For you to be granted a Divorce in Rhode Island Family Court you must have lived as a domiciled inhabitant in Rhode Island for at least one year prior to filing your complaint for divorce.  A domiciled inhabitant simply means that the State of Rhode Island has been your permanent home for at least one year.  This jurisdictional issue can also be satisfied if you do not reside in Rhode Island but your spouse has been a permanent resident of Rhode Island for at least one year.  If so, then you may file for divorce as the plaintiff, however your spouse must receive actual service of a copy of your summons and complaint for divorce. There is no exception to the law. I have included a link below to Rhode Island General Law § 15-5-12 which explains the domicile and residence requirements.  If you have any questions whether you satisfy the residency condition for filing for divorce in Rhode Island, please contact Rhode Island Divorce Attorney Brenda L. Fortune at (401) 782-2300 for your free initial consultation.