Kent County court records in Rhode Island are available through several channels. KentRICourt.us allows you to search for public information on court cases in the county. Additionally, the Rhode Island Judiciary Public Portal provides online access to electronic docket sheets. You can also visit the court clerk's office in person, call, or use public terminals at the courthouse.
Kent Court System & Jurisdictions
Several state courts operate in Kent County, each handling specific categories of cases. Federal cases concerning the county are heard by the U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island.
Superior Court
This court is the primary court of general jurisdiction. It handles:
- Felony criminal cases
- Civil suits over $10,000
- Zoning and land use cases
- Appeals from District Court
The Kent County Superior Court Clerk's Office is located at the courthouse in Warwick.
District Court
The District Court is a court of limited jurisdiction. It handles misdemeanors, initial criminal proceedings, civil suits up to $10,000, and small claims cases up to $5,000. Traffic violations also begin here.
Family Court
The Family Court has jurisdiction over divorces, child custody, alimony, domestic violence cases, and juvenile matters. Criminal cases involving adults related to family issues may also be heard here.
Probate Court
Probate, wills, and guardianship cases are handled by municipal probate courts. Each town in Kent County — Warwick, Coventry, East Greenwich, West Greenwich, and West Warwick — has its own Probate Court at the town administration.
Kent Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
To find the schedule of hearings for today, tomorrow, or the current week, use several resources.
- Visit the Superior Court page, which has a "Calendars and Public Access to Court Hearings" section with the schedule for Kent County.
- Through the public portal of the judiciary, you can find a specific case by number or party name and see scheduled hearing dates in the docket.
- Call the court clerk's office at (401) 822-6900 (Superior Court) or (401) 822-6865 (general information for Kent County) to confirm the time and courtroom.
The portal does not display sealed cases and confidential document types. Family and District Court calendars are published separately on the respective pages of the Rhode Island Judiciary website.
How to Get a Copy of a Kent Court Document
Court document copies come in two types: uncertified and certified. A certified copy has a court seal and clerk's signature, confirming its authenticity — this is usually required by other institutions.
Ways to Obtain
- In Person: Visit the clerk's office of the relevant court at the Kent County Courthouse. You will need the case number or full party name and approximate filing date.
- By Mail: Send a written request with the case number, document name, copy type (uncertified or certified), and return address. Include a check or money order for the appropriate amount.
- Online: Some documents can be viewed through the public portal, but for a certified copy, you must contact the clerk's office. Electronic filing is available through the eFileRI system.
Mailing address for requests to the Superior Court:
Historical records before 1900 are stored at the Judicial Records Center located in Pawtucket.
Access Restrictions
Not all documents are public. Sealed cases, juvenile records, certain family cases, and confidential information as defined by Rhode Island Judiciary rules are not available for release. If you're unsure whether a document is available, ask the clerk.
Kent Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees for copies and searches are set by administrative orders of the Rhode Island Judiciary. Below are typical rates for the Superior Court and District Court.
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Uncertified copy (per page) | $0.15 |
| Document certification | $3.00 per document |
| Registry search (per request) | Free through the public portal; manual search by the clerk may incur a fee |
| Copy of hearing audio recording | Depends on duration; check with the clerk's office |
Payment is accepted via money order or check made payable to "Rhode Island Superior Court." Cash and credit cards are not always accepted — check in advance by phone. More information about available Kent County court records can be found through KentRICourt.us before contacting the clerk's office.
Probate fees are set by each municipality and may vary between Warwick, Coventry, and other towns in the county. Contact the Probate Clerk of the respective town directly for clarification.