In Bristol County, small claims cases up to $5,000 are heard by the Rhode Island District Court, 6th Division (Garrahy Judicial Complex). Here is where it is, how to reach it and how to file.
Address: One Dorrance Plaza, Providence, RI 02903 · Map
Phone: 401-458-5400
Bristol County has no District Court of its own: Barrington, Bristol and Warren are in the 6th Division in Providence (R.I. Gen. Laws § 8-8-2).
Court addresses, phones and hours change. Call the clerk before you go, and ask whether small claims are filed at this location.
File in the District Court division that handles the area where the parties live, as in other civil cases. If you are a corporation, you must file where the defendant lives.
If the person or business you are suing is in another county, use that county's court instead. See all Rhode Island counties.
Rhode Island doesn't require a demand before filing, but asking for payment in writing first is a good idea. Make a free demand letter.
Small Claims Notice of Suit – Complaint Get the form.
$75.75 to file. Starting January 1, 2027, the fee becomes $75 total. You also pay the sheriff or constable to serve the papers. Fee waiver: Ask the clerk for an application to proceed in forma pauperis (without paying fees)..
The clerk issues a summons, and a sheriff or authorized constable serves it with the Notice of Suit and the Language Assistance Notice. You pay their fee and file the served summons with the clerk.
The clerk schedules a trial after the defendant files an answer; timing depends on the court division. Bring receipts, photos, messages, the contract and your demand letter, with copies.
Want every detail? The full Rhode Island filing guide covers each stage with a checklist.
Open the filing guideSmall claims in Bristol County are filed with the Rhode Island District Court, 6th Division (Garrahy Judicial Complex), One Dorrance Plaza, Providence, RI 02903. Phone: 401-458-5400.
Up to $5,000. You can sue for up to $5,000, not counting interest and costs, for claims based on a contract, a retail sale, or services. Personal injury, car accidents and property damage can't be brought as small claims. You can't split a bigger claim into several suits.
$75.75 to file. Starting January 1, 2027, the fee becomes $75 total. You also pay the sheriff or constable to serve the papers.