Rhode Island probate lawyer Mark C. Hamer assists fiduciaries, beneficiaries and families throughout the state from his Providence office. Whether you need to begin administering an estate or address an inheritance dispute, the first step is understanding your role and the documents involved.
Help with administering an estate
- Reviewing wills and identifying the appropriate probate filings
- Seeking appointment of an executor, administrator or personal representative
- Identifying estate assets and preparing inventories
- Addressing creditor claims, records and fiduciary responsibilities
- Preparing accounts and coordinating distributions
- Preparing documents to close the estate
Estate administration and a contested inheritance require different approaches. When a disagreement develops, Mark evaluates the documents, the available evidence and options for negotiation or litigation.
Probate in Rhode Island’s cities and towns
Rhode Island has a probate court in each city or town. Identifying the appropriate court is part of planning the filing; the location of a beneficiary or the attorney’s office does not by itself decide where a matter belongs. Let Mark know the deceased person’s last residence, where any real estate is located and whether a case has already been opened.
The City of Providence’s probate overview explains the municipal court structure. For a probate appeal, the procedure is different: Rhode Island’s Superior Court hears probate court appeals. Bring any order or notice to the initial conversation so the applicable deadlines can be evaluated.
Representation throughout Rhode Island
Mark’s service area includes all 39 Rhode Island cities and towns, including Providence, Cranston, Warwick, Pawtucket, East Providence, Woonsocket, Newport and Westerly. See the complete Rhode Island service-area directory for your community and official municipal information.
When probate becomes contested
Questions about a will, estate accounts or the conduct of an executor can require a different strategy from routine filings. Read about probate and trust disputes or discuss the specific concern with Mark. The strength of a claim depends on the documents, evidence and applicable law.
What to have ready for an initial conversation
- The deceased person’s name, date of death and last residence
- Whether there is a will or trust and where the originals are held
- A general description of assets, real estate and debts
- Your relationship to the deceased and your role in the estate
- Any court name, case number, hearing date or papers you have received
Start with a general description. Please speak with the office before sending confidential documents. Contacting the office does not create an attorney-client relationship.
Call (401) 400-2502 or email Mark. The office is at One Custom House Street, Providence, Rhode Island. Office visits are by appointment.