Rhode Island probate guide
Probate process in Rhode Island
Rhode Island is unusual in operating Probate Courts at the city/town level rather than the county level. A small-estate process for estates under $15,000 allows an interested party to file a verified statement 30 days after death and be appointed voluntary administrator for a total filing cost of about $35. Rhode Island does NOT have a real-property TOD deed statute.
Rhode Island probate at a glance
- Court
- Probate Court (municipal)
- Typical timeline
- 32–52 weeks
- Filing fee
- $35–$500
- Small-estate threshold
- $15,000
- TOD deed allowed?
- No
- Bond required by default?
- Yes (unless waived)
- Statute
- R.I. Gen. Laws §§ 33-22-1 et seq.
Source: www.sos.ri.gov. Fees and thresholds change — verify with your county court before filing.
How Rhode Island probate works, step by step
- 1File petition with the municipal Probate Court
- 2Court appoints executor or administrator and issues letters
- 3Publish notice to creditors; six-month claim period runs
- 4File inventory within 90 days and pay debts and taxes
- 5File final account and decree of distribution
Probate by county in Rhode Island
Filing fees, court contacts, and process detail for 1 Rhode Island county:
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This page is informational and is not legal advice. Probate procedure varies by county and changes over time. Consult a licensed Rhode Island probate attorney for advice specific to your situation.