Guardianship and conservatorship in Rhode Island: who, where, cost

How a court can name a guardian or conservator in Rhode Island, what it costs and what to try first.

Checked against official sources: October 31, 2026.

Short answer

Limited guardian, guardian (full), temporary limited guardian or guardian.

Court
The probate court of the city or town where the person lives (or has property, for a nonresident).

What guardianship or conservatorship is

What it is called

Limited guardian, guardian (full), temporary limited guardian or guardian

When a court may appoint one

The petition must be supported by a decision-making assessment tool completed by the person's primary care physician (or another physician who examined and treated them), and must describe the steps taken to use less restrictive alternatives. The court may not appoint a guardian or limited guardian if the person's needs are or can be met by less restrictive alternatives. Unless the person is found totally incapacitated, the court must limit the guardian's powers to the areas where the person lacks capacity; a limited guardianship is not a finding of legal incompetence.

Law: R.I. Gen. Laws 33-15-1, 33-15-2, 33-15-4

Kinds
  • Limited guardian (financial, health care, residential and/or relationship matters)
  • Full guardian
  • Temporary limited guardian or guardian

Law: R.I. Gen. Laws §§ 33-15-1 to 33-15-6

Who can ask, which court and your own choice

Who may ask

Any person may file a verified petition with the probate court clerk in the city or town where the proposed ward lives.

Law: R.I. Gen. Laws 33-15-2

Court

The probate court of the city or town where the person lives (or has property, for a nonresident).

Law: R.I. Gen. Laws 33-15-3

Choosing your own

The court must consider the wishes the person expresses about who should serve.

Law: R.I. Gen. Laws 33-15-6(e)

Effect on a power of attorney

When a guardian or conservator is appointed, a durable power of attorney stays in place but the agent accounts to the guardian or conservator, who can revoke, suspend or end all or part of it.

Law: R.I. Gen. Laws 34-22-6.1(a)

Cost, fee waiver and forms

Forms
Steps

Steps

Other options and where to report abuse

Supported decision-making

Supported Decision-Making Act

Effective 2019 (P.L. 2019, ch. 113 and ch. 124)

An adult with a disability can choose supporters to help them understand information, make and communicate their own decisions, and arrange services. The agreement can cover help with decisions about life-sustaining treatment. The adult or a supporter can revoke it at any time in writing with notice to the others.

A dated written agreement with the elements of the statutory form, signed by each party in front of two adult witnesses or a notary. Witnesses cannot be a supporter, a supporter's employee or agent, a paid service provider, or someone who does not understand how the person communicates (unless an interpreter for that communication is present). Each supporter signs a separate declaration.

Law: 42-66.13-10

Source: Official text

Less restrictive options
  • Limited guardianship: The guardian decides only in the areas where the person needs help.
  • Supported decision-making agreement: Supporters help the adult make their own decisions.
  • Durable power of attorney: Names an attorney-in-fact for money and property that keeps working after incompetency if it says so.
  • Durable power of attorney for health care: Names an agent for health care decisions.
Report abuse or exploitation

Rhode Island Office of Healthy Aging (Adult Protective Services for people 60 and older)

Call or text the Eldercare Locator to find your local adult protective services: 1-800-677-1116 · eldercare.acl.gov

Law: R.I. Gen. Laws §§ 42-66.13-3, 42-66.13-5, 42-66.13-6, 42-66.13-10

Free help in Rhode Island

Report abuse or exploitation

Rhode Island Office of Healthy Aging (Adult Protective Services for people 60 and older)

Questions about powers of attorney in Rhode Island

How does guardianship or conservatorship work in Rhode Island?

The petition must be supported by a decision-making assessment tool completed by the person's primary care physician (or another physician who examined and treated them), and must describe the steps taken to use less restrictive alternatives.

What are the alternatives to guardianship in Rhode Island?

Limited guardianship; Supported decision-making agreement; Durable power of attorney; Durable power of attorney for health care.

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