Rhode Island § 18-4-8 - Powers of Fiduciaries
Full text of Rhode Island Rhode Island General Laws § 18-4-8 — Powers of Fiduciaries, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 18-4-8. Powers of Fiduciaries
R.I. Gen. Laws § 18-4-8
§ 18-4-8. Settlement of debts and claims — Assent of court.
(a) An executor or administrator, or two (2) or more trustees or assignees acting together, or a sole acting trustee or assignee, if by the instrument, if any, creating the trust the sole trustee or assignee is authorized to execute the trusts and powers thereof, may, if and as he, she, they, or it think fit, with the assent as provided in this section, accept any composition or any security, real or personal, for any debt or for any property, real or personal, claimed, and may allow any time for payment of any debt, and may compromise, compound, abandon, submit to arbitration, or otherwise settle, any debt, account, claim, or thing whatever, relating to the deceased person’s estate or to the trust; and for any of these purposes may enter into, give, execute, and do such agreements, instruments of composition or arrangement, releases, and other things that to him, her, it, or them seem expedient, without being responsible for any loss occasioned by any act or thing done by him, her, it, or them, in good faith, if done with the assent of the probate court in case of executors or administrators, and of one of the justices of the superior court in the case of trustees or assignees.
(b) Application for the assent shall be in writing, and the assent, if given, shall be by order or decree and with or without notice or hearing, as the probate court or justice of the superior court shall deem best.
(c) In case the order is made, or decree entered, the order or decree shall be final and not subject to appeal or rehearing.
(d) As regards trustees or assignees, this section applies only if and as far as a contrary intention is not expressed in the instrument, if any, creating the trust, and shall have effect subject to the terms of that instrument and to the provisions contained in it.
(e) This section applies to executorships, administratorships, trusts, and assignments previously or subsequently constituted or created.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 208, § 18; C.P.A. 1905, §§ 1220, 1232; G.L. 1909, ch. 259, § 18; G.L.
1923, ch. 303, § 18; G.L. 1938, ch. 486, § 16; G.L. 1956, § 18-4-8.
Source: official Rhode Island text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Rhode Island § 18-4-8
What does Rhode Island General Laws § 18-4-8 cover?
Section 18-4-8 ("Powers of Fiduciaries") is part of the Rhode Island General Laws, the codified statutory law of Rhode Island. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Rhode Island § 18-4-8?
A common citation format is "Rhode Island General Laws § 18-4-8" (Rhode Island). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Rhode Island law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Rhode Island official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Rhode Island attorney.
How does Rhode Island § 18-4-8 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Rhode Island can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Rhode Island.