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 it's 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.

Court Sessions for Summer 2012 - Summer Advertising Schedule