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Rule 58 – Entry of Judgment.

May 14, 2021 | Domestic Relations, Family Law, Rhode Island

(a) After Trial or Hearing. Subject to the provisions of Rule 54(b):

(1) Upon a decision by the court that a party shall recover only a sum certain or costs or that all relief shall be denied, the clerk, unless the court otherwise orders, shall forthwith sign and enter the judgment without awaiting any direction by the court;
(2) Upon a decision by the court granting other relief, the court shall promptly approve the form of the judgment and sign it and the clerk shall thereupon enter it; or
(3) Upon a decision by the court granting a divorce from the bond of marriage:

(A) The court shall promptly approve the form of decision pending entry of final judgment and sign it and the clerk shall thereupon enter it; and
(B) Unless otherwise provided by statute, not sooner than three (3) months from the date of decision the court, upon request of the prevailing party, shall promptly approve the form of a final judgment and sign it and the clerk shall thereupon enter it.

Every judgment shall be set forth on a separate document. A judgment is effective and shall be deemed entered when so set forth and signed by a judicial officer. Entry of the judgment shall not be delayed for the taxing of costs. Attorneys and self-represented litigants shall submit forms of judgment upon direction of the court.

(b) By Agreement. Subject to the provisions of Rule 54(b) the clerk, without awaiting any direction by the court, may enter judgment for a sum certain or denying relief upon agreement or submission in writing by the parties or their attorneys of record, except in a proceeding seeking child support or when any party is an infant or incompetent person.
(c) Upon Order of Supreme Court. The clerk shall enter any judgment specifically directed by the Supreme Court.
(d) Child Support Orders. All court orders providing for the commencement, modification, or suspension of any order for child support or for a cash medical support order or provision to obtain or maintain medical insurance for a child shall contain a certification by the attorney for the party presenting the order to the court or the self-represented litigant that he or she has complied with the requirements of G.L. ยง 15-5-16.2(h)(1) (registration of orders).

R.I. Fam. Ct. R. Dom. Rel. P. 58