Rhode Island General Laws
Chapter 33-12 - Payment of Decedents’ Debts and Charges
Section 33-12-11. - Order of preference of debts.

§ 33-12-11. Order of preference of debts.
(a) If the estate of a decedent is insufficient to pay his or her debts, the same, after deducting the charges of administration, and any property as is set off and allowed to the widow and family, shall be applied to the payment of his or her debts and charges in the following order:
(1) The necessary funeral charges of the deceased.
(2) The necessary expenses of his or her last sickness.
(3) Debts due to the United States.
(4) Debts due to this state, and all state and town taxes.
(5) Past and future child support obligations pursuant to § 33-11-51.
(6) Wages of labor performed within six (6) months next prior to the death of the deceased person, not exceeding one thousand dollars ($1,000) to any one person.
(7) Proceeds due the Rhode Island state lottery pursuant to § 42-61-6.2.
(8) Other debts filed within six (6) months of the first notice.
(9) All other debts.
(b) If there is not sufficient property to pay all the debts of any class, the creditors of that class shall be paid ratably upon their respective claims; and no payment shall be made to creditors of any class until all of those of the preceding class or classes have been paid in full.
History of Section.C.P.A. 1905, § 913; G.L. 1909, ch. 314, § 33; G.L. 1923, ch. 365, § 33; G.L. 1938, ch. 578, § 33; G.L. 1956, § 33-12-11; P.L. 1981, ch. 288, § 2; P.L. 2008, ch. 298, § 2; P.L. 2008, ch. 314, § 2.

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