An inventory is due within 90 days of the date of the order re-opening the estate, and a first account is due no later than nine months from the date of the order re-opening the estate. Subsequent accounts are due every nine months thereafter.

No. Once a summary hearing is scheduled, it can only be cancelled by the Court, and the Judge will expect you to be present. If you cannot attend, file a motion to continue or vacate the hearing as soon as possible, explaining why you cannot be present. The Judge may, or may not, grant such a motion.

File a motion that explains to the Court the reasons why you must file late. The Judge may, or may not, grant such a motion.

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 Court 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