Rhode Island § 33-12-9 - Payment of Decedents’ Debts and Charges
Full text of Rhode Island Rhode Island General Laws § 33-12-9 — Payment of Decedents’ Debts and Charges, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 33-12-9. Payment of Decedents’ Debts and Charges
R.I. Gen. Laws § 33-12-9
§ 33-12-9. Application of rents and income of real estate to debts — Leases by executor or administrator.
Whenever the personal property subject to inventory, other than household furniture and stores, of any decedent shall not be sufficient to pay his or her debts and the charges against his or her estate, the probate court having jurisdiction of the estate may, instead of, or in addition to, granting leave to sell the real estate of the deceased, enter its decree empowering the executor or administrator to take upon himself or herself and supersede the possession of the heirs or devisees of the deceased, as to all or any portion of the real estate of the deceased designated in the decree, so far, and so far only, as shall be necessary to enable the executor or administrator to demand, sue for, and recover the rents and income reserved and accruing from the property after the entry of the decree from any tenants or other persons by whom rents and income shall be payable; with power also to let the property from month to month, or to make such other leases of the premises as the court shall approve and direct; and the receipt of the executor or administrator for payments made shall be valid as well against the heirs and devisees as against the executor or administrator, and any letting or lease lawfully made by the executor or administrator shall be binding also upon the heirs and devisees of the deceased; and provided, that this section shall not apply to real estate which is specifically devised, or as to which directions inconsistent with this section are given in and by a will, unless the other real estate is insufficient for the purposes of this section; and provided, further, that the court may at any time, after notice to the executor or administrator, and after a hearing, revoke its former decree without prejudice to existing leases by it approved and directed, and order the executor or administrator to surrender possession of the real estate to the heirs or devisees.
History of Section.
C.P.A. 1905, § 847; G.L. 1909, ch. 312, § 33; G.L. 1923, ch. 363, § 33; G.L. 1938,
ch. 575, § 31; P.L. 1939, ch. 659, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 33-12-9; P.L. 1995, ch. 323,
§ 26.
Source: official Rhode Island text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Rhode Island § 33-12-9
What does Rhode Island General Laws § 33-12-9 cover?
Section 33-12-9 ("Payment of Decedents’ Debts and Charges") 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 § 33-12-9?
A common citation format is "Rhode Island General Laws § 33-12-9" (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 § 33-12-9 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.