Reorder Legal Rhode Island Real Estate Closings Forms For Free

As noted above, it will take at least six months to settle the simplest probate process. Typically, cases can take two years until everything is resolved. However, when there are contested issues and lawsuits, the process can take even longer.

In order to close a small estate, an executor must: Complete a schedule of all known assets and the estimated value of each one. File the decedent's original will with the probate court. Present the deceased's death certificate to the clerk of the probate court. Pay applicable filing fees.

If you are in possession of a will of a deceased person, you must either file it with the appropriate court or deliver it to the person named in the will as executor, as under Rhode Island law the will is to be filed within 30 days after death.

Rhode Island probate follows this general flow: contact the court, get appointed as personal representative, submit will if it exists, inventory and submit valuations of all relevant assets, have the court and beneficiaries approve it, and then distribute the assets to beneficiaries.

In Rhode Island, you can make a living trust to avoid probate for virtually any asset you own?real estate, bank accounts, vehicles, and so on. You need to create a trust document (it's similar to a will), naming someone to take over as trustee after your death (called a successor trustee).

Rhode Island has one of the nation's shortest timeframes where heirs can submit a will to probate. Probate must be filed in court within 30 days of the heir being notified of the person's death. Claiming estate assets without filing for probate may result in a contempt of court charge and possible jail time.