Source: https://willing.com/rhode-island-last-will-testament
Timestamp: 2019-06-17 15:44:12
Document Index: 553091831

Matched Legal Cases: ['§ 33', '§ 33', '§ 33', '§ 33', '§ 33', '§ 33', '§ 33']

Rhode Island Last Will & Testament - Write Your Legal Will - Willing
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The legal requirements for making a will in Rhode Island can be found in Rhode Island General Laws § 33-5-1. See below for the basics.
Rhode Island Will Requirements
To make a valid will in Rhode Island, certain legal requirements must be met. There are requirements for both the person making the will (called a “testator”), and for the will itself.
Every person of sane mind (also known as “”sound mind””) and eighteen (18) years or older in age, may devise, bequeath, or dispose of, by his or her will, executed in the manner required by this chapter, all real estate and all personal estate, which he or she shall be entitled to either at law or in equity at the time of his or her death and which, if not so devised, bequeathed or disposed of, would devolve upon the heir at law, or upon his or her executor or administrator, but not including an estate tail. Rhode Island General Laws § 33-5-2.
Regarding the will itself, the standard requirements are set forth in Rhode Island General Laws § 33-5-5.
No will shall be valid . . . unless it shall be in writing and signed by the testator, or by some other person for him or her in his or her presence and by his or her express direction; and this signature shall be made or acknowledged by the testator in the presence of two (2) or more witnesses present at the same time, and the witnesses shall attest and shall subscribe the will in the presence of the testator, but no form of attestation shall be necessary, and no other publication shall be necessary.
Although there are various exceptions and special rules, these are the standard requirements for Rhode Island wills.
You should definitely have your will notarized. Under Rhode Island law, a will that meets certain requirements — including proper notarization — is “self proved”. Rhode Island General Laws § 33-7-26. A self proved will can be admitted to probate court without the testimony of the witnesses to the will. (When a will that isn’t self proved is submitted to the probate court, the court will require testimony from witnesses, or other proof, to establish that the will is what it claims to be.)
How does it work? To make a will self-proved in Rhode Island, the witnesses must sign a “self proving affidavit” before a notary public. An affidavit is a sworn statement, and a notary public is an officer of the court. Therefore, an affidavit before a notary public is like making a statement in court. So, when an affidavit states that the will was properly executed, it’s as good as in-court testimony, and the witnesses don’t need to show up when it’s time for the will to be admitted to court. Rhode Island General Laws § 33-7-26.
Do I need an attorney to make a will in Rhode Island?
No. An attorney is not required to make a will in Rhode Island. For the vast majority of people, an attorney will simply do the same things that a good will-making software does — ask you questions and then create documents for you based on your information and wishes. However, in certain situations it is a good idea seek legal advice from an attorney, like if you have a child with special needs, or if you have a high net worth (around $10 million) and are concerned about federal estate taxes. In these cases, an attorney can help you navigate special questions and create a proper plan.
Rhode Island law handles old wills in two ways. First, if you have an old will in place, you can cancel it by creating a new one. A good will usually contains a statement that it revokes (cancels) any prior wills. Second, a will can be cancelled simply by physically destroying it. Rhode Island General Laws § 33-5-10.
Under Rhode Island law, a will must be filed with the court within 30 days after the death of the testator. Rhode Island General Laws § 33-7-5. So, after you pass away, your will should be filed in your local probate court by the person named to be your personal representative (also called an “executor” or “administrator”). This will begin the legal process known as “probate” through which your wishes are carried out under court supervision.