Overview
Bristol County is located in Rhode Island with a population of approximately 50,145. The Town of Bristol Probate Court (and corresponding courts in Warren and Barrington) handles all probate and estate matters for decedents who were domiciled in the respective town at the time of death.
Rhode Island probate is governed by R.I. Gen. Laws Title 33. The process begins with filing a Petition for Probate of Will (PC-1.5) or Administration Petition (PC-1.1) to admit the will and appoint a personal representative. The court then issues Letters Testamentary for testate estates or Letters of Administration for intestate estates.
Rhode Island offers a simplified procedure for small estates valued at $15,000 or less (excluding real estate), known as Voluntary Informal Administration.
Probate fees in Rhode Island typically include a filing fee plus a state-mandated inventory tax of 1% of the personal estate value (capped at $1,500).
This guide provides an informational overview of the Bristol County probate process. It is not legal advice and is not a substitute for consulting a qualified attorney. Laws and local procedures may change — verify current requirements with the court.
Courthouse Information
Town of Bristol Probate Court
Probate matters in Bristol County are handled at the municipal level. For the town of Bristol, matters are heard at the Bristol Town Hall. The Probate Court Judge is Richard B. Abilheira.
Address: 10 Court Street, Bristol, RI 02809
Phone: (401) 253-7000 (Town Clerk)
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 4 PM
The Probate Court sits in the Town Hall. Sessions are typically held on the first and third Tuesday of each month. Note: If the decedent lived in Warren or Barrington, you must file with that specific town's probate court.
Parking and Access
Street parking is available around the Town Hall and in nearby municipal lots. The building is accessible to the public during business hours.
Filing Process
Step 1: Determine If Probate Is Necessary
Before filing, assess whether formal probate is required:
- Voluntary Informal Administration: If the estate consists of personal property valued at $15,000 or less and no real estate, you may file a simplified petition.
- Joint Tenancy/Survivorship: Assets held jointly with rights of survivorship pass automatically to the survivor.
- Trust administration: Assets held in a living trust generally do not require probate.
Step 2: File the Petition
If formal probate is needed, file a Petition for Probate of Will (PC-1.5) or Administration Petition (PC-1.1) with the Town of Bristol Probate Court. Include:
- Original Will and codicils (if applicable)
- Certified death certificate
- PC-9.1 Waiver of Notice (if applicable)
- Filing fee of $34
- List of heirs and beneficiaries
E-filing is generally not available for RI probate courts; documents are typically filed in person or by mail.
Step 3: Provide Notice
After filing, you must:
- Mail notice of the hearing to all heirs, beneficiaries, and interested parties at least 10 days before the hearing
- Publish notice in a newspaper of general circulation in Bristol County (e.g., Bristol Phoenix) for the duration required by the clerk (typically once per week for two or three weeks)
Step 4: Attend the Hearing
The court will schedule a hearing on the petition, typically 2 to 4 weeks after filing. At the hearing, the judge reviews the petition and, if approved, issues Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration.
Step 5: Administer the Estate
After receiving Letters, the personal representative must:
- Notify creditors (creditors have 6 months to file claims)
- Inventory and appraise all estate assets within 90 days
- Pay valid creditor claims and estate taxes
- File federal and state tax returns as needed
- Distribute assets to beneficiaries
- File a final accounting and petition for discharge
Local Requirements
Bristol County-Specific Procedures
- Municipal Jurisdiction: Rhode Island probate is town-based. Ensure you file in the specific town (Bristol, Warren, or Barrington) where the decedent resided.
- Inventory Tax: A fee of 1% of the personal estate value (min $30, max $1,500) is assessed upon filing the inventory.
- Local Court Rules: Hearings are held on specific days (e.g., 1st and 3rd Tuesdays in Bristol).
- Publication: Notice must be published in a newspaper of general circulation in Bristol County for the statutory period.
Always check with the specific Town Clerk for the most up-to-date local forms and fee schedules.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Bristol County)
- Petition for Probate: $34
- Inventory Tax: 1% of personal estate value (Min $30, Max $1,500)
- Certified copies of Letters: approximately $1.50-$3.00 per page/copy
- Publication costs: approximately $45-$150 depending on the newspaper
- Recording fees: Varies by document type
Rhode Island does not have a statutory percentage fee schedule for attorneys or executors; fees must be reasonable.
Payment Methods
The court accepts cash, checks, and money orders. Credit cards may not be accepted or may incur a convenience fee.
Estimated Timelines
- Simple estates (no disputes, limited assets): 9-12 months
- Average estates: 12-18 months
- Complex or contested estates: 18 months to 2 years
The 6-month creditor claim period significantly influences the minimum timeline.
Local Resources
Bristol County Court Resources
- Court Website: https://www.bristolri.gov/391/Probate-Court
- Probate Self-Help: https://www.sos.ri.gov/divisions/business-services/probate-forms
- Rhode Island Probate Forms: https://www.sos.ri.gov/divisions/business-services/probate-forms
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- Rhode Island Bar Association: (401) 421-5740 — Lawyer Referral Service
- Rhode Island Legal Services: (401) 274-2652 — Low-income legal assistance
- RI Bar Lawyer Referral: https://ribar.com/?pg=lawyerreferralservice
Publication
- Bristol Phoenix: (401) 253-6000 — Local legal notices
- Providence Journal: (401) 277-7000 — Statewide circulation