R.I. Gen. Laws § 33-22-1: Petitions in writing and signed — Notice to institution of petition concerning deceased inmate.

Every application, petition, or complaint to a probate court shall be in writing and signed by or in behalf of the party making the petition, and on the filing of certificate of death of an inmate of an institution maintained or controlled by the state, it shall be the duty of the clerk of the probate court to give written notice of the filing of the petition accompanying the same, to the commission, board, department, or division having the management or control of the institution.