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Legal Information: Rhode Island

Litigation Abuse

Laws current as of July 19, 2024

What is the definition of abusive litigation in Rhode Island?

Abusive litigation is when the abuser uses the court system mainly to abuse, harass, intimidate, or threaten you, or as a way to have contact with you.1 This can include:

  • filing lawsuits, complaints, or petitions against you;
  • sending court notices, motions, or orders to appear;
  • serving you with subpoenas, interrogatories, or requests for documents;
  • sending deposition notices or other discovery demands.2 

Abusive litigation often happens when an abuser wants to keep power and control over a victim who has left or is trying to leave a relationship.

If this is happening to you, you can ask a judge for an order restricting abusive litigation. This order can limit the abuser’s ability to file new cases or motions against you.

1 R.I. Gen. Laws § 8-8.4-1(1)
2 R.I. Gen. Laws § 8-8.4-1(4)

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