2010 Rhode Island Code
Title 15 Domestic Relations
CHAPTER 15-5 Divorce and Separation
§ 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 petition for divorce from the bond of marriage or any petition for dissolution of a marriage, it shall be alleged in the petition 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 judgment pending 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 judgment pending 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 thirty (30) days next after the expiration of twenty (20) days from the date of decision, after this a final judgment may be entered only in open court and on motion.

(e) Notice of the filing of the motion shall not be required in cases in which the original petition 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.)