If a resident of Rhode Island dies leaving an estate consisting entirely of personal
property, valued at no more than $15,000 (excluding tangible personal property), and
he or she leaves a will naming a person as executor, the named person, may file with
the probate court of the city or town in which the decedent resided upon a form prescribed
by the court a statement, verified by oath or affirmation. The named party must be
of full age and legal capacity.
If the named person declines or is unable to serve, then any person named as alternate
may file with said probate court upon a form prescribed by the court a statement,
verified by oath or affirmation.
If such alternate declines or is unable to serve, then the surviving spouse, child,
grandchild, parent, brother, sister, niece, nephew, aunt, uncle, or any interested
party, if of full age and legal capacity and a resident of the state may file with
said probate court upon a form prescribed by the court a statement, verified by oath
or affirmation.
Filing will be made after the expiration of 30 days from the decedent’s death, provided
no person filed petition for letters testamentary or letters of administration with
the probate court of the city or town in which the decedent resided.