About Public Records in Rhode Island

• General Jurisdiction / Upper Courts


• Superior Courts - 4 divisions. These courts handle the following case types:
• Civil - torts, contracts, and real property rights for claims over $5,000.
• Criminal felony.


• Limited Jurisdiction / Lower Courts


• District Courts - 4 divisions.
• Civil - torts, contracts, and real property rights for claims to $5,000.
• Small claims.
• Criminal misdemeanor, drunk driving.
• Traffic.
• Ordinance violations.
• Preliminary hearings.


• Family Courts - 4 divisions. These courts handle the following case types:
• Juvenile.
• Domestic relations.


• Municipal Courts - 16 courts. These courts handle the following case types:
• Ordinance violations.
• Parking.


• Probate Courts - 39 towns/cities. These courts handle the following case types:
• Estates.


• Traffic Tribunal -
• Traffic.

Rhode Island real and personal property tax records are kept by the Assessment office in each township.
 

Rhode Island deeds and general document recording are handled by the Town Clerk in each township. Records kept include deeds, mortgage documents, easements, powers of attorney, and liens.

The Rhode Island Office of Vital Records is the agency that is responsible for the registration and permanent filing of the vital records of the 39 cities and towns of Rhode Island. The Office of Vital Records is also responsible for the maintenance of these records, and the periodic publication of data derived from them. Only those individuals who have what is called a "Direct and Tangible Interest" in the records may have access to records.