§ 33-12-11 - Order of preference of debts. - Rhode Island Statutes

SECTION 33-12-11

   § 33-12-11  Order of preference of debts.– (a) If the estate of a decedent is insufficient to pay his or her debts, thesame, after deducting the charges of administration, and any property as is setoff and allowed to the widow and family, shall be applied to the payment of hisor 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 priorto 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 firstnotice.

   (9) All other debts.

   (b) If there is not sufficient property to pay all the debtsof any class, the creditors of that class shall be paid ratably upon theirrespective claims; and no payment shall be made to creditors of any class untilall of those of the preceding class or classes have been paid in full.