Rule 20.Permissive Joinder of Parties.
Current through February 2024 · Last verified September 12, 2026
Full Text of Rule 20
Amendment History
Rhode Island does not publish a per-rule amendment history inside the compiled rules text reproduced here. The text above is verified current through the source’s own February 2024 printing; for the underlying adopting orders and any later amendments, see the Rhode Island Judiciary’s compiled rules page.
Plain-English Summary
Subdivision (a) sets two conditions, and both have to be met. The claims must assert a right to relief jointly, severally, or in the alternative in respect of or arising out of the same transaction, occurrence, or series of transactions or occurrences, and some question of law or fact common to all of them must arise in the action. The same pair of tests governs joining plaintiffs and joining defendants. Meeting one test and not the other is not enough.
The rule then loosens what people assume joinder demands. No plaintiff or defendant has to be interested in obtaining or defending against all the relief demanded. Judgment may be entered for one or more plaintiffs according to their respective rights to relief and against one or more defendants according to their respective liabilities, so a joined case does not have to end in a single outcome for everyone in it.
Subdivision (b) is the pressure valve. Where a party is carried along by the presence of someone against whom that party asserts no claim and who asserts none back, the court may enter orders that keep the party from being embarrassed, delayed, or put to expense, including separate trials or any other order that prevents delay or prejudice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can two people file one Rhode Island Family Court case together?
Yes, when two conditions are met. Subdivision (a) allows it where they assert a right to relief jointly, severally, or in the alternative arising out of the same transaction, occurrence, or series of transactions or occurrences, and where a question of law or fact common to all of them will arise in the action.
Can more than one defendant be named in the same action?
Yes, on the same two conditions. Subdivision (a) permits joining defendants where a right to relief is asserted against them jointly, severally, or in the alternative out of the same transaction or occurrence and a common question of law or fact will arise.
Does every joined party have to care about every part of the case?
No. Subdivision (a) states that a plaintiff or defendant need not be interested in obtaining or defending against all the relief demanded in the action.
Can the court rule for some parties and against others?
Yes. Subdivision (a) allows judgment for one or more plaintiffs according to their respective rights to relief, and against one or more defendants according to their respective liabilities.
What if I am pulled into a case that has nothing to do with me?
Subdivision (b) lets the court make orders preventing a party from being embarrassed, delayed, or put to expense by the inclusion of a party against whom it asserts no claim and who asserts no claim against it. Those orders can include separate trials.