Rhode Island General Laws Title 33. Probate Practice and Procedure § 33-13-8.1. Distributions in kind in satisfaction of pecuniary bequests

(a) As used in this section, the terms “pecuniary bequests” and “transfer in trust of a pecuniary amount” mean, respectively, a bequest in a will or a transfer under a trust agreement of a specific amount of money, which amount is either expressly stated in the instrument or determinable by means of a formula which is stated in the instrument.

(b) Whether a bequest or transfer in trust is pecuniary in character depends upon the intention of the testator or grantor.

(c) Where a will or a trust agreement authorizes the executor, administrator, or trustee (hereinafter called the “fiduciary”) to satisfy wholly or partly in kind a pecuniary bequest or transfer in trust of a pecuniary amount, unless the instrument shall otherwise expressly provide, the assets selected by the fiduciary for that purpose shall be valued at their respective values on the date or dates of their distribution.

(d) Where a will or a trust agreement authorizes the fiduciary to satisfy wholly or partly in kind a pecuniary bequest or transfer in trust of a pecuniary amount and the instrument requires the fiduciary to value the assets selected by the fiduciary for distribution as of a date other than the date or dates of their distribution, unless the instrument shall otherwise expressly provide, the assets selected by the fiduciary for that purpose, together with any cash distributed, shall have an aggregate value on the date or dates of their distribution amounting to no less than, and to the extent practicable to no more than, the amount of the bequest or transfer in trust as stated in, or determined by the formula stated in, the instrument.