Rhode Island · Alimony · Updated Oct 2026

Alimony in Rhode Island

How spousal support works in a Rhode Island divorce: when a court can order it, amount and length, how it relates to dividing property and how to ask for it.

In short

The Family Court may order either spouse to pay alimony. It considers length of marriage, conduct, health, age, income, job skills and employability, and needs, plus whether a spouse can't support themselves because of caring for a child or lacks skills.

Property division
Equitable distribution
Law
R.I. Gen. Laws 15-5-16.

When Rhode Island courts can order alimony

  • The Family Court may order either spouse to pay alimony.
  • It considers length of marriage, conduct, health, age, income, job skills and employability, and needs, plus whether a spouse can't support themselves because of caring for a child or lacks skills.

Amount, limits and length

No formula.

Law: R.I. Gen. Laws 15-5-16.

Good to know

Marital conduct is a factor in both property division and alimony. (R.I. Gen. Laws 15-5-16, 15-5-16.1)

Alimony and property in Rhode Island

Alimony is decided separately from how property and debts are divided.

System
Equitable distribution
The rule
The court may assign each spouse a share of the other's estate after considering factors such as length of marriage, conduct, contributions to acquiring and keeping property, and homemaker services.

How to ask for alimony in Rhode Island

  1. Ask for it in your divorce papers

    You ask for alimony in the divorce case itself, in your petition or in your response to your spouse's petition. Use the court's official divorce forms: Divorce forms (Rhode Island courts)

  2. Agree, or let the judge decide

    If you and your spouse agree, put it in your written agreement; if not, the judge decides.

  3. Get it in the final decree

    Spousal support is ordered in the decree. Get a certified copy and keep it.

Questions about alimony in Rhode Island

How does alimony work in Rhode Island?

The Family Court may order either spouse to pay alimony. It considers length of marriage, conduct, health, age, income, job skills and employability, and needs, plus whether a spouse can't support themselves because of caring for a child or lacks skills. No formula.

How much alimony is paid in Rhode Island, and for how long?

No formula.

Is Rhode Island a community property state?

No. Rhode Island uses equitable distribution. The court may assign each spouse a share of the other's estate after considering factors such as length of marriage, conduct, contributions to acquiring and keeping property, and homemaker services.

More about divorce in Rhode Island

Alimony in nearby states

Sources

Last checked: Oct 24, 2026.