Rhode Island § 33-18-20 - Decedents’ and Incompetents’ Estates Generally

Full text of Rhode Island Rhode Island General Laws § 33-18-20 — Decedents’ and Incompetents’ Estates Generally, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 33-18-20. Decedents’ and Incompetents’ Estates Generally

R.I. Gen. Laws § 33-18-20

§ 33-18-20. Compromise of actions prosecuted or defended by interested persons — Property recovered.

Courts of probate shall have the power to compromise all claims sued for or defended by any legally interested person referred to in §§ 33-18-17 — 33-18-19 in the same manner and to the same extent as may now be done by the probate courts with reference to claims by or against estates of deceased persons or persons under guardianship. All property obtained by an interested person for the benefit of the estate through the proceeding shall be turned over by the adverse party to the administrator, executor, or guardian, if personal property, in the same manner as all other property coming to the possession of the administrator, executor, or guardian; and shall become the property of the ward in cases of guardianship, or of the heirs at law or devisees under a will, as either may become entitled to the property, in case of real estate; the administrator, executor, or guardian being first required to furnish an additional bond to the probate court for the proper administration of personal property so obtained.

History of Section.
G.L., ch. 312, § 55, as enacted by P.L. 1911, ch. 707, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 363, § 55; G.L. 1938, ch. 575, § 53; G.L. 1956, § 33-18-20.

Source: official Rhode Island text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Rhode Island § 33-18-20

What does Rhode Island General Laws § 33-18-20 cover?

Section 33-18-20 ("Decedents’ and Incompetents’ Estates Generally") 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 § 33-18-20?

A common citation format is "Rhode Island General Laws § 33-18-20" (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 § 33-18-20 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.