State guide
Rhode Island
Rhode Island probate is handled in city and town probate courts rather than a single statewide probate court system. On appointment, the probate clerk gives notice of qualification by newspaper publication, and Rhode Island also has a specific affidavit form for confirming notice to known or reasonably ascertainable creditors.
Checked against official sources on October 4, 2026. Rules and links change; confirm with the office listed before you act.
- Publishing the notice
- Publication is required on qualification; the probate clerk publishes notice in a court-designated qualifying newspaper, generally once a week for at least two weeks unless the court directs otherwise.
- Creditor claim deadline
- 6 months after first publication
- Law
- Gen. Laws §§ 33-18-1, 33-22-11, 33-11-5.1, 33-11-5.2, 33-11-14, 33-11-49, 33-24-1, 33-24-2
- Small-estate limit
- $15,000 in personal property only, excluding tangible personal property
Official resources in Rhode Island
State judiciary self-help hub with general court guidance for people handling matters without a lawyer.
Gen. Laws § 33-24-1.
Gen. Laws § 33-24-2.
Official form used to certify notice to known or reasonably ascertainable creditors.
Judiciary page linking to probate forms and other legal resources residents commonly need.
Key facts for Rhode Island
- Upon qualification, the probate clerk publishes notice in a newspaper and tells creditors to file claims within the time required by law. Gen. Laws § 33-18-1)
- When no special notice rule applies, newspaper notice is once a week for at least two weeks. Gen. Laws § 33-22-11)
- The probate court designates the paper; it must be English-language and county-published/distributed or have general county circulation. Gen. Laws § 33-22-11)
- Known or reasonably ascertainable creditors must receive actual notice; Rhode Island has an official affidavit form for this. Gen. Laws §§ 33-11-5.1, 33-11-5.2)
- Claims are tied to a six-month window from first publication. Gen. Laws §§ 33-11-14, 33-11-49)
- Certain personal-property-only small estates may use voluntary informal administration if value does not exceed $15,000, excluding tangible personal property. Gen. Laws §§ 33-24-1, 33-24-2)
What to do next
- Contact the decedent's city or town probate court early, because local probate courts handle filings and may designate the newspaper for publication.
- If the estate may qualify as a small estate, review the PC-1.9 or PC-1.10 form before opening a full probate.
- Mail actual notice to known or reasonably ascertainable creditors and file the affidavit of notice with the probate court.
Helpful guides
- What is a notice to creditors in probate?
- How to publish a probate notice in a newspaper
- How much does it cost to publish a probate notice?
- What counts as a legal newspaper for probate notices
Creditor deadline calculator →