What to do when an estate administrator in Rhode Island withholds asset information and estate documents

Quick answer: In Rhode Island, beneficiaries and other “interested persons” generally have the right to see basic estate information. If an administrator is withholding records, you should first make a written request. If that fails, you can ask the probate court to compel disclosure, require an inventory or accounting, and — in serious cases — seek removal of the administrator or other court sanctions. This article explains the common steps, what documents to request, and how to prepare to ask the court for help under Rhode Island law (see Title 33).

Important disclaimer

This is general information, not legal advice. I am not a lawyer. For advice about your situation, consult a Rhode Island attorney who handles probate and estate matters.

Why you can (usually) request estate information

When someone dies and a personal representative or administrator is appointed by the probate court, that representative has fiduciary duties to the estate and the people with an interest in it. Those duties include managing assets prudently, providing required filings to the court, and keeping interested persons informed. Rhode Island’s statutory framework for wills, estates, and probate administration is found in Title 33 of the Rhode Island General Laws. For statutory text and further reference, see R.I. Gen. Laws, Title 33: Wills, Trusts, and Administration: https://www.rilegislature.gov/Statutes/Title33/Pages/default.aspx

Typical documents you have the right to request

• Letters testamentary or letters of administration (the document showing the administrator’s appointment)
• Estate inventory listing assets and values
• Bank statements for estate accounts
• Appraisals of major assets (real estate, businesses, collectibles)
• Accountings showing receipts, expenses, distributions, and fees
• Copies of estate tax filings, federal and state K-1s if applicable
• Copies of contracts affecting the estate (sale agreements, leases)

Step-by-step actions to take

1) Start with a firm written request

Send a short, professional written demand to the administrator (and their attorney, if known). State that you are an interested person (beneficiary, heir, or creditor), list the documents you want, and give a reasonable deadline (for example, 10–14 calendar days). Keep a copy of the letter and proof of delivery (email read receipt or certified mail).

2) Keep records and gather proof of interest

Collect paperwork showing your relationship to the decedent (will beneficiary designation, family tree, birth certificate, or other documents) and any prior communications requesting documents. The probate court will want proof you have standing as an interested person.

3) Ask for an informal meeting or mediation

If the administrator responds but is slow or partially cooperative, propose a meeting or short mediation to resolve disputes without court involvement. Courts often prefer parties resolve matters informally when possible.

4) File a petition in probate court to compel disclosure or an accounting

If informal steps fail, you can file a petition in the probate court that handled the estate asking the judge to:

• Order the administrator to produce an inventory and account(s)
• Compel production of specific documents
• Schedule a hearing to examine the administrator under oath about estate assets

These petitions rely on the probate court’s power to supervise estate administration under Rhode Island law. See Title 33 for the probate court’s authority: https://www.rilegislature.gov/Statutes/Title33/Pages/default.aspx

5) Seek removal, surcharge, or other remedies for serious misconduct

If the administrator intentionally hides assets, misuses funds, refuses to account, or otherwise breaches fiduciary duties, you can ask the court to remove the administrator and appoint someone else. The court can also order financial remedies (surcharge) against the administrator for losses caused by misconduct, and can impose costs or attorney’s fees in appropriate cases.

6) Emergency relief (if assets are at immediate risk)

If you have credible evidence the administrator is dissipating assets, you may ask the court for emergency interim relief: an order freezing estate accounts, restricting transfers, or appointing a temporary conservator/receiver. Ask a lawyer immediately if you believe assets are being destroyed or diverted.

What to include in a written demand (sample items)

- Copy of letters testamentary or letters of administration
- Full inventory of estate assets and supporting appraisal documents
- Bank statements and canceled checks for estate accounts since the date of death
- Copies of estate tax returns and any tax correspondence
- Copies of any sale contracts, settlement agreements, or distributions made
- A request for an accounting showing receipts, disbursements, fees, and distributions
  

Timing and practical notes

• Probate courts supervise administration continuously; waiting too long can allow distributions that are harder to undo. Act promptly.
• Administrators sometimes delay because they do not understand their duties, are disorganized, or face complex assets. A clear written request and a short, reasonable deadline often fixes the problem.
• Hiring counsel early can be wise if the estate is large, complex, or if you suspect wrongdoing. An attorney can file the correct petition and present evidence effectively.

Costs and evidence you should prepare

Be prepared to pay filing fees if you petition the court. Compile these items before filing:

• Proof of your identity and interest in the estate (copy of will or proof of relationship)
• Copies of all communications with the administrator
• Any evidence of asset dissipation (bank alerts, sale records, witness statements)

Where to find forms and Rhode Island probate court contacts

Visit the Rhode Island Judiciary probate pages for local court contact information and general procedural guidance: https://www.courts.ri.gov/Courts/ProbateFamily/Pages/Probate.aspx

Refer to Rhode Island’s statutes governing wills and estate administration in Title 33: https://www.rilegislature.gov/Statutes/Title33/Pages/default.aspx

Helpful Hints

• Make your first request in writing and keep proof of sending and receipt.
• Be specific—name the documents and the time frame you want covered.
• If the administrator has an attorney, direct your request to that attorney too.
• Keep communications civil and factual; the court prefers a clear record.
• Gather any evidence showing the administrator’s failure to act (missed deadlines, unexplained transfers, unusual fees).
• Consider mediation if relationships matter and the estate is not at immediate risk.
• If you fear asset dissipation, seek legal help immediately — emergency court orders may be available.

When to talk to an attorney

If the administrator refuses to produce documents after your written request, if the estate assets are being transferred or depleted, or if you believe there is fraud or serious mismanagement, consult a Rhode Island probate attorney. A lawyer can file the right petitions, request emergency relief, and represent your interests at any hearing.