Rhode Island General Laws Title 24. Highways § 24-1-13. Unknown owners

If any real property or any estate or interest therein is unclaimed or held by a person or persons whose whereabouts are unknown, after making inquiry satisfactory to the superior court for the county in which the real property lies, the city or town council, after the expiration of two (2) years from the first publication of the copy of the resolution and description and plat, may petition the court that the value of the estate or interest of the unknown person or persons be determined. After such notice by publication to the person or persons as the court in its discretion may order, and after a hearing on the petition, the court shall fix the value of the estate or interest and shall order a sum to be deposited in the registry of the court in a special account to accumulate for the benefit of the person or persons, if any, entitled thereto. The receipt of the clerk of the superior court therefor shall constitute a discharge of the city or town from all liability in connection with the taking. When the person entitled to the money deposited shall have satisfied the superior court of his or her right to receive the same, the court shall cause it to be paid over to the person, with all accumulations thereon.