Bristol County Court Records

Bristol County court records consist of motions, rulings, judgments, dockets, exhibits, and other legal documents detailing the county's cases and proceedings. These records are available as audio, video, written documents, photocopies, and other media.

The local judiciary keeps these records for several reasons and makes them available to government agencies and the public on request. They may be used as proof that the legal process was followed during court cases or as an aid for anyone who wants to understand it.

Are Court Records Public in Bristol County?

The Rhode Island Access to Public Records Act classifies Bristol County court records as public. Unless specifically exempted by the law, record seekers may be able to access court records maintained by their custodians. The following are examples of records that may be exempted from public access.

• Personal information whose release would constitute an unnecessary invasion of personal privacy
• Information that may jeopardize a current court case or law enforcement investigation
• Information covered by the attorney-client privilege
• Any information made confidential by a federal or state statute

Bristol County Court Records Search

The following methods are valid options for searching for Bristol County court records.

• Contact the Clerk at the Bristol County Superior or District Court
• Consult the online resources on the Rhode Island Judiciary website
• Try out third-party record websites

Bristol County Courts

Bristol County has various types of courts, such as superior, district, family, probate, and municipal courts, all hearing cases at different levels. Below is a list of all the court locations found in Bristol County:

Providence/Bristol County Superior Court
Licht Judicial Complex
250 Benefit Street
Providence, RI 02903
Phone: (401) 222-3250
Fax: (401) 222-2701

Sixth Division District Court
Garrahy Judicial Complex
1 Dorrance Plaza
Providence, RI 02903
Phone: (401) 458-5400
Fax: (401) 458-3190

Providence/Bristol County Family Court
Garrahy Judicial Complex
1 Dorrance Plaza
Providence, RI 02903
Phone: (401) 458-5262

Barrington Probate Court
283 County Road
Barrington, RI 02806
Phone: (401) 247-1900 ext. 305

Bristol Probate Court
Bristol Town Hall
10 Court Street
Bristol, RI 02809
Phone: (401) 253-7000
Fax: (401) 253-2647

Warren Probate Court
Town Hall
514 Main Street
Warren, RI 02885
Phone: (401) 245-7340
The Warren Probate Court holds sessions every 2nd and 4th Thursday monthly from 9:30 a.m.

Bristol Municipal Court
Burnside Memorial Building
400 Hope Street
Bristol, RI 02809
Phone: (401) 253-7000
Fax: (401) 253-2647

Warren Municipal Court
Town Hall
514 Main Street
Warren, RI 02885
Phone: (401) 289-0630
Fax: (401) 245-7421

Bristol County Criminal and Civil Records

The various trial courts in the county hear Bristol County criminal and civil court cases. These records are maintained by the court that heard the case, either the Bristol County Superior Court or the Bristol County District Court. Record seekers may request these criminal and civil court records from the court clerks using the contact information above. Records may also be looked up online by creating an account on the Rhode Island Judiciary Public Portal.

Criminal records such as Bristol County arrest records may also be available with criminal court records. Civil court records generally concern claims cases and disputes between two private individuals.

Bristol County Marriage Records

Bristol County marriage records may be requested from the town clerk where the birth occurred. For example, in the county seat of Bristol Town, marriage records may be requested from the Bristol Town Clerk. The Rhode Island Department of Health(RIDOH) Center of Vital Records also answers marriage record requests. Vital records such as marriage certificates are confidential in Rhode Island and may only be requested by persons such as the subjects on the record, their immediate family, and legal representatives.

To request a Bristol County marriage certificate, requesters must submit a marriage certificate application form in person or by mail. Recorder seekers must include a copy of valid government-issued Identification with their mailed requests or show one when requesting in person. Requests must be submitted to the local town clerk or the Department of Health at:

Rhode Island Department of Health
Center for Vital Records
Simpson Hall, 6 Harrington Rd
Cranston, RI 02920

Copies of marriage records cost $22 for the first copy and $18 for each additional copy purchased on the same day. Credit/debit cards or checks and money orders payable to the General Treasurer of Rhode Island are accepted forms of payment. Record seekers may confirm from town clerks what type of payment they accept.

Bristol County Divorce Records

Bristol County divorce records may be obtained from the Bristol County Family Court. Record seekers may obtain divorce records by visiting in person or mailing a request to the court at:

Providence/Bristol County Family Court
Garrahy Judicial Complex
1 Dorrance Plaza
Providence, RI 02903

Record requests should contain details of the case, such as the parties involved in the divorce, the case date, and a case number, if available. Record seekers may call the family court at (401) 458-5262 for inquiries about record availability, request procedures, and copy fees.

Bristol Birth Records

Bristol County birth records are confidential under Rhode Island law and may only be accessed by people with a direct and tangible interest in the record. These generally include the person named on the birth record, their immediate family, and any authorized legal representatives or guardians. Birth records are useful during probate cases and paternity cases and for determining ethnicity or identity. Bristol County birth records may be obtained from the clerk of the Town/City where the birth occurred or from the Center of Vital Records for the state health department.

To request a Bristol County birth certificate, record seekers must fill out a Birth Certificate Application and submit it to the appropriate town clerk or the center for vital records. Requesters must show eligibility to access the record by submitting a copy of government-issued ID with the form and paying the necessary fees. Birth certificates cost $22 for the first copy and $18 each for additional copies ordered together. Full details about the request procedure and fees may be found on the Center for Vital Records webpage.

Bristol Death Records

Bristol County death records are confidential and only accessible by eligible parties, including immediate family, legal representatives, and people with a direct tangible interest. Bristol Death records may be requested from the Town clerk where the birth was registered and the Rhode Island Department of Health.

Bristol County death certificates may be requested by filling out a Death Certificate Application form and submitting it to the state Center of Vital Records or the local town clerk. Requests should be submitted with a valid ID and payment for any requested copies. Death certificates cost $22 for the first copy and $18 for any extra copies ordered simultaneously. The Center of Vital Records website contains more comprehensive details about requesting vital records, including processing times and rush fees.

Bristol County Probate Court Records

Bristol County probate court records may be obtained from the Bristol County Superior Court or the probate courts in Bristol County. Probate records include a decedent's estates, trusts, wills, and guardianships. Requests may be made by visiting the court clerk’s office in person or mailing a written request containing enough information to find the record. Requests may be forwarded to the Superior Court or the appropriate probate courts in the towns of Barrington, Bristol, and Warren.

Bristol County Property Records

Bristol County property records are maintained as documentation concerning property and property transactions within the county. The town clerks and the town assessors in Bristol County serve as custodians of property records. Interested parties must direct their requests and any inquiries to the appropriate town clerk or assessor where the property is located.

Inquiries about property records and where to obtain them may be made by calling the following Town clerks within Bristol County.

• Barrington Town Clerk: (401) 247-1900
• Bristol Town Clerk: (401) 253-7000
• Warren Town Clerk: (401) 245-7340

Bristol County Court Records Online

Court records can generally be obtained by contacting the Clerk at the Bristol County Superior or District Court. Bristol County court records may also be obtained via Rhodeislandcourtrecords.us and other third-party record websites. Using the provided user interfaces and search tools, requesters may search for records and view results using any internet-capable smart device. These websites allow users to save the effort and time of visiting a courthouse in person. However, it should be noted that these websites are privately owned and have no government affiliations. Hence, the accuracy of the records they provide cannot be guaranteed.