Rhode Island § 10-16-4 - Small Claims and Consumer Claims
Full text of Rhode Island Rhode Island General Laws § 10-16-4 — Small Claims and Consumer Claims, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 10-16-4. Small Claims and Consumer Claims
R.I. Gen. Laws § 10-16-4
§ 10-16-4. Filing fee — Waiver of appeal.
(a) The plaintiff shall pay into the court an entry fee of fifty-five dollars ($55.00), of which twenty dollars ($20.00) shall be placed in a “small claims mediation restricted-receipt account” together with an amount equal to the then-prevailing postal rate, for mailing notices in the case, which shall be deemed the beginning of the action. The “small claims mediation restricted-receipt account” shall be established under the control of the state court director of finance; the chief judge of the district court shall be authorized to pay for the services of qualified mediators and other related expenses from the “small claims mediation restricted-receipt account.” In addition to the entry fee, the court shall apply a technology surcharge in accordance with § 8-15-11.
(b) The plaintiff shall also file with his or her claim a written waiver of right of appeal.
History of Section.
P.L. 1930, ch. 1596, § 2; P.L. 1932, ch. 1904, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 592, § 2; P.L.
1952, ch. 3024, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 10-16-4; P.L. 1969, ch. 239, § 12; P.L. 1976, ch.
192, § 2; P.L. 1982, ch. 332, § 1; P.L. 1987, ch. 77, § 2; P.L. 1992, ch. 133, art.
6, § 1; P.L. 2004, ch. 212, § 1; P.L. 2004, ch. 300, § 2; P.L. 2009, ch. 5, art. 9,
§ 13; P.L. 2009, ch. 372, § 2; P.L. 2009, ch. 381, § 2; P.L. 2014, ch. 34, § 6; P.L.
2014, ch. 42, § 6.
Source: official Rhode Island text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Rhode Island § 10-16-4
What does Rhode Island General Laws § 10-16-4 cover?
Section 10-16-4 ("Small Claims and Consumer Claims") is part of the Rhode Island General Laws, the codified statutory law of Rhode Island. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Rhode Island § 10-16-4?
A common citation format is "Rhode Island General Laws § 10-16-4" (Rhode Island). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Rhode Island law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Rhode Island official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Rhode Island attorney.
How does Rhode Island § 10-16-4 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Rhode Island can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Rhode Island.