Rhode Island General Laws Title 8. Courts and Civil Procedure--Courts § 8-9-4. Election and powers of probate judge

The town council of any town which may, at the regular meeting of the town, have delegated to its town council such power, shall elect a judge of probate for the town, and any city council or any town may at the election of town officers elect a judge of probate for the city or town; and the judge of probate, upon being engaged, shall, instead of the town council, have the power and be subject to the duties of a probate court, and be entitled to the fees of the court and such salary, in addition to or instead of such fees, to be received of the city or town, as the city or town may allow.