Anyone can file a petition for the appointment of a guardian of the estate of a minor. However, it is advisable to seek legal assistance if the petition is difficult to understand or the situation is complicated or unusual.

No. If the person died without a will, you may still file a petition for probate to open an estate and indicate on the petition that the person died intestate (which means "without a will"). If the person died with a will, the will must be filed either before or with the documents needed to open an estate.

Yes. The law requires that a will be filed within 90 days after the death of the testator (in other words, the person who executed or signed the will).

No. The original will must be filed with the Probate Division of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia.

No; a foreign estate can only be opened in the District of Columbia if and when a personal representative has been appointed in the other jurisdiction or state.

No. A will may be filed only after the death of the person who signed the will.

Notarized or certified copies are not acceptable. The documents from the other state must be authenticated by that court in accordance with 28 US Code, sec. 1738. Such authentication is commonly referred to as "triple-sealed" or "exemplified." An authenticated or triple-sealed document is one that is signed and sealed by an appropriate Clerk of the Court, a judge/magistrate judge, and an appropriate Clerk of the Court.

If the child lives in the District of Columbia, file a petition for appointment of a guardian of the estate of the minor, so that there is a guardian to whom the money can be paid. The guardian will hold the funds until the minor becomes age 18 and will then distribute them to the emancipated minor.

Yes.

No. When the documents listed above have been filed, the foreign guardian or conservator can exercise all powers authorized in the power of appointment except as prohibited by the laws of the District of Columbia. Unless restricted by the underlying appointment in the other state, a conservator can exercise all powers of a conservator appointed by the court in the District of Columbia as to assets in the District and may pursue actions and proceedings subject to any conditions imposed upon nonresident parties.