Probate in Rhode Island · 5 counties
Rhode Island Probate Courts
Estates here go through the Probate Court (39 Municipal & Town Probate Courts). Pick a county on the map or search below — each record shows where to file and where every detail comes from.
Small-estate limit
$15,000
Wait 30 days
Death taxes
Yes
Estate tax over $1.84 million
Executor fee
Reasonable
Reasonable fee set by the court
Handwritten wills
No
Witnesses required
Plate · RI
Every Rhode Island county, on one map
Population, low → high Green = county courthouse mapped in OpenStreetMap Green = probate office details checked on the court's own website courthouse probate office checked
§ I
Rhode Island probate rules
- Court
- Probate Court (39 Municipal & Town Probate Courts)Rhode Island operates an independent Probate Court in each of its 39 cities and towns, presided over by a part-time Probate Judge appointed by the municipal council.
- Small estates
- $15,000 personal property only (value excludes the decedent's tangible personal property); filed with the municipal probate court as a voluntary administrator statement; no real propertyR.I. Gen. Laws § 33-24-1 (Voluntary Informal Administration)
- Filing the will
- Custodian must deliver will to the probate court (or named executor) within 30 days after notice of death; executor must file it within 30 days of receiving it (R.I. Gen. Laws § 33-7-5)
- Creditor claims
- 6 months from the date of first publication of notice of qualificationR.I. Gen. Laws § 33-11-5
- Executor fees
- Such compensation as the probate court considers just (no statutory percentage)R.I. Gen. Laws § 33-14-8 · calculator
- Estate tax
- Yes — exemption $1.84 millionRhode Island taxes net taxable estates over $1,838,056 for 2026 deaths (indexed annually by CPI-U; rates 0.8% to 16%).
- Inheritance tax
- NoneNo inheritance tax in Rhode Island.
- Typical duration
- 6 to 12 months
- Official courts site
- courts.ri.govCase search: Rhode Island Judicial Portal / Secretary of State Probate Forms
Re-checked Sept 2026 against: webserver.rilegislature.gov (statute) · webserver.rilegislature.gov (statute) · webserver.rilegislature.gov (statute) · webserver.rilegislature.gov (statute) · tax.ri.gov
Need help with an estate in Rhode Island?
Where to get help.
We don't sell leads or take referral fees. Eligibility, availability and fees depend on the provider; confirm them directly.
- 01 Rhode Island courts — self-help & formsOfficial judiciary website: forms, filing rules and e-filing.
- 02 Legal aid directory — LawHelp.orgNonprofit directory of free and low-cost legal aid by state, including probate and estates.
- 03 Find a probate lawyer — American Bar AssociationState-by-state links to bar lawyer-referral services and pro bono programs.
§ II · Register
All 5 counties
Sorted by population. office checked = probate office address/phone confirmed on the court's own website. courthouse mapped = located in OpenStreetMap.
| # | County | Seat | Population | Record |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Providence County | Providence | 660,615 | office checked |
| 2 | Kent County | East Greenwich | 171,278 | county site |
| 3 | Washington County | South Kingstown | 129,982 | county site |
| 4 | Newport County | Newport | 83,832 | courthouse mapped |
| 5 | Bristol County | Bristol | 50,255 | county site |
§ III
Rhode Island probate questions
What is the small estate affidavit limit in Rhode Island?
$15,000 personal property only (value excludes the decedent's tangible personal property); filed with the municipal probate court as a voluntary administrator statement; no real property (R.I. Gen. Laws § 33-24-1 (Voluntary Informal Administration)). It can be used 30 days after death. Wait 30 days after death. Gross personal estate cannot exceed $15,000 and decedent must not have owned real estate.
How are executor and administrator fees calculated in Rhode Island?
Such compensation as the probate court considers just (no statutory percentage) (R.I. Gen. Laws § 33-14-8). Courts can award more for extraordinary services, such as running a business or litigation.
What is the creditor claim deadline for estates in Rhode Island?
6 months from the date of first publication of notice of qualification (R.I. Gen. Laws § 33-11-5). Claims filed after the deadline are generally barred.
Does Rhode Island recognize handwritten (holographic) wills?
No — witnesses are required. Rhode Island does NOT recognize unwitnessed holographic wills (requires two witnesses).
Does Rhode Island have a state estate tax or inheritance tax?
Yes, Rhode Island taxes estates above $1.84 million. Rhode Island taxes net taxable estates over $1,838,056 for 2026 deaths (indexed annually by CPI-U; rates 0.8% to 16%). There is no inheritance tax.