Rhode Island § 33-1-3 - Rules of Descent
Full text of Rhode Island Rhode Island General Laws § 33-1-3 — Rules of Descent, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 33-1-3. Rules of Descent
R.I. Gen. Laws § 33-1-3
§ 33-1-3. Descent when no paternal or maternal kindred survive.
When in this chapter the inheritance is directed to go by moieties to the intestate’s paternal and maternal kindred, if there are no such kindred on the one part, the whole shall go to the other part; and if there are no kindred either on the one part or the other the whole shall go to the intestate’s surviving spouse or if the spouse did not survive the intestate, it shall go to the spouse’s kindred in the like course as if he or she had survived the intestate and then died entitled to the estate.
History of Section.
C.P.A. 1905, § 936; G.L. 1909, ch. 316, § 4; P.L. 1919, ch. 1787, § 7; G.L. 1923,
ch. 367, § 4; G.L. 1938, ch. 567, § 4; P.L. 1944, ch. 1421, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 33-1-3;
P.L. 2014, ch. 260, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 312, § 1.
Source: official Rhode Island text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Rhode Island § 33-1-3
What does Rhode Island General Laws § 33-1-3 cover?
Section 33-1-3 ("Rules of Descent") 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 § 33-1-3?
A common citation format is "Rhode Island General Laws § 33-1-3" (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 § 33-1-3 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.