Rhode Island § 9-4-9 - Commencement of Proceedings
Full text of Rhode Island Rhode Island General Laws § 9-4-9 — Commencement of Proceedings, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 9-4-9. Commencement of Proceedings
R.I. Gen. Laws § 9-4-9
§ 9-4-9. Lis pendens.
(a) No proceeding in court, hereafter taken, whether by filing bill, petition, declaration, or other complaint, or by rule of court or otherwise, and no final order, decree, or judgment, concerning the title to any real estate, in this state, or to any interest or easement therein, shall affect the title (except as to parties thereto and their heirs and devisees, and those having actual notice thereof) as to any rights acquired before notice of the filing, or entry of the notice shall be recorded in the records of land evidence in the town or city where the real estate is situated; the notice to be copied in a book duly indexed and kept for that purpose. The notice shall briefly state the names of all the parties, the court wherein filed, the date of filing, and the substance of the bill, petition, declaration or other complaint, rule, order, decree, or judgment, and a description of the real estate thereby affected, so as far as may be necessary to warn any person subsequently dealing with the title to the land.
(b) Any person causing such notice to be recorded shall, within seven (7) days of the recording, cause a copy of said notice to be mailed, regular mail, postage prepaid to all parties named in the bill, petition, declaration or other complaint, rule, order, decree, or judgment at their last known address. Failure to comply with this provision shall not invalidate the lis pendens.
History of Section.
C.P.A. 1905, § 439; G.L. 1909, ch. 294, § 13; G.L. 1923, ch. 344, § 13; G.L. 1938,
ch. 439, § 1; P.L. 1940, ch. 942, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 9-4-9; P.L. 1988, ch. 85, § 1.
Source: official Rhode Island text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Rhode Island § 9-4-9
What does Rhode Island General Laws § 9-4-9 cover?
Section 9-4-9 ("Commencement of Proceedings") 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 § 9-4-9?
A common citation format is "Rhode Island General Laws § 9-4-9" (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 § 9-4-9 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.