Knowledge & Resources
Wills and estate planning
What a will does, how to write one, and what your state requires for it to count.
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Wills and estate planning
What a will does, how to write one, and what your state requires for it to count.
Rhode Island requires both witnesses to be present at the same time when you sign or acknowledge your signature.
A Rhode Island will must be in writing and signed by the testator, or by someone else for the testator in their presence and at their express direction. That signature must then be made or acknowledged by the testator in the presence of two or more witnesses present at the same time, and the witnesses must attest it. Both witnesses together, in one room, is what the statute describes.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 33-5-5
No. Section 33-5-5 requires two witnesses present at the same time, not a notary, and notarizing a Rhode Island will does not substitute for them.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 33-5-5
Every person of sane mind aged eighteen years or older may dispose of their real and personal estate by will in Rhode Island.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 33-5-2
R.I. Gen. Laws § 33-5-5 (Execution of will -- Acknowledgment and attestation). The signature must be made or acknowledged by the testator before two or more witnesses present at the same time, who then attest and subscribe in the testator's presence.
Links last checked 2026-08-25.
We could not read this statute at its official source, so the summary above is provisional. Confirm it before relying on it.
This is general information about the law, not legal advice, and it has not been reviewed by an attorney licensed in Rhode Island. Requirements change. Confirm the current rules for your state before you sign.
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