Rhode Island Legal Document 5 Star Rating: 
When a person in Rhode Island dies and the size of the estate is less than $15,000, the estate may qualify for a simplified process for administering small estates. This process requires much less documentation and time.
This procedure involves the use of a Rhode Island Small Estate Affidavit. A Rhode Island Small Estate Affidavit is a sworn statement signed under oath by an heir or heirs of an estate attesting that the estate’s value is worth less than $15,000.
A Rhode Island Small Estate Affidavit is a device used to distribute assets that belonged to a Decedent in a summary distribution manner to survivors without full probate administration.
The Rhode Island Affidavit of Small Estate is extremely useful when heirs need quick access to the deceased’s bank accounts and securities to make funeral arrangements.
The Rhode Island Small Estate Affidavit should be prepared by the executor of the deceased’s will or the person with the most knowledge of the deceased’s assets. If the Decedent dies without a will, then the spouse and heirs must prepare the Rhode Island Affidavit of Small Estate.
Information and documentation needed when drafting a Rhode Island Small Estate Affidavit:
- Thirty days have elapsed since the passing of the Decedent.
- An itemized list of the fair market value of the assets.
- Copies of the Death Certificate and social security card.
- Confirmation that the deceased is a former resident of the county in Rhode Island.
- The status at death, intestate or testate.
- List of all heirs and addresses for each.
- A list of all unpaid expenses and debts of the Decedent, including funeral costs.
The Rhode Island Small Estate Affidavit is used to inform a probate court that a particular estate meets the requirements of Rhode Island Small Estate laws. Rhode Island caps the value of a small estate at $15,000 in real and personal property.
A Rhode Island Small Estate Affidavit is filed in the Rhode Island Court where the Decedent lived at the time of death. It can also be filed in any county in Rhode Island where the Decedent owned property. The Rhode Island Affidavit of Small Estate informs the Court of the value of the deceased’s assets.
Once the Rhode Island Affidavit of Small Estate is filed, the Rhode Island Court issues an order approving the Affidavit and transferring the property to the heirs.