The Rhode Island Last Will and Testament is  a document that is set fourth by a testator to make known their desires with regard to precisely how they would wish to have the distribution of their estate to be executed upon their death. The document would reflect the desires of how the testator would wish to see the continued care of their families while they are no longer available to carry out their familial duties. This document may not only provide for spouse, children and/or extended family but this document may also provide for selected organizations, educational institutions, friends and/or others. The document, once completed, must be witnessed and signed by two witnesses. As well, all signatures will be acknowledged by a state notary public. This document may be revoked or changed at the discretion of the testator.

Laws – Title 33 (Probate Practice and Procedure)

Signing (Section 33-5-5) – Must be acknowledged by the testator in the presence of two (2) or more witnesses present at the same time, and the witnesses shall attest and shall subscribe the will in the presence of the testator.

 How to Write

Step 1 – One may establish ownership of this document by simply placing the testator’s name in the first line on the document, followed by:

• Testator’s name
• City
• County
• Review of the remainder of the section
• Reading of  the “Expenses and Taxes” section

Step 2 – Appointment an Executor–

• Testator may provide the name of their chosen executor
• Their City
• Their County
• State of executor’s residence

Choice of an alternate representative will ensure that there will always be a trusted representative to execute the estate in the manor in which the testator has set fourth in writing, in the event that the initially selected executor is, at any time, found to be unable to perform the estate’s distribution- Provide the following information:

• The name of the secons selected representative
• City
• County
• The second Executor’s State of residence

Step 3 – Disposition of Property to Beneficiaries:

Beneficiaries  – The following information is required:

• The name of each beneficiary
• Enter a current address for each beneficiary
• State the beneficiary’s relationship to the testator
• Procure and provide the last four digits of the Social Security Number for named beneficiaries
• Enter the description(s) of any property that the testator chooses to gift to their beneficiaries

Step 4 – Review the titled sections:

• Omission
• Bond
• Discretionary Powers of Personal Representative
• Contesting Beneficiary
• Guardian Ad Litem  Not Required
• Gender
• Assignment
• Governing Law
• Binding Arrangement

Step 5 – Signatures/Witnesses – All persons who shall serve as signatories, will need to be present at the signing of the document. Enter the following information:

• Testator’s name
• Date the testator’s signature – dd/mm/yyyy
• Signature of testator
• Print testator’s name

Witnesses – Witnesses must review the statement provided, then enter:

• Date the signatures – dd/mm/yyyy
• Name of testator

Witness 1 – 

• Signature of witness
• Current Address

Witness 2 –

• Signature of witness
• Current Address

Step 6 – Affidavit of Testament – Must be reviewed by all and the following must be entered:

• The State
• The County
• Testator’s name
• 1st Witness’ name
• 2nd Witness’ name
• AND
• Testator’s signature
• 1st Witness signature
• 2nd Witness signature

Step 7 – Notary Public –The remainder of the document, will be completed by the notary as required, once all signatures have been properly witnessed