How Do I Find a Probate Attorney in Bristol County, Rhode Island?
When to consider hiring help, what to look for in a probate attorney, and firms serving Bristol County.
We found 9 estate law firms serving Bristol County. Bristol County is part of the Newport & Bristol Counties region.
These firms handle estate administration, will contests, trust litigation, and other probate matters in Bristol County Town of Bristol Probate Court.
Rhode Island uses formal, court-supervised probate, which makes an attorney worthwhile for most estates in Bristol County — the filing sequence, notice requirements, and accounting leave little room for error. Estates under the small-estate threshold are the usual exception.
Probate attorney fees in Rhode Island are based on reasonable compensation — typically 2%R.I. Gen. Laws (no statutory schedule; court discretion applies)Verified May 27, 2026 to 4%R.I. Gen. Laws (no statutory schedule; court discretion applies)Verified May 27, 2026 of the estate's value, billed hourly or as a flat fee. Ask a Bristol County firm to quote a structure up front.
A probate attorney files the petition with the Town of Bristol Probate Court, publishes the required creditor notices, prepares the inventory and accounting, handles creditor claims and tax filings, and guides the final distribution. They represent the personal representative — not the beneficiaries — a distinction that matters if a dispute develops.
Newport & Bristol Counties Firms
Bardorf & Bardorf
FirmEst. 1999
36 Washington Square
Newport, RI 02840
Phone:
(401) 845-8900bardorf.com →
Estate PlanningProbateEstate AdministrationAsset Protection
The Law Offices of Howe & Garside, Ltd.
FirmEst. 1974
55 Memorial Boulevard, Suite 5
Newport, RI 02840
Phone:
(401) 841-5700counselfirst.com →
Estate PlanningWillsTrustsElder LawProbateGuardianshipPowers Of Attorney
Free Consult
Howlett Law Offices, Inc.
Firm
681 Hope Street
Bristol, RI 02809
Phone:
(401) 253-0100howlettlawoffices.com →
ProbateEstate Administration
Rego & Rego, Attorneys at Law
FirmEst. 1976
443 Hope Street
Bristol, RI 02809
Phone:
(401) 253-2500rego-law.com →
Estate PlanningWillsTrustsProbateElder LawPowers Of Attorney
Sheehan & Associates Law
FirmEst. 1996
15 Bay Spring Avenue
Barrington, RI 02806
Phone:
(401) 400-5839sheehanlawoffice.net →
Estate PlanningWillsTrustsProbateGuardianshipPowers Of Attorney
Free Consult
Silva, Thomas, Martland & Offenberg, Ltd.
Firm
1100 Aquidneck Avenue
Middletown, RI 02842
Phone:
(401) 849-6200ProbateGuardianshipEstate AdministrationWills
Evelyn Weiss Zawatsky, Attorney at Law
SoloEst. 1992
13 Half Mile Road
Barrington, RI 02806
Phone:
(401) 247-0300zawatskylaw.com →
Estate PlanningWillsTrustsProbateCharitable PlanningGuardianshipPowers Of Attorney
Firms from Neighboring Regions
These firms are based in other regions but serve Bristol County.
Statewide Practices
These firms serve clients throughout Rhode Island.
Frequently Asked Questions
Not every estate needs one. Simple estates, small estates under the affidavit threshold, and states with informal probate can often be handled without counsel. Contested wills, out-of-state property, and business interests usually need an attorney. The Rhode Island self-filing assessment scores whether this estate can be handled without one.
Rhode Island uses reasonable fees for probate. Typical Bristol County rates run $200–$500/hour, with simple estates taking 20–40 hours. Flat-fee arrangements are available from some firms.
Files the petition, publishes required notices, helps with the inventory and accounting, handles creditor claims and tax filings, and guides the final distribution. The attorney represents the personal representative, not the beneficiaries — a distinction that matters if disputes arise.
Referrals from an estate planning attorney you already work with are the best source. Bar association directories are second. Avoid attorneys who won't quote a fee structure up front or who won't explain whether your estate qualifies for simplified procedures.
Yes — by avoiding probate altogether. A revocable living trust removes the estate from court jurisdiction, which removes the need for a probate attorney at settlement time. Create a revocable trust online for about what one hour of probate-attorney time costs.
Firm listings are for informational purposes only. SimplyTrust does not endorse or recommend any specific firm or attorney. Contact firms directly to discuss your situation and verify their current practice areas and availability. Information last verified: June 2026.
Town of Bristol Probate Court
Bristol County
Paper Filing Available
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