Small claims court in Providence County, Rhode Island
In Providence County, small claims cases up to $5,000 are heard by more than one court: Two divisions serve Providence County. You must file with the one that serves the right area. Below is one of them, the Rhode Island District Court, 6th Division (Garrahy Judicial Complex), with a link to the official list.
Where to file in Providence County
One of several courts in Providence County: Two divisions serve Providence County. Find the right one: Official court directory.
Rhode Island District Court, 6th Division (Garrahy Judicial Complex)
Address: One Dorrance Plaza, Providence, RI 02903 · Map
Phone: 401-458-5400
Two divisions serve Providence County: the 6th Division (Providence) covers Providence, Pawtucket, Central Falls, East Providence, Woonsocket, Burrillville and Cumberland; the 3rd Division in Warwick (222 Quaker Lane, Warwick, RI 02886, 401-822-6750) covers Cranston, Johnston, Lincoln, North Providence, North Smithfield, Smithfield, Scituate, Foster and Glocester.
Court addresses, phones and hours change. Call the clerk before you go, and ask whether small claims are filed at this location.
Is this the right county?
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.
How to file in Providence County
Ask for payment in writing
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.
Fill in the claim (Small Claims Notice of Suit)
Small Claims Notice of Suit – Complaint Get the form.
File it with the right court and pay the fee
$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)..
Have the papers served
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.
Go to the hearing
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 guideCommon questions
Where is small claims court in Providence County?
Providence County has more than one small claims court (Two divisions serve Providence County). File with the one that serves the area where the defendant lives or where the problem happened, as the venue rules say. One of them is the Rhode Island District Court, 6th Division (Garrahy Judicial Complex), One Dorrance Plaza, Providence, RI 02903. Phone: 401-458-5400. Official list of all of them: Official court directory, https://courts.ri.gov/programs-services/Pages/ADA%20Court%20and%20Location%20Contact%20List.aspx
How much can I sue for in Providence County small claims court?
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.
How much does it cost to file in Providence County?
$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)..