Family Law

The word "nominal" is generally defined as meaning something "small, brief or of little consequence or value."  In its root form its literal translation was akin to "in name only".   In Rhode Island Divorce proceedings you can understand a Rhode Island Nominal Hearing by thinking of it as a combination of its linguistic roots and its modern day definition.

A Nominal Hearing is a divorce hearing in which there are no "disputes" presented before the court for determination and the court is only required to make determinations regarding those issues required to be addressed as required by law in order for the judge to grant a divorce.  Since the hearing presents no disputes, it is typically very brief and usually lasts less than twenty (20 to 30) minutes.  It may be considered a hearing "in name only" because you are merely presenting to the court matters that are not in dispute and the proceeding becomes something akin to a formalization of what relief is requested by the court.

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Authored by:

Christopher A. Pearsall, Esquire
PEARSALL LAW ASSOCIATES
571 Pontiac Avenue
Cranston, RI  02910
Phone:  (401) 354-2369

Attorney Pearsall's practice is focused almost exclusively in the areas of Divorce and Family law.

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