Rhode Island Estate Planning Attorneys
Estate Planning Attorneys in Cranston, Rhode Island
Rhode Island Estate Planning, From a Family Firm That Treats You Like Family
Wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and Rhode Island estate-tax planning, so everyone you love is kept out of court and out of conflict. Two generations of the Senerchia family, right here in Cranston.
Family-owned & operated in Cranston, RI
- Family-Owned & Operated
- Two Generations of Attorneys
- Serving RI, MA, CT & NH
- Free 15-Minute Discovery Call
- White-Glove Service
- Fair, Honest Pricing
A thoughtful estate plan is one of the most caring things you can do for the people you love. At Senerchia & Senerchia, P.C., our Cranston-based estate planning attorneys help Rhode Island families make confident legal and financial decisions today so that everyone you love is kept out of court and out of conflict after you pass. Whether you are just starting out or protecting a lifetime of savings, we build a plan tailored to your goals, your family, and current Rhode Island law.
Wills & Trusts
The foundation of most plans is a well-drafted will and, where appropriate, a trust. A will directs who receives your property and names guardians for minor children, while a trust can help your family avoid probate, maintain privacy, and control how and when assets are distributed. Learn more on our dedicated wills & trusts page.
- Last wills and testaments drafted under Rhode Island law
- Revocable living trusts to avoid probate and keep your affairs private
- Irrevocable trusts for tax planning and asset protection
- Trust funding: correctly titling accounts and real estate so your plan actually works
Powers of Attorney & Advance Directives
Estate planning is not only about death; it is about being prepared if you ever become unable to make decisions for yourself. We prepare the documents that let people you trust act for you without a costly guardianship proceeding in Rhode Island Probate Court.
- Durable financial powers of attorney
- Health care powers of attorney and Rhode Island advance directives (living wills)
- HIPAA authorizations so your agents can access medical information
Rhode Island Estate & Gift Tax Planning
Rhode Island is one of the few states with its own estate tax, and its threshold is far lower than the federal exemption. For 2026, Rhode Island taxes estates valued above $1,838,056, while the federal estate tax exemption is $15,000,000. Many Rhode Island families who owe no federal tax are still exposed to Rhode Island estate tax, often without realizing it. We design strategies to reduce or eliminate that exposure.
- Credit-shelter and marital trust planning for married couples
- Lifetime gifting strategies coordinated with the federal gift tax rules
- Life insurance trusts and charitable planning where appropriate
Beneficiary Designations & Legacy Planning
Retirement accounts, life insurance, and payable-on-death accounts pass by beneficiary designation, not by your will. A single outdated designation can override your entire plan. We review and coordinate every piece so your wishes are honored, and we help parents put protections in place through children’s legacy protection planning.
Reviews From Our Clients
Why Work With Senerchia & Senerchia
Senerchia & Senerchia, P.C. is a family-owned Rhode Island law firm, and we treat your family like our own. We live here and we are your neighbors, so we understand Rhode Island families, Rhode Island courts, and the local realities our clients face. Estate planning is deeply personal, and we take the time to understand your whole picture.
- Our family protecting your family, a personal, caring approach, not a stuffy law office
- White-glove service and communication, including availability beyond regular business hours
- Thorough, meticulous documentation done right the first time
- Fair, honest, transparent pricing with no surprises
- We go the extra mile: you work directly with our attorneys, not a call center
Meet our attorneys or book a free 15-minute discovery call to see how we can help protect what matters most to you.
Our Family Protecting Your Family
Senerchia & Senerchia, P.C. is a family-owned Rhode Island law firm and title company, two generations of the Senerchia family practicing law and treating every client like one of our own. We’re not a stuffy, big-city firm. We live here. We’re your neighbors. And when you call, you speak directly with an attorney, not a call center.
It’s a simple idea: our family is here to protect yours, today and for generations to come. Book a free 15-minute discovery call or call 401-615-3880.
Areas We Serve: Cranston & Surrounding Rhode Island
Our office is located at 150 Burnside Street in Cranston, Rhode Island, with easy access off Interstate 95 and the Route 10 Connector. From Cranston we serve families and individuals planning their estates throughout the greater Providence area and roughly a 25-mile radius around our office, including
- Providence, Warwick, West Warwick, Johnston, and North Providence
- East Greenwich, Coventry, Scituate, Foster, and Smithfield
- Pawtucket, Central Falls, Lincoln, Cumberland, and Woonsocket
- East Providence, Barrington, Bristol, Warren, and North Kingstown
We also welcome clients from just over the Massachusetts line, including Attleboro, North Attleboro, Seekonk, Rehoboth, Swansea, Fall River, New Bedford, and Fairhaven. For clients who cannot travel to Cranston, we offer remote meetings by Zoom or Microsoft Teams. Ready to talk? Schedule a consultation or contact our office.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I really need an estate plan if I don't have a large estate?
Yes. Estate planning is about far more than taxes. Without a plan, Rhode Island’s intestacy laws decide who inherits, the court may appoint a guardian for your children, and your family may face an avoidable probate process. A basic plan gives you control and spares your loved ones stress and expense.
What's the difference between a will and a trust?
A will takes effect at death and generally must go through probate. A revocable living trust can let your estate avoid probate, stay private, and transfer more quickly. Many Rhode Island families use both. See our wills & trusts page for a fuller comparison.
Does Rhode Island have its own estate tax?
Yes. For 2026, Rhode Island imposes an estate tax on estates valued above $1,838,056, dramatically lower than the federal exemption of $15,000,000. Your home, retirement accounts, and life insurance all count toward that threshold, so more families are affected than expect to be.
How much does an estate plan cost in Rhode Island?
Cost depends on complexity: a straightforward will-based plan costs far less than an estate with trusts, tax planning, and business interests. We believe in fair, honest, flat-fee pricing explained up front, and we review it with you before any work begins.
When should I update my estate plan?
Review your plan every three to five years and after any major life event: marriage, divorce, a new child or grandchild, a death in the family, buying property, or a significant change in assets. Rhode Island law changes too, which is another reason to keep your plan current.
What happens if I die without a will in Rhode Island?
You die ‘intestate,’ and Rhode Island law dictates who inherits, which may not match your wishes, especially in blended families. The Probate Court also appoints your estate’s administrator. Our attorneys can help you avoid this entirely.
Can you help with power of attorney and health care directives?
Absolutely. Durable powers of attorney and Rhode Island advance directives are core parts of every plan we prepare, allowing trusted people to manage your finances and medical care if you become incapacitated, without a court guardianship.
Do you work with clients outside of Cranston?
Yes. We serve clients throughout Rhode Island and nearby Massachusetts, and we offer remote meetings by Zoom or Microsoft Teams. Schedule a consultation to get started.
Rhode Island Resources & Related Pages
Our attorneys serve families and businesses throughout Rhode Island and nearby Massachusetts from our office in Cranston, with remote meetings available by Zoom or Microsoft Teams.
Official Rhode Island sources: RI Division of Taxation: Estate Tax · IRS: Estate Tax
Related pages on our site: Wills & Trusts · Probate · Asset Protection Planning · Children’s Legacy Protection
Protect What Matters Most With Thoughtful Estate Planning
At Senerchia & Senerchia P.C., we treat every client like family because we know how important yours is to you. Estate planning can bring up a lot of questions and emotions.
Who will care for your children if something happens to you? What will happen to your home, your savings, or the business you’ve built?
These are big decisions, and we’re here to help you make them with confidence.
Serving Families Across Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New Hampshire
Peace Of Mind Starts With A Solid Estate Plan
Our team works closely with families to create personalized estate plans that protect what matters most. We’ll guide you with care, clarity, and a focus on what’s best for your future.
We know these are personal and sometimes difficult decisions. That’s why we take the time to understand your needs and create a plan that gives you peace of mind now and in the future.
At Senerchia & Senerchia P.C., estate planning is about making sure your wishes are known, your family is protected, and your legacy is secure. Whether you’re just starting out or updating an existing plan, we’re here to walk you through the process with care and clarity. Here’s a quick look at the key parts of an estate plan: