SMALL CLAIMS COMPLAINT

State of Rhode Island District Court – Small Claims Division

[// GUIDANCE: This template is intentionally more sophisticated than the court-supplied “fill-in-the-blank” form so that counsel can: (a) integrate exhibits; (b) preserve defenses; and (c) minimize the need for later amendment. Delete any bracketed text and tailor all facts before filing.]

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Document Header
2. Definitions
3. Operative Allegations
4. Representations & Warranties
5. Covenants & Restrictions
6. Default & Remedies (Prayer for Relief)
7. Risk Allocation (Costs & Interest)
8. Dispute Resolution & Appeal Rights
9. General Provisions
10. Execution Block

1. DOCUMENT HEADER

STATE OF RHODE ISLAND
DISTRICT COURT – [] DIVISION
SMALL CLAIMS DEPARTMENT
Case No.: ____ (to be assigned)

Plaintiff: [PLAINTIFF LEGAL NAME], a [state] [entity type or “natural person”],
Address: [Street, City, State, ZIP]
Telephone: []
E-Mail: []

v.

Defendant: [DEFENDANT LEGAL NAME], a [state] [entity type or “natural person”],
Address: [Street, City, State, ZIP]
Telephone: []
E-Mail: []

COMPLAINT FOR MONEY DAMAGES (SMALL CLAIMS)
Effective Date of Filing: ____

2. DEFINITIONS

For clarity and consistent usage in this pleading:

“Claim” means the monetary demand asserted in ¶¶ 6–8, inclusive.

“Interest Statute” means R.I. Gen. Laws § 9-21-10(a) (2024) (12 % per annum post-judgment interest).

“Small Claims Act” means R.I. Gen. Laws §§ 10-16-1 et seq. (2024).

[// GUIDANCE: Delete or add defined terms as needed.]

3. OPERATIVE ALLEGATIONS

1. Parties.
   a. Plaintiff is [describe status, e.g., “a Rhode Island-domiciled individual” or “a Delaware limited liability company duly authorized to do business in Rhode Island”].
   b. Defendant is [describe status and, if an entity, registered agent].

2. Jurisdiction & Venue.
   a. This Court has subject-matter jurisdiction under the Small Claims Act because the amount in controversy does not exceed the statutory limit of Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000). See Small Claims Act § 10-16-1.
   b. Venue is proper in the [___] Division because [choose one: “the Defendant resides/does business here” / “the transaction at issue occurred here”].

3. Nature of Dispute.
   On or about [DATE], Plaintiff provided [goods / services] to Defendant, who agreed to pay $[AMOUNT]. Despite demand, Defendant has failed to pay the outstanding balance of $[PRINCIPAL] as detailed in Exhibit A (incorporated by reference).

4. Conditions Precedent.
   All conditions precedent to filing this Complaint have been satisfied, waived, or excused.

5. Demand for Payment.
   Plaintiff served a written demand on [DATE] (Exhibit B). More than thirty (30) days have elapsed without cure.

4. REPRESENTATIONS & WARRANTIES

6. Plaintiff represents and warrants that:
   a. The Claim is for money damages only and is therefore an “allowable claim” under the Small Claims Act;
   b. The Claim does not exceed $5,000, exclusive of allowable costs and statutory interest; and
   c. The Claim has not been assigned for collection to any third party.

5. COVENANTS & RESTRICTIONS

7. Plaintiff covenants to notify the Court and all parties of any change of address or telephone number within five (5) days.
8. Plaintiff further covenants that no separate action concerning the Claim is pending in any other court.

6. DEFAULT & REMEDIES (PRAYER FOR RELIEF)

WHEREFORE, Plaintiff respectfully requests that the Court enter judgment in Plaintiff’s favor and against Defendant as follows:

a. Principal Damages: $[PRINCIPAL]
b. Statutory Interest (post-judgment per Interest Statute);
c. Court Costs and Filing Fees; and
d. Such other and further relief as the Court deems just and proper.

7. RISK ALLOCATION (COSTS & INTEREST)

9. Pursuant to the Interest Statute, Plaintiff seeks interest at twelve percent (12 %) per annum from the date of judgment until paid in full.
10. Plaintiff seeks taxable costs as permitted by Small Claims Rule 11.

8. DISPUTE RESOLUTION & APPEAL RIGHTS

11. Governing Law: This action is governed exclusively by Rhode Island state law.
12. Forum Selection: The sole forum for this action is the Small Claims Department of the District Court, [___] Division.
13. Appeal Rights: Defendant may appeal an adverse judgment to the Rhode Island Superior Court within two (2) days after entry of judgment. See Small Claims Act § 10-16-6. Plaintiff understands that, except as provided by statute, Plaintiff’s right to appeal is limited.

[// GUIDANCE: Counsel should advise clients of the extremely short appeal window.]

9. GENERAL PROVISIONS

14. Severability: If any provision of this Complaint is held invalid, the remaining provisions shall remain operative to the fullest extent permitted by law.
15. Integration: This Complaint, together with its exhibits, constitutes the entire statement of Plaintiff’s Claim.

10. EXECUTION BLOCK

Respectfully submitted,

[PLAINTIFF NAME]
By: ______
[Signature of Plaintiff / Counsel]
Name: [Attorney Name, Esq.]
Bar No.: [RI Bar #]
Firm: [Law Firm Name]
Address: [Street, City, State, ZIP]
Phone: [_] | Fax: []
E-Mail: []

Date: ___

VERIFICATION

I, [Plaintiff / Authorized Agent], declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of Rhode Island that the foregoing is true and correct based on my personal knowledge, except as to matters stated on information and belief, and as to those matters I believe them to be true.

[Name]
Date: ___

[// GUIDANCE: Rhode Island permits unsworn verification under R.I. Gen. Laws § 9-1-33. Attach exhibits (invoices, demand letter, etc.) and file with the appropriate Small Claims clerk. Serve Defendant by certified mail, sheriff, or constable per Small Claims Rule 4.]

Exhibit A: Account Statement / Invoice
Exhibit B: Final Demand Letter

[End of Template]