. 84, § 1; P.L. 1995, ch. 91, § 2; Repealed by P.L. 2004, ch. 200, § 2, effective June 29, 2004; P.L. 2004, ch. 258, § 2, effective July 1, 2004.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 15 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 15-2 - Marriage Licenses › Section 15-2-11. - [Repealed.]

§ 15-2-11. [Repealed.]
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 191, § 11; P.L. 1898, ch. 549, § 1; G.L. 1909, ch. 243, § 11; P.L. 1909, ch. 430, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 287, § 11; P.L. 1937, ch. 2504, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 415, § 11; impl. am. P.L. 1939, ch. 660, § 80; P.L. 1944, ch. 1441, § 36; G.L. 1956, § 15-2-11; impl. am. P.L. 1961, ch. 73, § 14; P.L. 1988, ch. 84, § 63; P.L. 2004, ch. 6, § 41; P.L. 2013, ch. 4, § 3; P.L. 2013, ch. 5, § 3; repealed by P.L. 2021, ch. 39, § 1, effective June 7, 2021; repealed by P.L. 2021, ch. 40, § 1, effective June 7, 2021.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 15 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 15-2 - Marriage Licenses › Section 15-2-12. - Recording of license information.

§ 15-2-12. Recording of license information.
The several town and city clerks shall record, in separate books to be kept by them for that purpose, the information furnished to them and subscribed to as provided in §§ 15-2-1 — 15-2-10, except as otherwise provided in these sections.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 191, § 14; P.L. 1898, ch. 549, § 1; G.L. 1909, ch. 243, § 14; G.L. 1923, ch. 287, § 14; G.L. 1938, ch. 415, § 14; G.L. 1956, § 15-2-12.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 15 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 15-2 - Marriage Licenses › Section 15-2-13. - Registrar in city of Providence.

§ 15-2-13. Registrar in city of Providence.
In the city of Providence, the registrar of births, deaths, and marriages shall perform the duties devolved upon town and city clerks by the provisions of chapters 2 and 3 of this title, and all information provided by chapters 2 and 3 to be furnished to town and city clerks shall be furnished to the registrar in Providence.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 191, § 15; P.L. 1898, ch. 549, § 1; G.L. 1909, ch. 243, § 15; G.L. 1923, ch. 287, § 15; G.L. 1938, ch. 415, § 15; G.L. 1956, § 15-2-13.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 15 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 15-2 - Marriage Licenses › Section 15-2-14. - Minimum age for marriage license.

§ 15-2-14. Minimum age for marriage license.
A marriage license shall only be granted to a person of full age. Attaining the age of eighteen (18) years shall be deemed full legal age pursuant to § 15-12-1.
History of Section.
P.L. 2021, ch. 39, § 2, effective June 7, 2021; P.L. 2021, ch. 40, § 2, effective June 7, 2021.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 15 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 15-3 - Solemnization of Marriages › Section 15-3-1 - — 15-3-4. Repealed.

§ 15-3-1 — 15-3-4. Repealed.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 191, §§ 6, 6*, 7; G.L. 1909, ch. 243, §§ 6, 6*, 7; P.L. 1909, ch. 430, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 287, §§ 6, 7; P.L. 1927, ch. 1005, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 415, §§ 6, 7; G.L. 1956, §§ 15-3-1 — 15-3-4; Repealed by P.L. 1981, ch. 363, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 15 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 15-3 - Solemnization of Marriages › Section 15-3-6. - Marriages after the manner of Friends, according to Jewish rites, or spiritual assembly of Baha’is.

§ 15-3-6. Marriages after the manner of Friends, according to Jewish rites, or spiritual assembly of Baha’is.
Any marriage which may be had and solemnized among the people called Quakers, or Friends, in the manner and form used or practiced in their societies, or among persons professing the Jewish religion, according to their rites and ceremonies, or by a local spiritual assembly of the Baha’is according to the usage of the religious community, shall be good and valid in law; and wherever the words “minister” and “elder” are used in this chapter, they shall be held to include all of the persons connected with the Society of Friends, or Quakers, and with the Jewish religion, and with the Baha’i faith, who perform or have charge of the marriage ceremony according to their rites and ceremonies.
History of Section.
G. L. 1896, ch. 191, § 9; G. L. 1909, ch. 243, § 9; G. L. 1923, ch. 287, § 9; G. L. 1938, ch. 415, § 9; G. L. 1956, § 15-3-6; P. L. 1970, ch. 72, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 15 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 15-3 - Solemnization of Marriages › Section 15-3-7. - Presentation of marriage license.

§ 15-3-7. Presentation of marriage license.
No minister, elder, justice, warden, or other person shall join any person in marriage until the persons to be married have presented to him or her the license named in chapter 2 of this title, and he or she has signed the certificate appended to the license.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 191, § 12; P.L. 1898, ch. 549, § 1; G.L. 1909, ch. 243, § 12; G.L. 1923, ch. 287, § 12; G.L. 1938, ch. 415, § 12; G.L. 1956, § 15-3-7.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 15 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 15-3 - Solemnization of Marriages › Section 15-3-8. - Witnesses to ceremony.

§ 15-3-8. Witnesses to ceremony.
The solemnization of marriage shall be in the presence of at least two (2) witnesses besides the minister, elder, justice, or warden officiating.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 191, § 17; P.L. 1898, ch. 549, § 1; G.L. 1909, ch. 243, § 17; G.L. 1923, ch. 287, § 17; G.L. 1938, ch. 415, § 17; G.L. 1956, § 15-3-8.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 15 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 15-3 - Solemnization of Marriages › Section 15-3-9. - Statement of objections to marriage.

§ 15-3-9. Statement of objections to marriage.
If any person has any lawful objection to the marriage of any two (2) persons, he or she may state the objection in writing, under his or her hand, to the minister, elder, justice, or warden about to solemnize the marriage, at which time the minister, elder, justice, or warden shall proceed no further in the marriage until the lawful objection has been removed.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 191, § 18; P.L. 1898, ch. 549, § 1; G.L. 1909, ch. 243, § 18; G.L. 1923, ch. 287, § 18; G.L. 1938, ch. 415, § 18; G.L. 1956, § 15-3-9.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 15 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 15-3 - Solemnization of Marriages › Section 15-3-10. - Penalty for marriage without license or despite impediment.

§ 15-3-10. Penalty for marriage without license or despite impediment.
Every minister, elder, justice, warden, or other person who joins persons in marriage, without first receiving the license required by chapter 2 of this title, containing the required information, or whenever the solemnization of the marriage has been lawfully objected to and the impediment is not removed, shall be imprisoned not exceeding six (6) months or fined not exceeding one thousand dollars ($1,000).
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 191, § 19; P.L. 1898, ch. 549, § 1; G.L. 1909, ch. 243, § 19; G.L. 1923, ch. 287, § 19; G.L. 1938, ch. 415, § 19; G.L. 1956, § 15-3-10.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 15 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 15-3 - Solemnization of Marriages › Section 15-3-11. - Knowingly performing bigamous marriage.

§ 15-3-11. Knowingly performing bigamous marriage.
Every person authorized by law to join persons in marriage, who joins in marriage any woman or man that he or she knows to have a husband or wife living, shall be imprisoned not exceeding six (6) months or fined not exceeding one thousand dollars ($1,000).
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 191, § 21; P.L. 1898, ch. 549, § 1; G.L. 1909, ch. 243, § 21; G.L. 1923, ch. 287, § 21; G.L. 1938, ch. 415, § 21; G.L. 1956, § 15-3-11.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 15 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 15-3 - Solemnization of Marriages › Section 15-3-12. - Endorsement and return of license.

§ 15-3-12. Endorsement and return of license.
(a)
Every minister, elder, justice, warden, or other person who joins any persons in marriage, shall:
(b)
Endorse the “License and Certificate of Marriage” form, prescribed pursuant to § 15-2-7, presented to him or her by the persons, as provided in § 15-3-7, and certify that the persons have been joined in marriage by him or her in accordance with the laws of the state of Rhode Island; and
(c)
Complete all the information on the “License and Certificate of Marriage” and file the form within seventy-two (72) hours following the date of the marriage with the clerk in the town or city from which the license was issued.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 191, § 13; P.L. 1898, ch. 549, § 1; G.L. 1909, ch. 243, § 13; G.L. 1923, ch. 287, § 13; P.L. 1927, ch. 1064, § 2; G.L. 1938, ch. 415, § 13; G.L. 1956, § 15-3-12; P.L. 1961, ch. 100, § 2; P.L. 1969, ch. 89, § 1; P.L. 2004, ch. 200, § 4; P.L. 2004, ch. 258, § 4.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 15 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 15-3 - Solemnization of Marriages › Section 15-3-13. - Filing of return of marriage.

§ 15-3-13. Filing of return of marriage.
The town or city clerk to whom the return of marriage provided for in § 15-3-12 is sent shall carefully file and preserve the return.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 191, § 16; P.L. 1898, ch. 549, § 1; G.L. 1909, ch. 243, § 16; G.L. 1923, ch. 287, § 16; G.L. 1938, ch. 415, § 16; G.L. 1956, § 15-3-13.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 15 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 15-3 - Solemnization of Marriages › Section 15-3-14. - Neglect of duty by person performing ceremony.

§ 15-3-14. Neglect of duty by person performing ceremony.
Every minister, elder, justice, warden, or other person authorized to join persons in marriage, including those authorized to join in marriage according to the Jewish religion, who fails to perform any of the duties devolved upon him or her by this chapter, shall be fined not exceeding one hundred dollars ($100) with the exception of the penalties for the violations contained in §§ 15-3-10, 15-3-11, 15-3-15 and 15-3-16.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 191, § 20; P.L. 1898, ch. 549, § 1; G.L. 1909, ch. 243, § 20; G.L. 1923, ch. 287, § 20; G.L. 1938, ch. 415, § 20; G.L. 1956, § 15-3-14; P.L. 2004, ch. 6, § 42.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 15 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 15-3 - Solemnization of Marriages › Section 15-3-15. - Marriages valid despite irregularities — Penalty for marriage without compliance.

§ 15-3-15. Marriages valid despite irregularities — Penalty for marriage without compliance.
(a)
No marriage solemnized before a person professing to have a license to join persons in marriage as required by this chapter, or professing to be a justice of the supreme, superior, or family court, or a warden of the town of New Shoreham, or solemnized in the Society of Friends, or among persons professing the Jewish religion or Baha’i faith according to their respective rites and ceremonies, shall be deemed or adjudged to be void, nor shall the validity of the marriage be in any way affected by want of jurisdiction or authority in the person or Society nor by reason of noncompliance with any of the requirements of this chapter, if the marriage is in other respects lawful and has been performed with a full belief on the part of the persons so married, or either of them, that they have been lawfully joined in marriage.
(b)
But whoever gives, or procures to be given, any false information as to the requirements under §§ 15-2-1 — 15-2-10, or whoever is married without duly proceeding as is required by chapters 1 — 3 of this title, shall be fined not exceeding fifty dollars ($50.00).
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 191, § 22; P.L. 1898, ch. 549, § 1; C.P.A. 1905, § 1228; G.L. 1909, ch. 243, § 22; G.L. 1923, ch. 287, § 22; G.L. 1938, ch. 415, § 22; G.L. 1956, § 15-3-15; P.L. 1988, ch. 84, § 64.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 15 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 15-3 - Solemnization of Marriages › Section 15-3-16. - Solemnization of marriage without authority.

§ 15-3-16. Solemnization of marriage without authority.
Every person who solemnizes a marriage without being legally authorized to do so shall be fined five hundred dollars ($500).
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 191, § 23; P.L. 1898, ch. 549, § 1; G.L. 1909, ch. 243, § 23; G.L. 1923, ch. 287, § 23; G.L. 1938, ch. 415, § 23; G.L. 1956, § 15-3-16.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 15 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 15-3 - Solemnization of Marriages › Section 15-3-17. - Court orders regarding invalid marriages.

§ 15-3-17. Court orders regarding invalid marriages.
If, as the result of a court decision pursuant to chapter 6 of title 11, chapters 1 — 3 of this title, or chapter 3 of title 23, any marriage which has occurred in Rhode Island is declared invalid, the court shall order the state registrar of vital records to mark “invalid” the original marriage record on file at the division of vital records and to note the invalidity of the marriage on all other files or references to the marriage.
History of Section.
P.L. 1983, ch. 198, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 15 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 15-3.1 - Civil Unions › Section 15-3.1-1. - Definitions.

§ 15-3.1-1. Definitions.
(1)
“Certificate of civil union” means a document that certifies that the persons named on the certificate have established a civil union in compliance with this chapter.
(2)
“Civil union” means a legal union between two individuals of the same sex established pursuant to this chapter.
(3)
“Party to a civil union” means a person who has established a civil union pursuant to this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 2011, ch. 198, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 15 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 15-3.1 - Civil Unions › Section 15-3.1-2. - Eligibility.

§ 15-3.1-2. Eligibility.
Persons shall be eligible to enter into a civil union only if both such persons are:
(1)
At least eighteen (18) years of age;
(2)
Of the same sex;
(3)
Not a party to another civil union or a spouse in a marriage with any other person;
(4)
Not in a family relationship within the degrees stated in Rhode Island general laws § 15-1-1 or § 15-1-2; and
(5)
Neither person is mentally incompetent at the time of the civil union.
History of Section.
P.L. 2011, ch. 198, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 15 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 15-3.1 - Civil Unions › Section 15-3.1-3. - Repealed.

§ 15-3.1-3. Repealed.
History of Section.
P.L. 2011, ch. 198, § 1; Repealed by P.L. 2013, ch. 4, § 6; P.L. 2013, ch. 5, § 6, effective August 1, 2013.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 15 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 15-3.1 - Civil Unions › Section 15-3.1-4. - Repealed.

§ 15-3.1-4. Repealed.
History of Section.
P.L. 2011, ch. 198, § 1; Repealed by P.L. 2013, ch. 4, § 6; P.L. 2013, ch. 5, § 6, effective August 1, 2013.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 15 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 15-3.1 - Civil Unions › Section 15-3.1-5. - Conscience and religious organizations protected.

§ 15-3.1-5. Conscience and religious organizations protected.
(a)
Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, no religious or denominational organization, no organization operated for charitable or educational purpose which is supervised or controlled by or in connection with a religious organization, and no individual employed by any of the foregoing organizations, while acting in the scope of that employment, shall be required:
(1)
To provide services, accommodations, advantages, facilities, goods, or privileges for a purpose related to the solemnization, certification, or celebration of any civil union; or
(2)
To solemnize or certify any civil union; or
(3)
To treat as valid any civil union;
if such providing, solemnizing, certifying, or treating as valid would cause such organizations or individuals to violate their sincerely held religious beliefs.
(b)
No organization or individual as described in subsection (a) above who fails or refuses to provide, solemnize, certify, or treat as valid, as described in subdivision (a)(1), (a)(2) or (a)(3) above, persons in a civil union, shall be subject to a fine, penalty, or other cause of action for such failure or refusal.
History of Section.
P.L. 2011, ch. 198, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 15 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 15-3.1 - Civil Unions › Section 15-3.1-6. - Benefits, protections, and responsibilities.

§ 15-3.1-6. Benefits, protections, and responsibilities.
A party to a civil union lawfully entered into pursuant to this chapter shall have all the rights, benefits, protections, and responsibilities under law, whether derived from statutes, administrative rules, court decisions, the common law, or any other source of civil or criminal law as people joined together pursuant to chapter 15-3.
History of Section.
P.L. 2011, ch. 198, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 15 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 15-3.1 - Civil Unions › Section 15-3.1-7. - References and inclusions.

§ 15-3.1-7. References and inclusions.
A party to a civil union shall be included in any definition or use of any term that denotes the spousal relationship, whether or not gender specific, as those or related terms designating that relationship are used throughout the laws of the State of Rhode Island.
History of Section.
P.L. 2011, ch. 198, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 15 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 15-3.1 - Civil Unions › Section 15-3.1-8. - Reciprocity.

§ 15-3.1-8. Reciprocity.
A civil union or registered domestic partnership that extends benefits and responsibilities without the status of marriage and is legally entered into in another jurisdiction shall be recognized in Rhode Island as a civil union; provided, that the relationship meets the eligibility requirements of this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 2011, ch. 198, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 15 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 15-3.1 - Civil Unions › Section 15-3.1-9. - Dissolution of civil unions.

§ 15-3.1-9. Dissolution of civil unions.
The family court, as established by Rhode Island general laws § 8-10-3, shall have jurisdiction over all proceedings regarding dissolution of civil unions. In all relevant respects, the dissolution of civil unions shall follow the procedures and be subject to the substantive rights and obligations outlined in chapter 15-5.
History of Section.
P.L. 2011, ch. 198, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 15 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 15-3.1 - Civil Unions › Section 15-3.1-10. - Requirement of department of health — Civil unions.

§ 15-3.1-10. Requirement of department of health — Civil unions.
The department of health, office of vital statistics shall draft and distribute applications for civil unions to every town and city within the state.
History of Section.
P.L. 2011, ch. 198, § 1; P.L. 2013, ch. 501, § 8.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 15 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 15-3.1 - Civil Unions › Section 15-3.1-11. - Severability.

§ 15-3.1-11. Severability.
If any part of this chapter or its application to any person or circumstance is adjudged invalid, the adjudication or application shall not affect the validity of this act as a whole or any other part.
History of Section.
P.L. 2011, ch. 198, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 15 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 15-3.1 - Civil Unions › Section 15-3.1-12. - Merger of civil union into marriage by action of the parties.

§ 15-3.1-12. Merger of civil union into marriage by action of the parties.
(a)
On and after the effective date of this section, two (2) persons who are parties to a civil union entered into pursuant to this chapter may apply for and be issued a marriage license and have such marriage solemnized pursuant to chapters 15-1 to 15-3 of the general laws, provided such persons are otherwise eligible to marry under chapter 15-1 as amended herein, and the parties to the marriage will be the same as the parties to the civil union. After the solemnization of such marriage, and upon filing of the license and certificate of marriage with the clerk in the town or city from which the license was issued pursuant to § 15-2-1, of the civil union of such persons shall be merged into the marriage by operation of law as of the date of the recording of the marriage certificate and shall be effective as of the date of the recording of the marriage certificate.
(b)
Such parties may also apply to the clerk of the town or city in which their civil union is recorded to have their civil union legally designated and recorded as a marriage, without any additional requirements of payment of marriage licensing fees or solemnization contained in chapters 15-1 to 15-3 of the general laws, provided that such parties’ civil union was not previously dissolved or annulled. Upon application, the parties shall be issued a marriage certificate and the civil union of such persons shall be merged into the marriage by operation of law as of the date of the recording of the marriage certificate and shall be effective as of the date of the recording of the marriage certificate.
History of Section.
P.L. 2013, ch. 4, § 5; P.L. 2013, ch. 5, § 5.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 15 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 15-3.1 - Civil Unions › Section 15-3.1-13. - Recognized date of marriage.

§ 15-3.1-13. Recognized date of marriage.
For purposes of determining the legal rights and responsibilities involving individuals who previously entered into a civil union in this state, and whose civil union has merged into a marriage under this chapter, the date of the recording of the marriage certificate shall be the operative date by which legal rights and responsibilities are determined.
History of Section.
P.L. 2013, ch. 4, § 5; P.L. 2013, ch. 5, § 5.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 15 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 15-4 - Married Women’s Rights › Section 15-4-1. - Ownership of separate property.

§ 15-4-1. Ownership of separate property.
The real estate, chattels real, and personal estate which are the property of any woman before marriage, or which may become the property of any woman after marriage, or which may be acquired by her own industry, including damages recovered in suits or proceedings for her benefit and compensation for her property taken for public use, and the proceeds of all such property, shall be and remain her sole and separate property free from control of her husband.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 194, § 1; G.L. 1909, ch. 246, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 290, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 417, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 15-4-1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 15 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 15-4 - Married Women’s Rights › Section 15-4-2. - Receipt of property and release of debts by married woman.

§ 15-4-2. Receipt of property and release of debts by married woman.
The sole and separate receipt, order, or discharge of the wife for the payment and delivery to her, or to any person upon her order, of her own property, or the rents and profits of her property, including money on deposit in any savings bank or institution for savings, or other banking institution, and for the payment of any debt or damage to her belonging from any person or corporation, whether secured by mortgage or otherwise, shall be a sufficient discharge for it; and she may, in her own name or by her own separate deed, discharge any such mortgage or security.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 194, § 2; G.L. 1909, ch. 246, § 2; G.L. 1923, ch. 290, § 2; G.L. 1938, ch. 417, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 15-4-2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 15 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 15-4 - Married Women’s Rights › Section 15-4-3. - Power to contract.

§ 15-4-3. Power to contract.
A married woman may make any contract the same as if she were single and unmarried, and with the same rights and liabilities.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 194, § 3; P.L. 1896, ch. 335, § 1; G.L. 1909, ch. 246, § 3; G.L. 1923, ch. 290, § 3; G.L. 1938, ch. 417, § 3; G.L. 1956, § 15-4-3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 15 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 15-4 - Married Women’s Rights › Section 15-4-4. - Conveyance of property to or from husband or other persons.

§ 15-4-4. Conveyance of property to or from husband or other persons.
A married woman may sell and convey directly to, or may take directly from, her husband or any other person any estate or interest in any real or personal property in the same manner and with the same effect as if she were single and unmarried. Nothing contained in this section shall be construed to support any transfer made between husband and wife in fraud of creditors.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 194, § 5; G.L. 1909, ch. 246, § 4; G.L. 1923, ch. 290, § 4; G.L. 1938, ch. 417, § 4; G.L. 1956, § 15-4-4.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 15 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 15-4 - Married Women’s Rights › Section 15-4-5. - Acknowledgment of deeds and letters of attorney.

§ 15-4-5. Acknowledgment of deeds and letters of attorney.
The deed of a married woman conveying her separate interest in any lands, tenements, or hereditaments shall be acknowledged by her in the same manner as if she were single and unmarried. If any deed affecting her right of life estate created by chapter 25 of title 33 in any estate of her husband during his life is executed by attorney of the wife, the letter of attorney shall be acknowledged in the same manner as if she were single and unmarried.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 194, § 6; G.L. 1909, ch. 246, § 5; G.L. 1923, ch. 290, § 5; G.L. 1938, ch. 417, § 5; G.L. 1956, § 15-4-5.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 15 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 15-4 - Married Women’s Rights › Section 15-4-6. - Release of interest.

§ 15-4-6. Release of interest.
A married woman, including a minor, may bar her right of life estate created by chapter 25 of title 33 in any estate of her husband by joining with him in the deed conveying the estate, and releasing her claim to life estate created by chapter 25 of title 33, or by releasing her right of life estate by her separate deed acknowledged in the same manner as provided in § 15-4-5.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 194, § 7; G.L. 1909, ch. 246, § 6; G.L. 1923, ch. 290, § 6; G.L. 1938, ch. 417, § 6; P.L. 1947, ch. 1914, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 15-4-6.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 15 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 15-4 - Married Women’s Rights › Section 15-4-7. - Testamentary power.

§ 15-4-7. Testamentary power.
Any married woman of sane mind and not less than eighteen (18) years of age may dispose of her real or personal estate or any portion of her real or personal estate by last will and testament, executed in the manner in which other wills are required to be executed for disposition of like property.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 194, § 8; G.L. 1909, ch. 246, § 7; G.L. 1923, ch. 290, § 7; G.L. 1938, ch. 417, § 7; G.L. 1956, § 15-4-7; P.L. 1988, ch. 84, § 65.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 15 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 15-4 - Married Women’s Rights › Section 15-4-8. - Rights of spouses in real estate.

§ 15-4-8. Rights of spouses in real estate.
The rights of a spouse in the real estate of his or her spouse, as created by chapter 25 of title 33, shall not be impaired by the provisions of this chapter.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 194, § 9; G.L. 1909, ch. 246, § 8; P.L. 1919, ch. 1787, § 6; G.L. 1923, ch. 290, § 8; G.L. 1938, ch. 417, § 8; G.L. 1956, § 15-4-8.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 15 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 15-4 - Married Women’s Rights › Section 15-4-9. - Trade or business — Partnership with husband.

§ 15-4-9. Trade or business — Partnership with husband.
A married woman may carry on any trade or business as if she were single and unmarried; but her husband shall not be liable for her debts, contracts, or torts from that trade or business. A husband and wife may be partners in a trading or any other type of partnership.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 194, § 10; G.L. 1909, ch. 246, § 9; G.L. 1923, ch. 290, § 9; G.L. 1938, ch. 417, § 9; P.L. 1944, ch. 1397, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 15-4-9.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 15 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 15-4 - Married Women’s Rights › Section 15-4-10. - Power to act as fiduciary.

§ 15-4-10. Power to act as fiduciary.
A married woman may be, give bond as, and exercise the powers: (1) of trustee, when appointed by deed; (2) of executrix, trustee, or guardian, when appointed under a will or by a court of competent jurisdiction; or (3) of administratrix or guardian, when appointed by a court of competent jurisdiction, in the same manner and with the same rights and liabilities in all respects as if she were single and unmarried, and irrespective of the time of her marriage.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 194, § 11; P.L. 1902, ch. 961, § 1; G.L. 1909, ch. 246, § 10; G.L. 1923, ch. 290, § 10; G.L. 1938, ch. 417, § 10; G.L. 1956, § 15-4-10.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 15 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 15-4 - Married Women’s Rights › Section 15-4-11. - Agent for husband — Husband as agent.

§ 15-4-11. Agent for husband — Husband as agent.
The wife may act as agent or attorney of her husband, and the husband may act as the agent or attorney of his wife.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 194, § 12; G.L. 1909, ch. 246, § 11; G.L. 1923, ch. 290, § 11; G.L. 1938, ch. 417, § 11; G.L. 1956, § 15-4-11.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 15 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 15-4 - Married Women’s Rights › Section 15-4-12. - Liability for contracts or torts of husband or wife.

§ 15-4-12. Liability for contracts or torts of husband or wife.
The husband shall not be liable by reason of the marital relation: (1) for any contract made or for any tort committed by his wife prior to their marriage; (2) for any contract made after marriage by his wife; (3) for torts committed by his wife after marriage, unless he participates in them or coerces her to do so. The wife or her property shall not be liable for the contracts or the torts of her husband.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 194, § 14; G.L. 1909, ch. 246, § 12; G.L. 1923, ch. 290, § 12; G.L. 1938, ch. 417, § 12; G.L. 1956, § 15-4-12.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 15 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 15-4 - Married Women’s Rights › Section 15-4-13. - Liability of property to attachment and levy — Liens.

§ 15-4-13. Liability of property to attachment and levy — Liens.
The property secured to a married woman by this chapter shall be liable to attachment and levy for her debts, and to levy for judgment in any action of tort against her, as if she were single and unmarried; and nothing in this chapter shall be construed to impair any lien or right of lien on her property or any remedy provided by law for the enforcement of the lien.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 194, § 15; G.L. 1909, ch. 246, § 13; G.L. 1923, ch. 290, § 13; G.L. 1938, ch. 417, § 13; G.L. 1956, § 15-4-13.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 15 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 15-4 - Married Women’s Rights › Section 15-4-14. - Proceeding by or against married woman.

§ 15-4-14. Proceeding by or against married woman.
(a)
In all actions, suits, and proceedings by or against a married woman, she shall sue and be sued alone.
(b)
In all actions for injuries to the person, a married woman may sue in her own name and may include in the suit a claim for medical and/or hospital and/or dental expenses incurred in her behalf either in her name or that of her husband.
(c)
If the husband pays any or all of his wife’s bills, the party responsible for the injuries may reimburse him directly and will not be required to pay the bills again.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 194, § 16; G.L. 1909, ch. 246, § 14; G.L. 1923, ch. 290, § 14; G.L. 1938, ch. 417, § 14; G.L. 1956, § 15-4-14; P.L. 1975, ch. 176, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 15 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 15-4 - Married Women’s Rights › Section 15-4-15. - Effect of coverture on adverse possession cases.

§ 15-4-15. Effect of coverture on adverse possession cases.
In all causes of action or cases of adverse possession, no exception to the running of the statute of limitations shall be made in favor of a married woman because of her coverture.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 194, § 17; G.L. 1909, ch. 246, § 15; G.L. 1923, ch. 290, § 15; G.L. 1938, ch. 417, § 15; G.L. 1956, § 15-4-15.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 15 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 15-4 - Married Women’s Rights › Section 15-4-16. - Property of absent or imprisoned husband.

§ 15-4-16. Property of absent or imprisoned husband.
Whenever a husband has abandoned his wife and been absent from the state for the period of one year or more, or whenever the husband is condemned to imprisonment for one year or more, the wife may petition the superior court, wherever sitting, setting forth these facts. Upon satisfactory proof of these facts on hearing, after any notice that the court shall have required to be given, the court may order that the petitioner may have the rents and income of the property, both real and personal, of the absentee or party imprisoned, and the rents and income shall be applied to the support of the petitioner and their minor children until further order of the court. Control and management shall be exercised through the intervention of a trustee appointed by the court; or, if the property is less than three hundred dollars ($300) in value, the whole or any part of the property may be set over to the petitioner absolutely.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 194, § 20; C.P.A. 1905, §§ 1220, 1227; G.L. 1909, ch. 246, § 18; G.L. 1923, ch. 290, § 18; G.L. 1938, ch. 417, § 16; G.L. 1956, § 15-4-16.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 15 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 15-4 - Married Women’s Rights › Section 15-4-17. - Abolition of interspousal immunity.

§ 15-4-17. Abolition of interspousal immunity.
No cause of action shall be barred on the ground that the parties are married or were married at the time that the cause of action accrued. The common-law doctrine of interspousal immunity is explicitly and totally abrogated.
History of Section.
P.L. 1987, ch. 124, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 15 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 15-5 - Divorce and Separation › Section 15-5-1. - Marriages void or voidable — Civil death or presumption of death.

§ 15-5-1. Marriages void or voidable — Civil death or presumption of death.
Divorces from the bond of marriage shall be decreed in case of any marriage originally void or voidable by law, and in case either party is for crime deemed to be or treated as if civilly dead, or, from absence or other circumstances, may be presumed to be actually dead.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 195, § 1; G.L. 1909, ch. 247, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 291, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 416, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 15-5-1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 15 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 15-5 - Divorce and Separation › Section 15-5-2. - Additional grounds for divorce.

§ 15-5-2. Additional grounds for divorce.
Divorces from the bond of marriage shall also be decreed for the following causes:
(1)
Impotency;
(2)
Adultery;
(3)
Extreme cruelty;
(4)
Willful desertion for five (5) years of either of the parties, or for willful desertion for a shorter period of time in the discretion of the court;
(5)
Continued drunkenness;
(6)
The habitual, excessive, and intemperate use of opium, morphine, or chloral;
(7)
Neglect and refusal, for the period of at least one year next before the filing of the petition, on the part of the husband to provide necessaries for the subsistence of his wife, the husband being of sufficient ability; and
(8)
Any other gross misbehavior and wickedness, in either of the parties, repugnant to and in violation of the marriage covenant.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 195, § 2; P.L. 1902, ch. 971, § 1; G.L. 1909, ch. 247, § 2; G.L. 1923, ch. 291, § 2; G.L. 1938, ch. 416, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 15-5-2; P.L. 1975, ch. 287, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 15 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 15-5 - Divorce and Separation › Section 15-5-3. - Separation of parties as ground for dissolution — Appeal.

§ 15-5-3. Separation of parties as ground for dissolution — Appeal.
(a)
Whenever, in the trial of any complaint for divorce from the bond of marriage or any complaint for dissolution of a marriage, it shall be alleged in the complaint that the parties have lived separate and apart from each other for the space of at least three (3) years, whether voluntarily or involuntary, the court shall, upon a finding that the allegation is true, enter a decision pending entry of final judgment of divorce, which may include provisions for alimony.
(b)
Final judgment shall not be entered until the expiration of twenty (20) days after entry of the decision pending entry of final judgment or, if the time for taking an appeal has been extended pursuant to Rule 4 of the Rules of Appellate Procedure, Article I, Rule 4 of the Supreme Court Rules, until the expiration of the extended period.
(c)
Final judgment may be entered ex parte and in chamber on the suggestion of the prevailing party.
(d)
If no final judgment is presented to the court for entry within one hundred eighty (180) days next after the expiration of twenty (20) days from the date of decision, a final judgment may be entered only in open court and on motion or written consent of the attorneys or parties.
(e)
Notice of the filing of the motion shall not be required in cases in which the original complaint is unanswered.
(f)
The taking of an appeal shall operate as a stay of the judgment during the pendency of the appeal. Upon motion and for good cause shown:
(1)
The family court may, prior to the filing of a notice of appeal, order that the judgment become final and operative immediately; and
(2)
The supreme court may, in the event an appeal is taken, vacate the automatic stay provided under this section.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 195, § 3; G.L. 1909, ch. 247, § 3; G.L. 1923, ch. 291, § 3; G.L. 1938, ch. 416, § 3; G.L. 1956, § 15-5-3; P.L. 1972, ch. 214, § 1; P.L. 1976, ch. 338, § 1; P.L. 1977, ch. 104, § 1; P.L. 1979, ch. 329, § 1; P.L. 1984, ch. 233, § 1; P.L. 1996, ch. 404, § 9; P.L. 2016, ch. 13, § 1; P.L. 2016, ch. 14, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 15 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 15-5 - Divorce and Separation › Section 15-5-3.1. - Divorce on grounds of irreconcilable differences.

§ 15-5-3.1. Divorce on grounds of irreconcilable differences.
(a)
A divorce from the bonds of matrimony shall be decreed, irrespective of the fault of either party, on the ground of irreconcilable differences which have caused the irremediable breakdown of the marriage.
(b)
In any pleading or hearing for divorce under this section, allegations or evidence of specific acts of misconduct shall be improper and inadmissible, except for the purpose of making a determination pursuant to §§ 15-5-16 and 15-5-16.1, or where child custody is in issue and the evidence is relevant to establish that parental custody would be detrimental to the child, or at a hearing where it is determined by the court to be necessary to establish the existence of irreconcilable differences.
(c)
Upon hearing of an action for divorce under this section, the acts of one party shall not negate the acts of the other nor bar the divorce decree.
History of Section.
P.L. 1975, ch. 287, § 1; 1976, ch. 294, § 2; P.L. 1979, ch. 279, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 15 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 15-5 - Divorce and Separation › Section 15-5-4. - Collusion of parties.

§ 15-5-4. Collusion of parties.
Whenever it appears that the absence, adultery, cruelty, desertion, or other cause of complaint was committed or occasioned by the collusion of the parties, and done or contrived with an intention to procure a divorce, no divorce shall be decreed.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 195, § 4; G.L. 1909, ch. 247, § 4; G.L. 1923, ch. 291, § 4; G.L. 1938, ch. 416, § 4; G.L. 1956, § 15-5-4.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 15 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 15-5 - Divorce and Separation › Section 15-5-5. - Uncorroborated testimony of complainant.

§ 15-5-5. Uncorroborated testimony of complainant.
Whenever the act or acts giving rise to the cause for divorce are of a nature that the complaining party could not ordinarily produce corroborating testimony, the court may, in its discretion, if it is satisfied of the existence of the cause in question, the proof in other respects being satisfactory, grant the divorce on the testimony of the complaining party alone.
History of Section.
G.L. 1938, ch. 416, § 2; P.L. 1939, ch. 707, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 15-5-5; P.L. 2004, ch. 6, § 25.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 15 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 15-5 - Divorce and Separation › Section 15-5-6 - — 15-5-8. Repealed.

§ 15-5-6 — 15-5-8. Repealed.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 195, §§ 5-7; G.L. 1909, ch. 247, §§ 5-7; P.L. 1917, ch. 1532, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 291, §§ 5-7; G.L. 1938, ch. 416, §§ 5-7; G.L. 1956, §§ 15-5-6 — 15-5-8; P.L. 1958, ch. 90, § 1; Repealed by P.L. 1979, ch. 279, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 15 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 15-5 - Divorce and Separation › Section 15-5-9. - Divorce from bed and board.

§ 15-5-9. Divorce from bed and board.
Divorces from bed, board, and future cohabitation, until the parties are reconciled, may be granted for any of the causes for which by law a divorce from the bond of marriage may be decreed, and for other causes which may seem to require a divorce from bed and board; provided, the petitioner is a domiciled inhabitant of this state and has resided in this state for a length of time that, to the court in its discretion, seems to warrant the exercise of the powers in this section conferred. In case of a divorce from bed, board, and future cohabitation, the court may assign to the petitioner a separate maintenance out of the estate or property of the husband or wife, as the case may be, in a manner and of an amount as it may think necessary or proper.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 195, § 8; P.L. 1902, ch. 971, § 2; G.L. 1909, ch. 247, § 8; G.L. 1923, ch. 291, § 8; G.L. 1938, ch. 416, § 8; P.L. 1954, ch. 3308, § 1; P.L. 1956, ch. 3692, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 15-5-9.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 15 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 15-5 - Divorce and Separation › Section 15-5-10. - Disposal of certain real estate after filing of complaint.

§ 15-5-10. Disposal of certain real estate after filing of complaint.
At any time after the filing of a complaint for divorce from bed, board, and future cohabitation, and until a decree of reconciliation has been entered, the court, upon the petition of either party seized in his or her own right of real estate in Rhode Island, after notice to the opposing party, after a hearing on the petition, may, if the court finds that justice and the best interests of the party require, enter a decree permitting the party to sell, mortgage, or otherwise dispose of the real estate free of the rights of life estates created by chapter 25 of title 33 of the opposing party. The decree shall contain a description of the real estate sufficient to identify it either by reference to a recorded plat or otherwise, and a certified copy of the decree shall be recorded in the records of land evidence of the city or town in which the real estate is located.
History of Section.
P.L. 1956, ch. 3692, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 15-5-10; P.L. 1979, ch. 373, § 11.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 15 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 15-5 - Divorce and Separation › Section 15-5-11. - Verification of complaint.

§ 15-5-11. Verification of complaint.
Every complaint shall be verified by the plaintiff, if of sound mind and of legal age to consent to marriage; otherwise, upon application to the court and after notice to the party in whose name the complaint is filed, the court may allow the complaint to be verified by a resident guardian or next friend.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 195, § 9; P.L. 1902, ch. 971, § 3; G.L. 1909, ch. 247, § 9; G.L. 1923, ch. 291, § 9; G.L. 1938, ch. 416, § 9; G.L. 1956, § 15-5-11; P.L. 1979, ch. 373, § 11.