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Rhode Island Probate Timeline Calculator

Rhode Island's creditor clock runs from first publication, not death — and which of the state's 39 separate municipal courts you land in can shape the schedule as much as the statute does.

Based on R.I. Gen. Laws § 33-11-5 FigureMyTax Editorial Team Free · no sign-up

By the FigureMyTax Editorial Team · How we calculate

Your Rhode Island probate

Pick the options that match your estate — the estimate updates instantly.

Estimated timeline in Rhode Island
9–18 months
Uncontested, standard administration
39 municipal courts, explained →
Facing probate in Rhode Island?

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Rhode Island's probate timeline, at a glance

MilestoneRhode Island ruleSource
Small estate procedure eligible$15,000 or less, personal property only, no real estate§ 33-24-1
Notice to creditors publishedOnce a week, 3 consecutive weeks§ 33-11-3
Creditor claim bar6 months from first publication, not from death§ 33-11-5(a)
Adequate-notice safe harborNotice of commencement given 60+ days before the 6-month deadline§ 33-11-5.1
Late claim petition, if missedBefore distribution, on accident/mistake/excusable neglect grounds§ 33-11-5(b)
Estate tax return due (if applicable)Within 9 months, every estate must file regardless of size§ 44-22-1.1

Rhode Island probate timeline — frequently asked questions

How long does probate take in Rhode Island?

Rhode Island probates average 9 to 18 months, with a simple, uncontested estate at the shorter end. The 6-month creditor period sets part of the floor, and contested matters go substantially longer.

How long do Rhode Island creditors have to file a claim?

6 months from the date of first publication of notice — not from the date of death — under R.I. Gen. Laws Section 33-11-5. A creditor who misses this deadline due to accident, mistake, excusable neglect, or lack of adequate notice may petition the probate court for leave to file late, before distribution.

Which court handles Rhode Island probate?

Whichever of Rhode Island's 39 separate municipal probate courts covers the city or town where the decedent lived. Rhode Island has no county-level or unified state probate court.

Does Rhode Island have an estate or inheritance tax?

Rhode Island has no inheritance tax, but it does have its own state estate tax, with an exemption of $1,838,056 (2026, indexed annually) — one of the lowest in the country — and rates up to 16%.

Rhode Island probate tools & guides

Rhode Island Probate DeadlinesEvery statutory date, with citations What Delays Probate in Rhode IslandThe real causes, beyond the baseline Rhode Island's 39 Municipal CourtsWhich one handles your estate Rhode Island Probate vs Living TrustWould a trust have avoided this?

This calculator provides an estimate for general guidance only and is not legal advice. Figures are based on Rhode Island statute (R.I. Gen. Laws § 33-11-5, 33-11-5.1, 33-24-1, 44-22-1.1). Actual timelines depend on the specific municipal probate court and whether the estate is contested. Confirm current timelines with your municipal probate court or a licensed Rhode Island attorney before acting.