How Do I File Probate in Providence County, Rhode Island?
A step-by-step guide to filing at the City of Providence Probate Court—what documents you'll need, where to go, and what happens after you file.
Probate cases in Providence County are filed at the City of Providence Probate Court. You can file your documents in person during business hours or by mail.
Your Filing Options
How to File Your Documents
Paper Filing Available
You can file your probate documents in person at the court or by mail.
Can You File Without an Attorney?
Not every estate requires an attorney. Factors like estate size, asset types, and whether beneficiaries agree can determine if self-filing at the City of Providence Probate Court is realistic for your situation.
For a detailed cost comparison and filing checklist, see the full Providence County Self-Filing Assessment.
Providence County Filing Requirements
These are specific requirements for filing probate in this county. Following these guidelines will help avoid delays or rejected filings.
Before You File
File by residency (city/town), not county
Rhode Island probate courts are organized by city/town, not by county. File in the probate court of the municipality where the decedent resided at death.
Paper, fax, or email filing only
Municipal probate courts are not part of the state Odyssey e-filing system. Submit filings by paper, fax, or email to the court.
Other Requirements
Governed by R.I. General Laws Title 33
All Rhode Island municipal probate courts follow Rhode Island General Laws Title 33 (Probate Practice and Procedure). Appeals go to Rhode Island Superior Court.
In-Person Filing
The City of Providence Probate Court is located at 25 Dorrance Street, Fifth Floor, Providence, RI 02903. Phone: 401-680-5307. Hours: Monday: 12:30 PM - 4:30 PM; Tuesday: 12:30 PM - 4:30 PM; Wednesday: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM; Thursday: 12:30 PM - 4:30 PM; Friday: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM.
Probate matters are overseen by Probate Judge John E. Martinelli.
What to Bring
To file at the City of Providence Probate Court, you need: the original will (or proof there isn't one), a certified death certificate, contact information for all heirs and beneficiaries, and a summary of what the estate owns and owes.
Court Resources
For procedural questions about your filing, you can contact Clerk of Court Paul V. Jabour, Esq. The clerk's office handles filing questions but cannot provide legal advice.
Additional resources, forms, and fee schedules are available on the City of Providence Probate Court website.
Frequently Asked Questions
You open probate by filing a petition with the City of Providence Probate Court in Providence County, attaching the original will (if any), the death certificate, and the filing fee (about $1500). Once the court issues letters, the personal representative can act.
At minimum: petition for probate, application for letters testamentary or of administration, notice to heirs, and an oath for the personal representative. Providence County uses the standard Rhode Island probate forms — the court's website lists the current versions.
Rhode Island permits self-representation, but formal probate procedures make it impractical for most families. The City of Providence Probate Court staff can accept filings but cannot give legal advice. Check the Rhode Island self-filing assessment before deciding.
Providence County typically requires in-person or mail filing for probate petitions. Check the court's website for the latest procedures — some counties have added e-filing for specific document types.
Assets stay locked, creditors can still pursue them, and beneficiaries cannot sell real property or close accounts. After a few years, interested parties can petition to open probate themselves. Waiting rarely helps. Families who set up a revocable living trust ahead of time bypass this problem entirely.
City of Providence Probate Court
Providence County
25 Dorrance Street, Fifth Floor
Providence, RI 02903
Phone:
401-680-5307Fax:
401-861-6208
Hours:
Monday: 12:30 PM - 4:30 PM; Tuesday: 12:30 PM - 4:30 PM; Wednesday: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM; Thursday: 12:30 PM - 4:30 PM; Friday: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Paper Filing Available
Notify Banks & Financial Institutions
Each institution has a separate death claim process. Find yours below.
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