A Small Estate
R.I. Gen. Laws § 33-24-1 — personal property up to $15,000, after thirty days, by a sworn statement in probate court
When a Rhode Island resident dies leaving only personal property, and what would go on a probate inventory, apart from tangible personal property, is worth no more than $15,000, a relative or other interested person may act as voluntary administrator.
Thirty days. The statement is filed with the probate court of the city or town where the person lived, after thirty days from the death, and only if no petition for letters has been filed.
- The affiant's name and address, and relationship to the person who died.
- The name, residence and date of death of the person who died.
- A schedule of every known asset in the person's name, with its estimated value.
- An undertaking to act as voluntary administrator and apply the proceeds according to law.
Land is outside this procedure. A particular estate is a question for a licensed Rhode Island attorney.
Sources for this section (1)
- R.I. Gen. Laws § 33-24-1 — Voluntary informal administration of small estates
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of October 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Rhode Island attorney.