R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-15-18: Division of proceeds of sale — Share set aside for absent or unknown parties.

In case of a sale under this chapter, the proceeds of the sale shall be divided, under the direction of the court, between the parties entitled thereto, in lieu of their interest in the estate ordered or decreed to be sold, and the portion of the proceeds of sale to which any party or person absent from the state or unknown and not appearing to claim the proceeds, may be entitled, may be invested for that person by the commissioners, under the direction of the court, and in such name as the court may direct, after deducting from that portion the reasonable share of the costs and expenses of partition of the party or persons, to be allowed by the court to those entitled thereto. In all cases the investment and the further disposition of the proceeds, and the deposit and disposition to be made of the evidence thereof, shall be subject only to the order and control of the court.