Estate Administration in West Warwick, Rhode Island

Find the right Estate Administration attorney in West Warwick, RI

Estate administration is the process during which the estate of a person who has recently died is maintained and divided among his or her heirs or beneficiaries. This usually happens according to the instructions in a will, but in case there is no will, there are laws governing that situation, as well.

If the person who died made and executed a valid will in West Warwick, Rhode Island, the process of estate administration usually follows the procedures and instructions laid out in the will.

Most commonly, a will names a person to serve as executor, whose job it is to ensure that the estate is properly administered.

The executor generally has at least some work cut out for them. This obviously raises the issue of compensation. The easiest way to ensure that the executor does his or her job is simply to appoint the person who has the most to gain from the will. That way, they cannot inherit until the process is completed.

What if The Will Does Not Name an Executor?

If a West Warwick, Rhode Island will does not name an executor, or no will exists or can be found, it's up to the local court to decide who should be the executor.

This is typically the person who will benefit the most if the will is executed. If there is no will (a situation known as "intestacy"), Rhode Island has a system of laws distributing the decedent's property to his or her closest living relative. In such a situation, the closest living relative has the most to gain from an orderly administration of the estate, so they will typically be appointed.

If the will doesn't name a person who is to serve as executor, or the person named is no longer alive or cannot be found, anyone with a direct interest in the will can apply to the West Warwick, Rhode Island court to be the executor.

Once an executor is appointed (whether by being named in the will, or on the application of another person), they "step into the shoes" of the estate, and are expected to protect its interests to the fullest extent possible. They also are required to accurately inventory the estate's debts and assets, as well as notify potential beneficiaries.

Can a West Warwick, Rhode Island Estate Administration Attorney Help?

If you are the administrator of an estate, and are not a legal and/or financial professional, you might encounter legal or tax issues with which you are unfamiliar. A West Warwick, Rhode Island attorney would be very helpful in such a situation.

Talk to a Wills, Trusts & Estates Law Attorney now!

Life in West Warwick

West Warwick is located in Rhode Island's Kent County. Per the 2010 census, its population is 29,191 people.

The city is surrounded by the Pawtuxet River. An unfortunate incident involving the Pawtuxet was that in 2010, extreme rainfall caused the water level to rise approximately 21 feet. This caused flooding throughout must of the city.

Popular sites include Arctic, Centerville, Clyde, Lippitt Mill and Natick.

West Warwick, along with surrounding cities, together comprise of a very competent legal force. Attorneys in the wide area practice in many fields of law and are very experienced. Thus residents do not have to travel far to seek competent legal counsel.

Overall, Westwarwick is a charming, quaint place to live or visit!

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