How Much Does Probate Cost in Rhode Island?
Probate on a $500,000 estate in Rhode Island costs an estimated $28,582R.I. Gen. Laws (no statutory schedule; court discretion applies)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source. Attorney fees run 2.1%R.I. Gen. Laws (no statutory schedule; court discretion applies)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source to 3.4%R.I. Gen. Laws (no statutory schedule; court discretion applies)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source of the estate under a reasonable-compensation standard.
Probate costs in Rhode Island typically include attorney fees of typically 2.1%R.I. Gen. Laws (no statutory schedule; court discretion applies)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source to 3.4%R.I. Gen. Laws (no statutory schedule; court discretion applies)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source of the estate, executor fees, court filing fees, and publication costs. On a $500,000 estate, total costs run about $28,582R.I. Gen. Laws (no statutory schedule; court discretion applies)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source, roughly 6% of estate value, varying with complexity. Estimate executor compensation separately with the Rhode Island executor fee calculator.
Rhode Island allows estates with personal property of $15,000R.I. Gen. Laws § 33-24-1Verified Sep 8, 2026View source or less to use the Voluntary Informal AdministrationR.I. Gen. Laws § 33-24-1Verified Sep 8, 2026View source, which avoids full probate administration. In Rhode Island the affidavit is filed with the court, and holders honor the court's certified copy — but no letters testamentary or of administration issue. The waiting period is 30 daysR.I. Gen. Laws § 33-24-1Verified Sep 8, 2026View source after death. Check eligibility with the Rhode Island probate need checker.
In Rhode Island, simple estates typically take 6 months to 12 months, and average estates 12 months to 18 months. Complex estates with disputes, tax issues, or unusual assets take longer. The creditor claim period of 6 monthsR.I. Gen. Laws §§ 33-11-4, 33-11-5, 33-11-5.1, 33-11-5.2, 33-12-11, 33-18-1Verified Oct 19, 2026View source runs from the first publication of the creditor notice, which follows the executor's appointment.
Yes. The probate calculator on this page estimates Rhode Island probate attorney fees from the estate value, with attorney fees of typically 2.1%R.I. Gen. Laws (no statutory schedule; court discretion applies)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source to 3.4%R.I. Gen. Laws (no statutory schedule; court discretion applies)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source of the estate. On a $500,000 estate, typical fees run 2.1%R.I. Gen. Laws (no statutory schedule; court discretion applies)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source to 3.4%R.I. Gen. Laws (no statutory schedule; court discretion applies)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source of its value; the percentage runs higher on smaller estates and lower on larger ones. It shows the attorney fee alongside executor fees, court filing fees, and the total probate cost.
Rhode Island allows executors 'reasonable compensation' — around 2.2%–3.8% of a $500,000 estate, judging by what the states with statutory schedules payR.I. Gen. Laws § 33-14-8 (reasonable compensation as court considers just)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source. Executors can waive their fee entirely or accept a reduced amount. See a detailed breakdown with the Rhode Island executor fee calculator.
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Learn moreForms for Planning and Settling an Estate in Rhode Island
Free Rhode Island forms for planning an estate or settling one: a will, trust, powers of attorney, TOD deed, and the probate forms an executor files.
Petition for Probate and Letters
In Rhode Island, the petition asks the Municipal Probate Court of the city or town where the decedent resided to appoint the personal representative, whose authority is proved by Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration; every appointment goes through the court.
Notice to Creditors
In Rhode Island, creditors have 6 monthsR.I. Gen. Laws § 33-11-5(a) (claims presented within six months from the first publication); § 33-11-1 (the period is reckoned from the probate clerk's first publication of the notice of qualification of the personal representative)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source from first publication to present claims.
Renunciation of Executor
In Rhode Island, a person named as executor may decline to serveR.I. Gen. Laws § 33-8-4; PC-3.4 Acceptance/Declination (Rev. 03/21)Verified Sep 23, 2026View source before anyone is appointed.
Affidavit of Heirship
In Rhode Island, heirs put their identity on the land records with a recorded affidavit of facts affecting title that states who the heirs areR.I. Gen. Laws §§ 34-13-1(11), 34-13-2Verified Sep 24, 2026View source.
Small Estate Affidavit
In Rhode Island, the Voluntary Informal AdministrationR.I. Gen. Laws § 33-24-1Verified Sep 8, 2026View source covers estates with personal property of $15,000R.I. Gen. Laws § 33-24-1Verified Sep 8, 2026View source or less, 30 daysR.I. Gen. Laws § 33-24-1Verified Sep 8, 2026View source after death, filed with the court.
Estate Inventory
In Rhode Island, the personal representative files the estate inventory within 90 daysR.I. Gen. Laws §§ 33-9-1, 33-9-4Verified Sep 15, 2026View source of appointment.
Estate Closing
In Rhode Island, the personal representative is discharged by court orderR.I. Gen. Laws § 33-14-11Verified Sep 15, 2026View source, and a final accounting is required unless it is waived.
Tools for Planning and Settling an Estate in Rhode Island
Free calculators and checklists for planning or settling an estate in Rhode Island: will and trust costs, probate, executor pay, and inheritance taxes.
Who Inherits Without a Will?
Without a will in Rhode Island, descendants divide what passes to them per stirpesR.I. Gen. Laws §§ 33-1-1, 33-1-7, 33-1-10Verified Sep 10, 2026View source, and an heir must survive the decedent by 120 hoursR.I. Gen. Laws § 33-1-13Verified Sep 10, 2026View source to inherit.
What Are the Burial and Cremation Laws in My State?
Rhode Island allows you to name your own agent in advanceR.I. Gen. Laws § 5-33.3-3Verified Oct 17, 2026View source, and that designation takes priority over the order of next of kin who otherwise control disposition of the remains.
How Much Are Estate & Inheritance Taxes?
Rhode Island levies an estate taxR.I. Gen. Laws § 44-22-1.1Verified Sep 15, 2026View source above $1,838,056R.I. Gen. Laws § 44-22-1.1Verified Sep 15, 2026View source (top rate 16%R.I. Gen. Laws § 44-22-1.1Verified Sep 15, 2026View source) and no inheritance tax; the federal estate tax applies above $15,000,00026 USC 2001(c), 2010; P.L. 119-21 §70106Verified Sep 15, 2026View source.
What Taxes Apply to My Inheritance?
In Rhode Island, beneficiaries owe no inheritance tax and the estate pays any estate taxR.I. Gen. Laws § 44-22-1.1Verified Sep 15, 2026View source above $1,838,056R.I. Gen. Laws § 44-22-1.1Verified Sep 15, 2026View source; probate assets arrive when the estate closes, 6 months to 12 months for a simple estate.
How Does Step-Up in Basis Work?
Inherited assets in Rhode Island take a basis reset to fair market value on the date of death26 USC § 1014Verified Sep 15, 2026View source, and the gain on a later sale faces ordinary income tax at the state's regular ratesR.I. Gen. Laws § 44-30-2.6 (Rhode Island taxable income — Rate of tax); (b) reaches "residents and nonresidents, including estates and trusts"; (c)(2)(A) is the current bracket scheduleVerified Sep 15, 2026View source.
What Are the Estate Laws in My State?
Probate on a $500,000 estate in Rhode Island costs an estimated $28,582R.I. Gen. Laws (no statutory schedule; court discretion applies)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source and takes 6 months to 12 months for a simple estate, with attorney fees of typically 2.1%R.I. Gen. Laws (no statutory schedule; court discretion applies)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source to 3.4%R.I. Gen. Laws (no statutory schedule; court discretion applies)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source of the estate. Estates under $15,000R.I. Gen. Laws § 33-24-1Verified Sep 8, 2026View source can use a small-estate procedure instead.
When Do I Have to Withdraw an Inherited IRA?
See which federal withdrawal rules apply to an inherited IRA, Roth IRA, or employer plan, the deadline year, and the missed-withdrawal tax.
How Much Can an Executor Charge?
Rhode Island pays executors reasonable compensationR.I. Gen. Laws § 33-14-8 (reasonable compensation as court considers just)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source, typically 2.2%Estimated from the 16 state statutes that set an executor fee schedule (median and interquartile range at this estate value)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source to 3.8%Estimated from the 16 state statutes that set an executor fee schedule (median and interquartile range at this estate value)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source of the estate.
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Rhode Island Estate Planning Resources
In-depth guides covering Rhode Island probate laws, trust requirements, and estate planning strategies.