Straight answers about estate planning and probate in Rhode Island.
It depends on the size and complexity of the estate. An estate must remain open for at least six months, and the average length is usually six to twelve months.
Yes. Consultations are free — sit down with the attorney, ask your questions, and understand your options before making any decisions.
A revocable trust stays in your control — you can change or cancel it during your lifetime. An irrevocable trust generally cannot be changed once created, which is exactly what gives it certain planning advantages. Which one fits depends on your goals; we’ll walk you through it.
A pour-over will works together with your trust. Any assets still in your name when you pass are “poured over” into the trust, so everything ends up managed under one set of instructions.
State law then decides who inherits, and the Probate Court appoints an administrator to manage the estate. The process still runs through probate — it’s usually longer and harder on the family than settling a planned estate, which is why having even a simple will matters.
It authorizes a person you trust to handle your finances — paying bills, managing accounts — if you become unable to do so yourself. Without one, your family may need a court proceeding just to step in.
A plan for your online life: email, banking logins, photos, and records. It documents what exists and who may access it, so nothing important is lost or locked away.
Yes. Estates under $15,000 may qualify for Rhode Island’s simplified small-estate process, which is often faster and simpler than full probate.
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