R.I. Gen. Laws § 33-20-6: Maintenance of wife and children — Payment of debts.

The probate court may authorize the receiver to apply the income of the property, and if the income is insufficient, then the property or the proceeds of any sale thereof, in payment of charges incurred, or that may be incurred, in the support and maintenance of the absentee’s wife and minor children and to the payment of such debts as may be proved against the absentee before the probate court.