Probate in Rhode Island | RI Legal Resources | FastCounsel

How do I apply to be appointed as the personal representative of a deceased relative’s estate? (RI)

How to apply to be appointed the personal representative of a deceased relative’s estate in Rhode Island Disclaimer: This article is educational only and is not legal advice. Laws change and every situation is different. Consult a licensed Rhode Island attorney or the probate court for advice about your specific case. Detailed answer — step-by-step […]

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How can heirs petition the court to reopen a closed estate to claim unclaimed assets in Rhode Island?

Detailed Answer Under Rhode Island law, heirs who discover unclaimed assets after an estate closes can ask the probate court to reopen the matter. The process hinges on R.I. Gen. Laws § 33-15-35, which allows the court to reopen an estate for good cause. Common grounds include discovery of omitted assets, clerical errors, or newly […]

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What is the Process for Inventorying and Distributing Estate Assets Among Multiple Heirs in Rhode Island?

Disclaimer This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney in Rhode Island to address your specific situation. Detailed Answer When a Rhode Island resident passes away, the appointed personal representative (also called executor or administrator) must inventory and distribute the decedent’s assets among heirs. Below is […]

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How Do Heirs Locate and Claim Unclaimed Property of a Deceased Relative in RI?

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Please consult a qualified attorney for advice on your specific situation. Detailed Answer to Claiming Unclaimed Property in Rhode Island Understanding Rhode Island's Unclaimed Property Law Rhode Island’s Uniform Disposition of Unclaimed Property Act (R.I. Gen. Laws § 6-36-1 et seq.) […]

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What factors influence the timeline for completing the probate process in Rhode Island?

Detailed Answer Under Rhode Island law, the probate process timeline can range from a few months to over a year. Multiple factors influence how quickly an estate moves from opening to final distribution. Below are the primary considerations: Estate Complexity and Asset Types. Complex estates with multiple real properties, business interests, or out-of-state assets often […]

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What Are the Risks Associated With Probating My Father's Estate Without Legal Representation in Rhode Island?

Detailed Answer Probate is a court-supervised process that transfers a decedent's assets to heirs and pays creditors. In Rhode Island, probate follows rules set out in Title 33 of the Rhode Island General Laws, including appointment of a personal representative, notice to creditors, inventory filing, and final account. Attempting to probate your father's estate without […]

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If Real Property Passes Automatically at Death, Why Do I Have to Probate the Will in Rhode Island?

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney in Rhode Island for guidance on your specific situation. Detailed Answer How Real Property Passes Outside of Probate In Rhode Island, certain ownership structures and legal tools allow real estate to transfer automatically at death without probate […]

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What steps are involved in notifying creditors and handling claims after a death? – RI

Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult an attorney licensed in Rhode Island for guidance specific to your situation. Detailed Answer 1. Appointment of a Personal Representative After a person’s death, the probate court appoints a personal representative (also called an executor or administrator). The personal […]

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Can I use an obituary as proof of death to open an estate in RI?

Disclaimer: This informational article does not constitute legal advice. For advice specific to your situation, consult a licensed Rhode Island attorney. Detailed Answer When you file to open an estate in Rhode Island, the probate court requires reliable proof of the decedent’s death. Under R.I. Gen. Laws § 33-23-9, a certified death certificate or court-approved […]

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How do I prepare an heirship affidavit in Rhode Island?

Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified attorney for guidance on your specific situation. Detailed Answer An heirship affidavit is a sworn statement identifying the heirs of a deceased person when probate is not required or to clear title to real estate. In Rhode Island, although […]

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