R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-16-13
The court shall be satisfied before proceeding to hear the cause on its merits that there has been full compliance with the requirements of this chapter with respect to the service of process and may accept the affidavit of any plaintiff or the plaintiff's attorney of record as proof of service of process in cases where service has been ordered by mailing or publication. All persons served in accordance with the provisions of this chapter shall be and become parties defendant to the proceedings, and the service shall be valid, and complete and fully effectual to give jurisdiction over them for the purposes of adjudicating, determining, and/or forever barring their interest and those of all others representing or in privity with them notwithstanding the legal disabilities of those persons.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-16-13