---
title: "Rhode Island Executor Checklist: First 30 Days | MCC"
description: "Rhode Island executor checklist: first 30 days, up to $15,000 small estate limit, 30-day wait, sworn affidavit, 2 will witnesses, official court links."
url: "https://mcc-solutionsnj.com/notary/rhode-island-executor-checklist"
---

Executor checklist · Rhode Island

# Rhode Island executor and estate paperwork checklist

The first 30 days, the small estate route, the will at probate, and the official pages to ask, from this state's own court and statute pages.

**Quick answer.** In the first 30 days, an executor in Rhode Island orders certified death certificates, finds the original will, secures the home, car and mail, lists what the person owned and owed, and holds off on paying debts until it's clear who has authority. For the small estate route, Rhode Island's official pages give a limit of up to $15,000, a 30-day wait after the death and a sworn affidavit; it goes through the court.

✓ New Jersey commissioned notary, no. 50244803, insured for errors and omissions. [See the credentials](/about/credentials)

**Short answer.** Rhode Island: up to $15,000 small estate limit; 30-day wait; sworn affidavit; filed through the court; 2 will witnesses; self-proving affidavit allowed. 12 of 12 state facts below are confirmed on official pages.

**This is an organizer, not legal advice.** An estate attorney or the county probate/surrogate office answers questions about your situation.

## The first 30 days

Work down the list; nothing you tick is saved or sent. The steps are general, the dates come from the official pages.

- **Ask for certified death certificates, more than you think**The funeral director or vital records office issues them. Institutions often keep the copy you send, so plan on one each.
- **Confirm the death was reported to Social Security**Usually the funeral home does this. If it didn't, phone 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778); a widow or widower, or certain children, may qualify for $255.
- **Find the original will**Look for the signed original and any codicils (later changes). Keep the original safe and unaltered; make copies for yourself.
- **Look at the last pages of the will**A sworn statement signed by the witnesses before an officer may be attached; what this state says about it is below.
- **Keep the house and vehicles safe**Tell the insurer about the death so coverage stays in place, take photos of what's inside, and redirect the mail.
- **Don't pay bills or hand out belongings yet**First learn which route fits and who is allowed to act; ask the probate office or an attorney about anything urgent.
- **Stop using the person's power of attorney**A power of attorney ends at the principal's death, so an agent under it can't act for the estate.
- **Start an inventory**Every account, property, vehicle and debt, with how each is held. Beneficiary and joint accounts usually pass directly, not through the estate.
- **Check the total against $15,000**The official page's small estate figure. Leave out anything the page says isn't counted.
- **Count 30 days from the death**That's when the official page says the small estate paperwork can be used.
- **Open a simple money log**One line per payment or deposit, with the date, who, how much and the receipt. It makes the final accounting easy.
- **Once you have authority: EIN and an estate account**The IRS says you need an EIN before filing the estate's Form 1041, which is due if the estate has more than $600 of gross income in a year.

Sources for the federal steps: [Social Security Administration: When someone dies](https://ssa.gov/personal-record/when-someone-dies) · [IRS: Deceased taxpayers, filing the estate income tax return (Form 1041)](https://www.irs.gov/individuals/deceased-taxpayers-filing-the-estate-income-tax-return-form-1041) · power of attorney: [Power of attorney at a real estate closing](/notary/guides/power-of-attorney-at-a-real-estate-closing).

## The small estate route

- #### ConfirmedSmall estate limit An estate made up entirely of personal property worth $15,000 or less, not counting tangible personal property."does not exceed fifteen thousand dollars ($15,000) in value" Sources: [R.I. Gen. Laws 33-24-1, Small estates (Rhode Island General Assembly)](https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/Statutes/TITLE33/33-24/33-24-1.htm); [Providence Probate Court: Petition for Voluntary Informal Administration (PDF)](https://www.providenceri.gov/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Petition_for_Voluntary_Informal_Administration.pdf), checked November 2026
- #### ConfirmedReal estate Real estate in the person's name alone takes the estate out of this procedure. Sources: [R.I. Gen. Laws 33-24-1, Small estates (Rhode Island General Assembly)](https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/Statutes/TITLE33/33-24/33-24-1.htm); [Providence Probate Court: Petition for Voluntary Informal Administration (PDF)](https://www.providenceri.gov/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Petition_for_Voluntary_Informal_Administration.pdf), checked November 2026
- #### ConfirmedWaiting period after the death 30 days. After 30 days from the death, if no petition for letters has been filed."after the expiration of thirty (30) days from the death of the decedent" Sources: [R.I. Gen. Laws 33-24-1, Small estates (Rhode Island General Assembly)](https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/Statutes/TITLE33/33-24/33-24-1.htm); [Providence Probate Court: Petition for Voluntary Informal Administration (PDF)](https://www.providenceri.gov/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Petition_for_Voluntary_Informal_Administration.pdf), checked November 2026
- #### ConfirmedNotary or oath Sworn; a notary can give the oath. The statement is verified by oath or affirmation."a statement, verified by oath or affirmation" Sources: [R.I. Gen. Laws 33-24-1, Small estates (Rhode Island General Assembly)](https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/Statutes/TITLE33/33-24/33-24-1.htm); [Providence Probate Court: Petition for Voluntary Informal Administration (PDF)](https://www.providenceri.gov/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Petition_for_Voluntary_Informal_Administration.pdf), checked November 2026
- #### ConfirmedWhere the paperwork goes Through a court office. Filed with the probate court on the court's form."file with said probate court upon a form prescribed by the court" Source: [Providence Probate Court: Petition for Voluntary Informal Administration (PDF)](https://www.providenceri.gov/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Petition_for_Voluntary_Informal_Administration.pdf), checked November 2026
- #### ConfirmedOfficial form Set by each probate court (Providence Probate Court: Petition for Voluntary Informal Administration). The statute has the statement filed on a form prescribed by the court, and Rhode Island's probate courts are run by each city or town; Providence's form cites 33-24-1, is sworn and has a notary block. Set by your probate court; ask the clerk. Sources: [Providence Probate Court: Petition for Voluntary Informal Administration (PDF)](https://www.providenceri.gov/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Petition_for_Voluntary_Informal_Administration.pdf); [R.I. Gen. Laws 33-24-1, Small estates (Rhode Island General Assembly)](https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/Statutes/TITLE33/33-24/33-24-1.htm), checked November 2026
- #### ConfirmedSimplified court procedure Small estate statement (voluntary administration): A verified statement filed with the probate court lets the affiant collect and pay out a small personal-property estate. Sources: [R.I. Gen. Laws 33-24-1, Small estates (Rhode Island General Assembly)](https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/Statutes/TITLE33/33-24/33-24-1.htm); [Providence Probate Court: Petition for Voluntary Informal Administration (PDF)](https://www.providenceri.gov/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Petition_for_Voluntary_Informal_Administration.pdf), checked November 2026
- #### ConfirmedSurviving spouse The surviving spouse may file, and after debts and expenses the balance goes to the surviving spouse first."to the surviving spouse, or, if there is no surviving spouse" Sources: [R.I. Gen. Laws 33-24-1, Small estates (Rhode Island General Assembly)](https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/Statutes/TITLE33/33-24/33-24-1.htm); [Providence Probate Court: Petition for Voluntary Informal Administration (PDF)](https://www.providenceri.gov/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Petition_for_Voluntary_Informal_Administration.pdf), checked November 2026

## The will at probate

How the will had to be signed matters when it's offered to the court.

- #### ConfirmedWitnesses the will needed Two or more witnesses present at the same time, who sign in the testator's presence."two (2) or more witnesses present at the same time" Sources: [R.I. Gen. Laws 33-5-5, Execution of will (Rhode Island General Assembly)](https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/Statutes/TITLE33/33-5/33-5-5.htm); [R.I. Gen. Laws Chapter 33-5 index (Rhode Island General Assembly)](https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/Statutes/TITLE33/33-5/INDEX.htm); [Nolo (secondary source): How to Make a Will in Rhode Island (Nolo, updated September 2025)](https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/rhode-island-make-will-31773.html); [Justia (statute text) (secondary source): R.I. Gen. Laws 33-6-1, Gifts to attesting witnesses (2020 Rhode Island General Laws, Justia)](https://law.justia.com/codes/rhode-island/2020/title-33/chapter-33-6/section-33-6-1/), checked November 2026
- #### ConfirmedSelf-proving affidavit Allowed. Per Nolo (citing R.I. Gen. Laws 33-7-26), the testator and witnesses sign an affidavit before a notary. Source: [Nolo (secondary source): How to Make a Will in Rhode Island (Nolo, updated September 2025)](https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/rhode-island-make-will-31773.html), checked November 2026
- #### ConfirmedIf the will is handwritten Not recognized: a will needs witnesses, per Nolo's Rhode Island page (updated September 2025)."Rhode Island doesn't allow holographic wills" Source: [Nolo (secondary source): How to Make a Will in Rhode Island (Nolo, updated September 2025)](https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/rhode-island-make-will-31773.html), checked November 2026
- #### ConfirmedA witness who inherits A gift to a witness is void as to that witness (and anyone claiming through them), though the will stands and the witness can still testify to prove it (R.I. Gen. Laws 33-6-1, 2020 text on Justia)."be utterly null and void" Source: [Justia (statute text) (secondary source): R.I. Gen. Laws 33-6-1, Gifts to attesting witnesses (2020 Rhode Island General Laws, Justia)](https://law.justia.com/codes/rhode-island/2020/title-33/chapter-33-6/section-33-6-1/), checked November 2026

## Want us to handle it?

We order certified records, pick up and deliver documents, get the small estate affidavit signed and notarized, and file papers near where the estate is, in any state. We are not lawyers.

**Price:** Quote-based, from $199 per job plus government and court fees at cost. Starting rates. Your exact price is quoted after we confirm a local notary/runner, before you pay.

[Ask for estate paperwork help](/notary/estate-paperwork-help-out-of-state#request)

## Documents to gather

- The original will and any codicils
- Deeds and mortgage statements
- Vehicle titles and registrations
- Recent bank, brokerage and retirement statements
- Life insurance policies and annuities
- The last few years of tax returns
- Recent bills, loan and credit card statements
- Pension, Social Security and benefit letters
- Safe deposit box location and keys
- Certified death certificates
- The official small estate form: Set by each probate court (Providence Probate Court: Petition for Voluntary Informal Administration)

## Who to notify

Social Security (if the funeral home hasn't), Banks and credit unions, Brokerage and retirement accounts, Life insurance companies, Utilities and phone, Landlord or mortgage servicer, Credit card companies, Pension or employer. Write once to each, enclose a death certificate copy, and record the reply.

## Documents needed abroad

- #### ConfirmedA death certificate needed abroad Apostilles for this state's documents come from the Rhode Island Department of State, Business Services Division. $5 per document ordered online, plus a $0.75 enhanced access fee. Vital records: Certified copies with a raised seal issued by a proper authority. Source: [Rhode Island Department of State, Business Services Division](https://services.sos.ri.gov/Home/Index), checked November 2026

## Where to ask

An estate attorney or the county probate/surrogate office answers questions about your situation. Official pages for Rhode Island:

- [Providence Probate Court: Petition for Voluntary Informal Administration (PDF)](https://www.providenceri.gov/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Petition_for_Voluntary_Informal_Administration.pdf)

Rhode Island kit

## Rhode Island Executor and Estate Kit

This checklist as printable Word and PDF files: a start-here guide, the first 30 days, the small estate route with its official links, a documents and accounts tracker, plain notification letters (bank, utilities, Social Security), and an Excel estate ledger for assets, debts, payments and distributions.

[Get the kit, $25](/toolkits/ri-executor-kit)

General information, not legal, tax or financial advice. We are not lawyers, and MCC Solutions is not a law firm. An estate attorney or the county probate/surrogate office answers questions about your situation. Facts checked November 2026.

## Common questions

**Is there a small estate route in Rhode Island?**

On the official pages we read: An estate made up entirely of personal property worth $15,000 or less, not counting tangible personal property. Through a court office. Filed with the probate court on the court's form.

**How soon after the death can the Rhode Island small estate paperwork be used?**

30 days. After 30 days from the death, if no petition for letters has been filed.

**Does the small estate paperwork in Rhode Island need a notary?**

Sworn; a notary can give the oath. The statement is verified by oath or affirmation.

**Is there an official Rhode Island form?**

Set by each probate court (Providence Probate Court: Petition for Voluntary Informal Administration). The statute has the statement filed on a form prescribed by the court, and Rhode Island's probate courts are run by each city or town; Providence's form cites 33-24-1, is sworn and has a notary block. Set by your probate court; ask the clerk. Link: https://www.providenceri.gov/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Petition_for_Voluntary_Informal_Administration.pdf

**How many witnesses did a will in Rhode Island need?**

Two or more witnesses present at the same time, who sign in the testator's presence.

**What about a self-proving affidavit in Rhode Island?**

Allowed. Per Nolo (citing R.I. Gen. Laws 33-7-26), the testator and witnesses sign an affidavit before a notary.

**Who answers questions about an estate in Rhode Island?**

An estate attorney or the county probate/surrogate office answers questions about your situation. The official pages behind this checklist: Providence Probate Court: Petition for Voluntary Informal Administration (PDF). Remember the 30-day wait before the small estate route.

Related: [Executor guide by state](/notary/executor-guide-by-state) · [Small estate affidavit details](/notary/small-estate-affidavit-rhode-island) · [Will signing requirements](/notary/will-signing-requirements-rhode-island) · [Estate paperwork help](/notary/estate-paperwork-help-out-of-state)

## Family far from the estate?

[See estate paperwork help](/notary/estate-paperwork-help-out-of-state)[Call (908) 444-6373](tel:+19084446373)