English
EspañolIf I was granted an order restricting abusive litigation, what happens if the abuser files new court papers?
If you have received an order restricting abusive litigation, the abuser is required to ask the court for permission before filing a new case or serving papers in an existing case against you. Then, the court will notify you that a hearing is being scheduled to decide on the request. You have the right to appear at that hearing if you wish to participate, and if you choose not to appear in person, the judge will expect you to file a written response.1
If the judge believes that the abuser’s proposed legal filing would be abusive, the judge will deny or dismiss it.2 If the judge believes that the new action is not abusive, the judge will issue an order allowing it. This court order must be included when the abuser’s legal papers are served on you.3
If you receive papers from the abuser that do not include a court order allowing the papers to be filed or served, then all you need to do in response is to file a copy of the order restricting abusive litigation. You do not have to respond in any other way. If the legal papers ask you to appear for depositions, you do not have to attend.4 The judge will dismiss or deny the abuser’s case and may take any other actions that are necessary and appropriate to deal with the violation of the order restricting litigation.5
1 RI Gen. Laws § 8-8.4-5(a), (b)
2 RI Gen. Laws § 8-8.4-5(c)
3 RI Gen. Laws § 8-8.4-5(d)
4 RI Gen. Laws § 8-8.4-5(g)
5 RI Gen. Laws § 8-8.4-5(h)
