R.I. Gen. Laws § 44-9-28: Order as to parties in default.

After the fixed return day, to be at least twenty (20) days after the time of the actual issuance of notice, the court, if satisfied that the notice has been properly given, on motion of the petitioner shall enter an order defaulting all persons failing to file a timely answer, and decreeing that the petition as to them be taken as confessed (Form 8).