Rhode Island’s Bankruptcy Resources

Rhode Island’s bankruptcy system operates through the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Rhode Island, with all bankruptcy cases administered through the federal courthouse in Providence. While Rhode Island follows the same federal Bankruptcy Code used nationwide, filing procedures, trustee assignments, exemptions, and local court rules are administered at the district level and may differ from those in other states.

This statewide resource page provides a comprehensive overview of Rhode Island’s bankruptcy court, trustees, exemptions, and Means Test guidelines.

By Alexander Hernandez, J.D., Professor, and Author of Consumer Bankruptcy Law (Routledge).

Rhode Island’s Bankruptcy Court Structure

Rhode Island’s bankruptcy system operates as a single federal district: the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Rhode Island. Because Rhode Island is one of the nation’s smallest states, all bankruptcy cases are administered through a single court location in Providence.

All Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 cases follow the federal Bankruptcy Code, but local rules, filing procedures, trustee assignments, and court requirements are specific to the District of Rhode Island. Before filing motions or scheduling hearings, always review the bankruptcy judge’s page to determine preferred procedures.

Your filing location and assigned trustee are determined by your county of residence, although all cases are filed and administered through the Providence courthouse.

Primary Courthouse Location:
United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Rhode Island
Federal Center
380 Westminster Street, 6th Floor
Providence, RI 02903

This is the only bankruptcy court location in Rhode Island and handles all Chapter 7, Chapter 13, and other bankruptcy proceedings filed within the state. Below, the filing statistics summarize the number of Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcies filed in Rhode Island from 2023 through 2025.

Year	Chapter 7 Filings	Chapter 13 Filings	Total Filings
2025	786	277	1,063
2024	672	288	960
2023	640	198	838

Rhode Island Bankruptcy Trustees

Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 trustees in Rhode Island are appointed by the United States Trustee Program to administer bankruptcy cases filed in the District of Rhode Island. Their duties include reviewing bankruptcy petitions and financial records, conducting Section 341 Meetings of Creditors, liquidating non-exempt assets in Chapter 7 cases when appropriate, and overseeing repayment plans and creditor distributions in Chapter 13 cases.

As Rhode Island is a single federal bankruptcy district, trustee assignments are managed on a statewide basis. Chapter 7 panel trustees and the standing Chapter 13 trustee administer cases filed throughout the state.

Contact information for Rhode Island bankruptcy trustees is available through this resource.

Rhode Island Bankruptcy Exemptions

Because Rhode Island has not opted out of the federal bankruptcy exemption system, eligible bankruptcy filers may choose between Rhode Island’s state-law exemptions and the federal bankruptcy exemptions available under 11 U.S.C. §522.

Filers who elect the federal exemption system may use §522(d) to protect equity in a residence, motor vehicle, personal property, tools of the trade, retirement accounts, and other qualifying assets. Those who choose Rhode Island exemptions must use the protections provided under state law.

Because the choice between state and federal exemptions can significantly affect the amount and type of property protected in bankruptcy, selecting the appropriate exemption strategy is an important factor when evaluating whether to file Chapter 7 or Chapter 13. In addition, exemptions include residency requirements, which also require timing your bankruptcy petition to best protect your assets.

For a full breakdown of each exemption category, statutory citations, and practical examples based on Rhode Island and the federal exemptions, visit the Bankruptcy Exemptions guide.

Rhode Island Means Test

The Means Test determines whether a debtor qualifies for Chapter 7 bankruptcy or must proceed under Chapter 13. The median income figures, which are updated twice annually by the U.S. Trustee Program, is the starting point. These income limits, based on household size, determine whether a debtor may qualify for Chapter 7 based on income alone or must complete the full Means Test analysis. However, it should be noted that passing the Means Test doesn’t mean that Chapter 7 should be filed automatically as disposable income and exemptions also need to be considered.

Beyond Chapter 7 eligibility, the Means Test also plays an important role in Chapter 13 cases by determining the length of the repayment plan (3-5 years), as well as projected disposable income available to be paid into the plan.

For current median income figures and detailed qualification requirements, visit the Rhode Island Means Test resource page.

Conclusion

Filing for bankruptcy in Rhode Island requires an understanding of the Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 process, as well as the role bankruptcy trustees play in overseeing cases. Because Rhode Island allows eligible debtors to choose between state and federal bankruptcy exemptions, evaluating which exemption system provides the greatest protection for your real and personal property is an important step in planning a successful bankruptcy filing.

You must also compare your household income to Rhode Island’s current Means Test figures to determine Chapter 7 eligibility and evaluate potential Chapter 13 repayment requirements.

Use this statewide resource page as your central reference for court information, trustee directories, exemption rules, and Means Test guidance for bankruptcy cases filed in Rhode Island.

Educational Resources

• For Institutions: Colleges and universities may request examination copies of my textbook directly from Routledge Publishing.
• For Students & Practitioners: Single print and digital copies are available via Amazon Books.
• Video Lectures: Stream comprehensive legal breakdowns and video explanations on the Bankruptcy.blog YouTube Channel.

Bankruptcy Court & Consumer Resources

Explore additional consumer guides and state-specific directories to navigate your legal options:

• A step-by-step master guide to completing and understanding the bankruptcy petition.
• Bankruptcy Court Directory: Full listings for the federal bankruptcy court system and trustee contact information.
• State Bankruptcy Exemptions: Review your state‑specific exemptions or compare them with the federal exemptions.
• 341 Meeting Procedures: Prepare for your court date with updated rules, expectations, and practical guidance.

Please note that the information on this site does not constitute legal advice and should be considered for informational purposes only.

Statutory References

• 11 U.S.C. §522 (2024). Exemptions.