Rhode Island Estate Planning
Get your own affairs in order in Rhode Island, for yourself or an aging parent. Compare the documents most adults need (a will, a power of attorney, and a healthcare directive), decide whether you need a trust, and see how to keep your estate out of probate.
Which document do I need?
The core documents at a glance. Each row links to its Rhode Island guide.
- Will
- Rhode Island will requirements under R.I. Gen. Laws 33-5-5: age 18, sane mind, a signed writing, two witnesses present at the same time, no handwritten wills. Read the guide
- Living trust
- How a Rhode Island revocable living trust works without a Uniform Trust Code: validity under § 18-4-27, funding the deed, and the pour-over will. Read the guide
- Power of attorney
- Rhode Island is a magic-words state. A power of attorney survives incompetency only if it carries the wording R.I. Gen. Laws 34-22-6.1 asks for. Read the guide
- Healthcare directive
- Rhode Island keeps its advance directive in two separate documents with different witness rules, and no statute lets your family decide if you sign neither. Read the guide
Planning to prepare the will with an online service? See what Rhode Island requires from an online will before you sign anything.
Rhode Island estate planning guides
Rhode Island Estate Planning Basics
Rhode Island estate planning runs on four documents. Marriage revokes an older will, a power of attorney needs durability wording, and health care takes two.
Rhode Island Will Requirements
Rhode Island will requirements under R.I. Gen. Laws 33-5-5: age 18, sane mind, a signed writing, two witnesses present at the same time, no handwritten wills.
Rhode Island Power of Attorney
Rhode Island is a magic-words state. A power of attorney survives incompetency only if it carries the wording R.I. Gen. Laws 34-22-6.1 asks for.
Rhode Island Advance Directive Guide
Rhode Island keeps its advance directive in two separate documents with different witness rules, and no statute lets your family decide if you sign neither.
Rhode Island Guardianship Planning
Rhode Island lets nobody name their own future guardian. Limited guardianship is the statutory default, and the documents you sign now can stop the petition.
Rhode Island Revocable Living Trust
How a Rhode Island revocable living trust works without a Uniform Trust Code: validity under § 18-4-27, funding the deed, and the pour-over will.
Rhode Island Trust Administration
Rhode Island trust administration for a successor trustee: the 30-day § 44-23-2 statement, prudent investor duties, and the affidavit of trust you record.
Rhode Island Pet Trusts
A Rhode Island pet trust runs on R.I. Gen. Laws § 4-23-1, which sits in the animal title rather than the probate title. The state has no Uniform Trust Code.
Rhode Island Digital Assets After Death
Rhode Island digital assets pass under chapter 33-27.1. A custodian gets sixty days, and the personal representative needs a probate court finding first.
Not sure what you need in Rhode Island?
Answer a few questions and we'll tell you which estate planning documents to set up first.
Information current as of 2026-06-18
Settled Estate is not a law firm, and this content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Probate laws and procedures in your state can change. Consult with a qualified attorney for advice specific to your situation. Full disclaimer.
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