Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in Rhode Island

Re: Locating a Will

Are you sure she had one? If so, she should have told someone where it was. You could contact the probate court in the county in RI where she died and see if anyone has probated a will. If not, you have to play detective.

Re: Locating a Will

If you have not been able to ascertain the last time she made a will, you have several options. You could hire an attorney to inquire with persons or attorneys who may have some knowledge of if or when she made her final document. If you know or suspect that she had a will stored in a bank safe deposit box, it may be possible to have the box opened for a will search. Sometimes it is helpful to advertise in the RI Bar Association Journal or even the Providence Journal. Note that RI does NOT have a county system for probate - will administration is in the city or town where the decedent was a resident at the date of death (even though they may have died in a hospital or somewhere else in a different city or town or even another state.)

I hope this information is helpful and offer condolences on your mother's passing. Feel free to contact me if I can be of further assistance.