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Probate

Assets Dispersion Upon Death

Survive Rhode Island Probate Court with Nappa Law Rhode Island’s Top Probate Firm

What is probate?

Probate is the legal process where a deceased person’s debts, taxes and other expenses are paid, and their remaining assets are distributed to heirs. 

If the deceased person leaves behind a will, this usually dictates the probate process. But if there isn’t a will, the will is unclear, or another element complicates the process, you could be stuck navigating Rhode Island probate court alone. But don’t worry, Rhode Island probate attorney Bryan Nappa is here to ease the burden. 

How can a Rhode Island probate lawyer help me? 

Under Rhode Island probate rules, an estate worth more than $15,000 must be in probate for at least six months. This can be a stressful and confusing time, especially when you’re still grieving a loss. But, an attorney can help simplify the probate process and overcome any hurdles by accessing Rhode Island probate records

an example of a rhode island probate form

File Rhode Island probate forms 

We can complete Rhode Island probate forms, file motions, and handle other legal documents throughout the probate process for you. No need to labor over complicated paperwork on your own. 

Get legal advice

Maximize your results with expert guidance from the best probate attorney in Rhode Island, Bryan J. Nappa. We can provide options for the best chance of achieving your goals. So you can feel confident in your decisions. 

Find your assets

Attorney Nappa can help you create an inventory of assets in the estate, such as checking accounts, real estate, life insurance policies, and more. We’ll make sure you don’t leave anything on the table. 

Assisting your responsibilities

A will usually appoints a person to manage the estate called the “executor.” We can help you in your role as an executor and handle key responsibilities on your behalf, like coordinating the sale of real estate. 

Probate of a Will

For the will to enter probate, you’ll first need to verify that it was completed with all the necessary legal formalities. It’s a process called “probating a will.” We can work with you to probate a will in court and ensure the process goes smoothly. 

Small estate assistance from a probate lawyer

If the estate is worth $15,000 or less, our probate lawyer can help you fast-track probate via the "small estate" provision under Rhode Island law. Instead of a 6-month waiting period, small estates can make it out of probate in as little as 30 days. 

Filing a will with no assets

If a person dies without any assets in their name, you may not need to file for probate. But you still need to file the will.

Additionally, if the deceased person had liabilities or debts, a creditor may petition for probate, which can complicate the process. We can help you determine your next move and whether or not you need to file for probate to close the estate. 

Administration of an Estate without a will 

If the deceased person doesn’t leave a will behind, the court appoints an “administrator” instead of an executor. The estate’s assets will be divided according to Rhode Island’s laws of succession. 

If you’re named the administrator of an estate, RI probate attorney Nappa can guide you through the process, so you don’t have to go through this uncertain and stressful time alone. 

How do I find a good probate attorney in Rhode Island? 

Reach out to Nappa Law today to tell us more about your case, and learn how we can help.