Scheduling of Cases

A defendant shall serve the Defendant's Answer to Small Claims Notice of Suit within twenty (20) days after the service of the summons, Small Claims Notice of Suit, and Language Assistance Notice upon the defendant, unless the court directs otherwise when service of process is made pursuant to an order of court. The most current version of the Defendant's Answer to Small Claims Notice of Suit is located on the Judiciary's website at www.courts.ri.gov under the heading of Public Resources, Forms. After the Defendant's Answer to Small Claims Notice of Suit is filed, the clerk of the District Court will assign a trial date.