Probate Court
About Probate Court
John E. Martinelli, Probate Court Judge
Paul V. Jabour, Esq, Clerk
Rene Samos, Deputy Clerk
This court has jurisdiction over the following types of case:
- Decedent’s estates; this includes persons who have died with a Will (testate) or those without one (intestate).
- Adult Limited Guardianships, either of the person, estate, or both.
- Minor Guardianships, either of the person, estate, or both.
- Adult Adoptions
- Name Changes
Every City or Town in this state has its own probate court, which administers these laws. Probate Court is a court of law established by RIGL 8-9; the operating statute for Probate is RIGL Title 33.
Providence Probate Court is located on the fifth floor of City Hall. The Providence Probate Judge is John E. Martinelli; the Clerk of the Court is Paul V. Jabour, Esq. Both are elected by the City Council and serve for a term of six (6) years. If the judge is unable to hear a particular case, the clerk sits in his stead.