R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-15-17: Sale binding on parties to action.

No person interested in the estate and not a party to the action shall be bound by the sale, but the court may, upon motion, proceed to make all persons interested in the estate parties to the action, though nonresident, absent, or unknown, in the manner provided in this chapter; in which case, if the whole of their shares of the estate are ordered to be sold, the decree shall forever thereafter, in favor of the purchaser of the estate or shares, and of those claiming under or by virtue of the purchaser, be binding upon such nonresident, absent, or unknown person although not appearing to the action.