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Transfer-on-death deeds in Rhode Island

Short answer: no. Rhode Island does not recognize transfer-on-death deeds, and recording one wouldn't do what you're hoping. Here is what works here instead.

Reviewed July 28, 2026

Rhode Island does not recognize transfer-on-death deeds

Recording one here doesn't accomplish what you want. The property would still go through probate. We would rather tell you that than sell you a document that does nothing.

Why Rhode Island does not have them

Transfer-on-death deeds exist only where a state legislature has created them by statute. 32 states plus the District of Columbia have done so; Rhode Island is not among them. There is no common-law fallback, either the statute exists or the instrument does not.

What Rhode Island property owners use instead

There are working alternatives in Rhode Island:

Other ways to avoid probate in Rhode Island

  • A revocable living trust. The most flexible option and the standard answer in states without a TOD deed. It costs more up front (typically $1,000–$3,000) but it covers everything you own, not just one property.
  • Survivorship titling. Rhode Island recognizes tenancy by the entirety for married couples, which passes the property to the survivor automatically and gives strong creditor protection.
  • Small estate procedures. Rhode Island has simplified processes for smaller estates that can be far cheaper than full probate. Your local probate court publishes the thresholds.
See what Rhode Island does allow

Every deed type this state recognizes, with its requirements and costs.

Common questions

A town office might physically accept and index the document, but recording is not the same as validity. Without a statute authorising the instrument, Rhode Island courts wouldn't give it the effect you intended, and the property would still go through probate. Use one of the alternatives above instead.

32 states plus the District of Columbia: Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Delaware, District of Columbia, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Maine, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

For a single property, survivorship titling is the cheapest. It costs one deed and one recording fee. For everything else, a revocable living trust is the standard route: more expensive up front, but it covers your whole estate and stays private. A probate attorney in Rhode Island can tell you which fits your situation in a single consultation.

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Deedly is not a law firm

We provide self-help software and state-specific statutory forms; you make your own decisions about your property. Using Deedly does not create an attorney-client relationship, and nothing here is legal advice. If your situation is complex or contested, talk to a licensed attorney in your state.