Rhode Island
Estate law, probate process, and inheritance rules for Rhode Island — in plain language.
$2,500–$4,500 on typical estates
Affidavit procedure RIGL §33-24-1
Rate: 0.8%–16% graduated
Right to live in real estate for life (curtesy/dower analog) + elective share
Spouse + descendants of marriage: spouse takes 100% of personal property + life estate in real property.
- ✓Must be 18+ and of sound mind
- ✓May be required to post bond unless will waives it
- ✓Must file inventory of estate assets
- ✓Must give notice to creditors per statute
- ⏱Will filed within 30 days of death
- ⏱Estate tax return due 9 months after death
- ⏱Inventory: within 90 days of appointment
- ⚠RI estate tax threshold is low — modest estates may owe
- ⚠RI homestead protection requires recorded declaration
- ⚠Outdated beneficiary designations override the will
- ⚠Real estate in another state triggers ancillary probate
- ⚠Joint tenancy with non-spouse can create unintended consequences
- →Trust strongly recommended for estates > $1.5M
- →Portability and disclaimer trust planning
- RI General Laws Title 33 (Probate Practice and Procedure)
- RIGL §44-22 (Estate Tax)
Statute references are for orientation only. Verify current text with your state legislature's website. Not legal advice — consult an attorney licensed in Rhode Island.
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