# R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-16-9: Inclusion of unknown defendants in complaint

> Rhode Island · Statutes · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_RI_T34_C34-16_S34-16-9

## Section

- **Citation:** R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-16-9
- **Heading:** Inclusion of unknown defendants in complaint
- **Jurisdiction:** Rhode Island
- **Kind:** Statutes
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** RI Code / Title 34 / Chapter 34-16 / Section 34-16-9

## Text

(a) The complaint may include as defendants in such cause, in addition to such persons as appear of record to have, or are known to have or to assert, or who may have or assert, some claim to, or interest in, the lands described in the complaint adverse to the plaintiff€™s right, title or interest therein:

(1) All other persons unknown to, or unascertained by, the plaintiff, who claim, or may claim, any right, title or interest in such real estate; and

(2) All others in privity with them or whose interest does or may constitute a cloud upon the title of the plaintiff thereto, as described in the complaint.

(b) The complaint may include such unknown defendants in substantially the following language:

(b) €œAlso all other persons unknown and unascertained, claiming, or who may claim, any right, title, estate, lien, or interest in the real estate involved, which is, or might become, adverse to the plaintiff€™s right, title, or interest therein as alleged or which does or may constitute any cloud upon plaintiff€™s title thereto, as set forth in the complaint.€

## Nearby sections

- [R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-16-1 § 34-16-1. Action brought by person claiming through sale or proceedings requiring notice.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_RI_T34_C34-16_S34-16-1.md)
- [R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-16-2 § 34-16-2. Examination of title €” Notice to parties in interest.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_RI_T34_C34-16_S34-16-2.md)
- [R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-16-3 § 34-16-3. Determination of title €” Decree.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_RI_T34_C34-16_S34-16-3.md)
- [R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-16-4 § 34-16-4. Action brought by person claiming through conveyance, devise, or inheritance.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_RI_T34_C34-16_S34-16-4.md)
- [R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-16-5 § 34-16-5. Contents of complaint.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_RI_T34_C34-16_S34-16-5.md)
- [R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-16-6 § 34-16-6. Filing of abstract of title.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_RI_T34_C34-16_S34-16-6.md)
- [R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-16-7 § 34-16-7. Presumption of lost grant by adverse possession.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_RI_T34_C34-16_S34-16-7.md)
- [R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-16-8 § 34-16-8. Parties barred by presumption of lost grant.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_RI_T34_C34-16_S34-16-8.md)
- [R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-16-9 § 34-16-9. Inclusion of unknown defendants in complaint.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_RI_T34_C34-16_S34-16-9.md)
- [R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-16-10 § 34-16-10. Service of process on residents.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_RI_T34_C34-16_S34-16-10.md)
- [R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-16-11 § 34-16-11. Service on nonresidents.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_RI_T34_C34-16_S34-16-11.md)
- [R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-16-12 § 34-16-12. Service on defendants unknown or with unknown addresses.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_RI_T34_C34-16_S34-16-12.md)
- [R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-16-13 § 34-16-13. Proof of service €” Jurisdiction of parties.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_RI_T34_C34-16_S34-16-13.md)
- [R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-16-14 § 34-16-14. Proof of title €” Judgment.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_RI_T34_C34-16_S34-16-14.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_RI_T34_C34-16_S34-16-9. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.