Fill in the information on the account form and schedules, provide documentation in support of all transactions listed, and file at the Probate Division’s Duty Auditor station located at 515 5th Street, NW, Room 313, Washington, DC 20001. All accounts must be machine-printed or typewritten. Accounts may be filed by mail.

Yes. A personal representative may choose to distribute estate assets as soon as the personal representative is appointed. However, the personal representative is responsible if there are not enough assets to satisfy any valid remaining claims of creditors or to make proper distribution to estate beneficiaries. Otherwise, a personal representative may choose to wait until approval of the final account to make final distribution of the decedent’s assets.

Generally, requirements are reviewed within 2 weeks of submission. However, on complex matters or accounts with extensive audit requirements, the process may take longer.

Call the Duty Auditor at 202-879-9447 for the name and telephone number of the assigned auditor two days after the account is filed. The name of the assigned auditor is entered on the docket, which is available through the Courts' Cases Online.

If a party thinks that the compensation requested is too high, the hourly rate charged is excessive under the circumstances, or charges are included for services not performed, an Objection (Exception) to Fee Petition may be filed.

It is a fund of money established by the District of Columbia for payment for services rendered on behalf of persons whose funds would be depleted by payment of fees. See DC Code, sec. 21-2060.

DC Code, sec. 21-2060 and Superior Court Probate Rule 308

To re-open an estate, an unsupervised personal representative may file a Request for Extension of Personal Representative's Appointment or a petition to re-open. A supervised personal representative must file a petition to re-open. If an estate needs to be re-opened, but the personal representative is no longer available to serve, then a petition to re-open and appoint a successor personal representative should be filed.

A Notice of Appeal from a final order or judgment of the Probate Division is filed in the Legal Branch of the Probate Division, Room 312, 515 5th Street, NW, Washington, DC, 20001. There is a fee of $100 payable in cash or by check or money payable to "Register of Wills."

A complaint is a lawsuit, and it is recommended that you seek legal advice from an attorney. Complaints filed in the Probate Division must be verified (sworn to), pursuant to Superior Court, Probate Division Rules 107 and 407. When the complaint is presented for filing, it should be accompanied by a summons addressed to each defendant and a filing fee of $120.00 in cash, check or by check or money order payable to the "Register of Wills."