Alimony · Rhode Island · Factors only
Alimony in Rhode Island
Rhode Island family courts decide alimony from statutory factors such as the length of the marriage, conduct, health, income, employability and needs, plus whether a spouse cannot support themselves due to child care or time out of the workforce. Alimony is meant to last a reasonable time for the recipient to become self-sufficient, though it can be indefinite in some cases.[1]
Key facts: alimony in Rhode Island
| How the law sets it | Factors only[1] |
|---|---|
| Key rule | No formula, cap or time limit[1] |
| Law last checked | October 26, 2026 |
How it's decided
No formula, cap or time limit[1]
Rhode Island law sets no formula, cap or time limit for alimony, so there's nothing to calculate: the court weighs the factors below.
From the official text
What Rhode Island law says about alimony
Plain-English summaries of Rhode Island’s statute and court rules as of the date shown on each, with the quoted text. Not legal advice: laws change and courts apply them case by case.
The statute
R.I. Gen. Laws § 15-5-16
The main alimony statute.[1]
R.I. Gen. Laws § 15-5-16 · checked October 26, 2026
Show statute text
“(b)(1) In determining the amount of alimony or counsel fees, if any, to be paid, the court, after hearing the witnesses, if any, of each party, shall consider:”
How long it lasts
Reasonable time to become self-sufficient (indefinite possible)
Alimony is intended to support a spouse for a reasonable length of time to become financially independent, but the court may award it indefinitely when appropriate.[1]
R.I. Gen. Laws § 15-5-16(c)(2) · checked October 26, 2026
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“Alimony is designed to provide support for a spouse for a reasonable length of time to enable the recipient to become financially independent and self-sufficient.”
When it ends
Ends automatically on the recipient’s remarriage
Alimony ends automatically when the receiving spouse remarries.[1]
R.I. Gen. Laws § 15-5-16(c)(2) · checked October 26, 2026
Show statute text
“Upon the remarriage of the spouse who is receiving alimony, the obligation to pay alimony shall automatically terminate at once.”
Changing an order
Reviewable on either party’s petition
After a decree, either party may petition the court to review and change the amount and payment of alimony; the court must make specific findings to make a change retroactive.[1]
R.I. Gen. Laws § 15-5-16(c)(2) · checked October 26, 2026
Show statute text
“After a decree for alimony has been entered, the court may from time to time upon the petition of either party review and alter its decree relative to the amount and payment of the alimony,”
Divorce in Rhode Island: waiting period, residency and property rules →
Questions about alimony in Rhode Island
Is there an alimony calculator for Rhode Island?
No. Rhode Island law doesn't set alimony by formula: rhode Island family courts decide alimony from statutory factors such as the length of the marriage, conduct, health, income, employability and needs, plus whether a spouse cannot support themselves due to child care or time out of the workforce. Alimony is meant to last a reasonable time for the recipient to become self-sufficient, though it can be indefinite in some cases. — R.I. Gen. Laws § 15-5-16[1]
How long does alimony last in Rhode Island?
Alimony is intended to support a spouse for a reasonable length of time to become financially independent, but the court may award it indefinitely when appropriate. — R.I. Gen. Laws § 15-5-16(c)(2)[1]
When does alimony end in Rhode Island?
Alimony ends automatically when the receiving spouse remarries. — R.I. Gen. Laws § 15-5-16(c)(2)[1]
States with an alimony formula
Not legal advice. MediationList is a directory of court-listed mediators, not a law firm, and doesn’t endorse any mediator. Summaries follow the official text as of the date checked; courts apply it case by case.
Sources
Rhode Island’s statute and court rules, read on the official site, with the date we checked each.