A guardian of a minor’s estate is a person appointed by the Court to handle the assets of a minor and to safeguard them until the minor becomes 18.

A conservator is someone who is appointed by the Court in response to the filing of a petition for a general proceeding to handle income or assets of the ward for the support, care, and welfare of the ward so that they will not be wasted or dissipated.

A guardian ad litem helps the subject determine the subject’s interests in regard to the petition for a general proceeding. If the subject is unconscious or otherwise wholly incapable of determining his or her interests even with assistance, the guardian ad litem makes that determination. The need for such an appointment depends upon the circumstances of the case, and appointment of a guardian ad litem is not requested very often.

A guardian is someone who is appointed by the Court in response to the filing of a petition for a general proceeding to make health care, quality of life, placement (housing), and legal decisions for an incapacitated individual who is eighteen or older.

The petitioner is the person who files the petition for a general proceeding seeking appointment of a guardian and/or conservator for the subject.

A small estate proceeding may be opened for people who died after April 26, 2001, and had assets with a total value of $40,000.00 or less. If the person died between January 1, 1981, and June 30, 1995, the value of the estate must be $10,000 or less to qualify as a small estate. If the person died between July 1, 1995, and April 26, 2001, the value must be $15,000 or less to qualify.

A subject is the person who is alleged to be incapacitated.

A visitor is an officer, employee, or special appointee of the Court who has no personal interest in the proceeding. A visitor reports to the Court on the ward’s current situation and living conditions. A visitor is usually a social worker. DC Code, sec. 21-2033(c) and Superior Court, Probate Division Rule 327 state the duties of a visitor.

A ward is a person who has been found to be incapacitated by the Court.

CON is a conservatorship case. Such cases were opened prior to September 30, 1989 for the appointment of a conservator of the property of an incapacitated adult and, sometimes, the conservator of the person of an incapacitated adult. Such cases are now opened as INT or IDD cases.

When a petition for a general proceeding is filed, the law in the District of Columbia requires that the Court appoint an attorney to represent the subject. The Court does not appoint an attorney for the petitioner, and the Court-appointed counsel does not represent the petitioner.

Generally, the type and amount of assets - the assets of a small estate are $40,000.00 or less for people who died after April 26, 2001. A large estate can be opened for an estate of any value.

A general guardian has full legal power to handle all medical, legal, and residency matters on behalf of a ward for the ward’s lifetime or until the guardian resigns or is removed by the Court. A limited guardian can only handle specific medical care or legal issues as directed by the Court.

No

1. An action to contest the validity of a will in accordance with DC Code, sec. 20-305

2. An action for payment of a claim in accordance with DC Code, sec. 20-908

3. An action to institute a plenary proceeding in accordance with DC Code, sec. 16-3105

Any other claim for relief that is not required by statute or rule to begin with the filing a petition may begin with the filing of either a complaint or a petition pursuant to Superior Court, Probate Division Rule 407.

A foreign will is a term used to describe a will that has been filed and accepted in a state or jurisdiction other than the District of Columbia.

Persons, including attorneys, appointed to be personal representatives in small estates are not entitled to be paid for acting as personal representatives. Attorneys for personal representatives in small estates can receive up to $1,000.00 depending on the size of the estate and other payments approved by the Court in the final order.

Yes, a small estate may be opened when the decedent’s assets include real estate located outside the District of Columbia. Publication will be required in such a case.

No. However, a large estate may be opened when it is necessary to obtain medical records for any purpose including potential litigation.

Generally, the petition should be filed in the jurisdiction in which the person lives.

It is recommended that the petition be filed in person so that any questions may be resolved immediately and the petition will be processed more efficiently. If you do not live in the Washington DC metropolitan area or cannot file in person for any other reason, the petition, filing fee, and required attachments may be mailed to Probate Division, DC Superior Court, 515 5th Street, NW, 3rd Floor, Washington, DC 20001.

The Court may waive appointment of an examiner when a report has been submitted in writing to the Court regarding the condition of the allegedly incapacitated individual. If no report is submitted, the court will appoint an examiner.

No; however, the filing of a petition for appointment of a guardian and/or conservator begins a contested legal proceeding (i.e., the person who files the petition bears the burden of proving the incapacity of the subject at a hearing in Court at which evidence can be presented, witnesses can testify and be cross-examined, and legal arguments can be made). Counsel will be appointed to represent the interests of the subject. Counsel is not appointed to represent the petitioner.

Yes if the decedent owned an asset that needs to be transferred. According to the law in the District of Columbia, only a Court-appointed personal representative has authority over any assets that were solely owned by a person who is now deceased when there is no beneficiary or payable on death designation. The Court-appointed personal representative will collect the decedent’s assets and make distribution in accordance with the final order that the Court will issue.

For life-threatening emergencies or situations involving emergency health care, file a petition for the appointment of a temporary 21-day emergency guardian. This type of petition is referred the day that it is filed to the emergency Judge-in-Chambers at the Court for hearing.

If there is no life-threatening emergency or the situation does not involve emergency health care, the appointment of a 90-day health care guardian may be requested instead. Such petitions are also referred the day of filing to the emergency Judge-in-Chambers.

File either a petition for a general proceeding or, in an emergency situation, a petition for appointment of an emergency guardian to begin an intervention case and obtain a hearing. The two Notice of Initial Hearing forms must be included with the petition for general proceeding, as is required by Superior Court, Probate Division Rule 325.

A person becomes a conservator when the Court appoints a conservator in response to the filing of a petition for a general proceeding, medical evidence, and all attachments.

A person becomes a guardian when the Court appoints that person guardian in response to the filing a petition for a general proceeding.

As a general rule, if the paperwork that is submitted for filing is complete, only one time. If the paperwork is incomplete or more supporting documents are required, more meetings may be necessary.

Identify your family members by name, and indicate that you do not know where they live. If you are petitioning for appointment as personal representative, but you do not have priority to serve, you must file a sworn statement as to your efforts to locate the persons who have priority to serve.

The nominated personal representative in a will or, if the decedent died without a will, an heir with the highest priority to serve as personal representative may file a petition to open a small estate proceeding. The estate procedure is always easier and faster if the person with highest priority to serve files the petition to open the small estate. The order of priority is listed below.

The Superior Court’s rules require that the forms be typed. However, waiver of the rule may be requested, and the petition for small estate proceeding may then be handwritten, if legible. The Notice of Appointment, Notice to Creditors and Notice to Unknown Heirs must be typed. Typewriters are available for this purpose at the Probate Division, 515 5th Street, NW, 3rd Floor, Washington, DC

Email the DC Courts Webmaster at webmaster [at] dcsc.gov (webmaster[at]dcsc[dot]gov).

Contact the insurance company to determine its procedure for assuming the policy owned by a deceased person. An estate may need to be opened if the insurance policy is being cashed and the proceeds paid to the decedent’s estate.

No, unless you would like to hire an attorney to assist you. Small estate petitions are fairly simple to complete. Small estate specialists are available in the Legal Branch of the Probate Division to answer any questions remaining when the petitions are filed.

The expenses that are eligible for reimbursement are Court costs, publication costs, administrative costs, and/or statutory funeral costs.

None.

1.Complete the forms online, and print them out to file.

2.Write or visit:
Probate Division
Probate Clerk’s Office, Room 314
515 5th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20001

It is necessary to open an estate because since June 2006, the District of Columbia government has required a Court order to transfer title to motor vehicles solely owned by a decedent.

A written Verification of Assets is required because it confirms an asset’s value and type and confirms for the Court that the case is within the jurisdictional limits of a small estate. All assets are included in the final order, and the amount of the asset must be exact to the penny or the distributions included in the final order will be incorrect.

Yes. Mediation is included in the Initial Order and is held after the filing of the joint pretrial statement and before the pretrial conference. The court may also order mediation at any time it deems appropriate, and parties may request a referral to mediation by motion filed with the court.

There is no Court cost to file a petition to become a guardian of the estate of a minor.
 

The forms are available online. Print them out to file. The forms must be filed in person because the proposed guardian and minor must meet with an Assistant Deputy Register of Wills.

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

No. The Probate Division handles guardianships of the property or assets of a minor. The Family Division handles petitions for appointment of a custodian of a child when one is needed to make care or custody decisions. A petition for appointment as custodian should be filed in the Family Division.

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

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

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. If counsel appointed for the subject believes that it is not advisable for the subject to attend for any reason (such as health issues), counsel can ask the Court to excuse the subject’s appearance by filing a motion to excuse the subject’s or ward’s appearance prior to the hearing. Only the Judge may excuse the subject from the initial hearing.

If the Court has already issued orders appointing counsel or any other participants, file a motion to withdraw. If no orders have been issued, a petition for a general proceeding can be withdrawn by praecipe.

A parent who cannot be located and therefore has not consented to a petition for appointment of a guardian of the estate of a minor can be served by publication or some other method for good cause shown if the Court so orders.

No. A petition for the appointment of a guardian of the estate of the minor should be filed in the state where the minor lives.

Sometimes, waiting is possible. For example, if the asset consists of the proceeds of an insurance policy and the company has a procedure for holding the assets, waiting may be an option. If the minor is seventeen and will emancipate soon, waiting may be an option. Each situation is different. Consult counsel for options.

No. However, a conservator must file an inventory and annual accounts, so if the ward has few or no assets, a conservatorship may not be needed or appropriate.

A minor who is fourteen or older has the right to nominate a guardian.

The parents of the minor have priority under the law in the District of Columbia to serve as the guardian of a minor, and a custodial parent is more likely to be appointed as a guardian than a noncustodial parent. If custody of the child has been granted to a nonparent by the Court, that custodian is more likely to be appointed than the parents.

Other possibilities depend on the facts of the situation. Consult an attorney for advice.

Bond protects the assets of the minor. A guardian of a minor must be bonded in the amount of the assets that the guardian will be holding plus one year’s worth of income from those assets. If the guardian misappropriates the assets, the bonding company will reimburse the estate of the minor in the amount that was mishandled up to the value of the bond. The Court is not likely to appoint anyone who cannot obtain bond as a guardian.

No, the Judge to whom a report is forwarded cannot be selected by anyone. Each Report of Guardian will be forwarded to the Judge assigned to that particular ward’s intervention case.

In accordance with the law in the District of Columbia, a guardian may establish a residence for the ward outside the District of Columbia.

The Probate staff is available to take the oath required on the petition for a general proceeding or the Report of Guardian.

Although the Report of Guardian can be handwritten, guardians are strongly advised to use the interactive form on the website to type the report and print it out for filing. If the Report of Guardian form is typed or saved to a personal computer, it can be updated with any changes every six months, printed, and filed.

Letters of conservatorship and orders terminating conservatorships must be filed or recorded in the Office of the Recorder of Deeds so that notice of the transfer of title is on file. There is a fee associated with this filing.

A small bank account held on the ward’s behalf may be listed on the Report of Guardian in paragraph 22. The Court determines what qualifies as "small."

Contact the DC Office of Aging and Disability Resource Center at (202) 724-5626 for a list of available day programs in the DC area for an elderly or disabled ward. The Court’s Guardianship Assistance Program at (202) 879-9407 may also be able to provide guidance and assistance.

Take the Letters of conservatorship, your identification, and the ward’s Social Security number to a District of Columbia bank that is conveniently located. Open a bank account that is titled in the name of the subject and yourself as conservator. Usually, this is a checking account that returns checks and provides monthly bank statements because bank statements and canceled checks are needed to prepare the annual account and copies must be presented with the account.

If a ward has assets consisting of less than the Medicaid resource and income limits, apply for Medicaid, also known as DC medical assistance. Once the ward is found to be eligible, Medicaid will pay the difference between any income that the ward has and the nursing home bill, less a small monthly personal needs allowance for the ward.

Consult counsel for advice and direction. Among the possibilities are a petition for rule to show cause for possession in accordance with Superior Court, Probate Division Rule 313 in the Probate Division, a lawsuit for possession in Landlord Tenant Court, or a complaint to the Metropolitan Police Department.

File a Petition Post Appointment to Terminate Conservatorship, a Preliminary Order of Termination, an Order Appointing Counsel, and a Notice of Hearing on Subsequent Petition, in compliance with Superior Court, Probate Division Rule 334. After a hearing, the Court will issue a preliminary order of termination, direct the filing of a final account and report within 60 days, and appoint a successor. Upon approval of the final account, the Court will enter a final order of termination.

File a Petition Post Appointment to resign. The Court will hold a hearing to determine whether to terminate your appointment and appoint a successor guardian.

Additional or updated Letters can be purchased for $1.00 each at the Probate Division, 515 5th Street, NW, Room 314, Washington, DC 20001, or ordered by mail. To order by mail, complete the Copy Request Form and mail with check payable to “Register of Wills.”

File a motion for an extension of time before the filing deadline or a motion for an enlargement of time if the filing deadline has passed. A Pro Se Motion form is available on this website. The motion must state how much additional time is needed and the reasons why additional time is needed.

Letters are valid until the guardianship or conservatorship is terminated; however, some organizations and/or institutions may require Letters to be updated or recertified if they are more than 60 days old.

Generally, Letters are issued within two business days of the filing of the Acceptance and Consent and bond (if required).

The guardian must visit the ward once a month unless the Court orders otherwise.

It depends upon the person’s relationship to the case and the kind of hearing that is being held. The ward, guardian, or conservator should attend unless counsel advises them not to do so. Hearing notices are sent to all persons interested in a proceeding so that they are kept informed of the progress of the proceeding. If the person who receives the notice has information important to the proceeding, that person should attend and present the information to the Court.

All guardians and successor guardians appointed in INT cases on or after July 1, 2009, must file a Guardianship Plan within 90 days of appointment.

If a ward has disappeared suddenly, the disappearance should be reported to the police. If the ward has been missing a long time, a report may not be necessary. Consult your counsel regarding the choices that are best for your situation.

A guardian has a legal duty to act in the ward’s interests to ensure that the ward receives the care that the ward needs and lives in an environment that is appropriate for the ward’s needs. At times, performing this duty involves taking actions for the ward’s best interests that the ward will not like. Sometimes, a petition post appointment can be filed when there is a need to settle a dispute between the guardian and the ward.

No, both co-guardians should be working together for the welfare of the ward and should sign one report if possible.

If the ward and the guardian have moved to another state, the Court will terminate the intervention proceeding (1) when a petition post appointment to terminate intervention proceeding is filed here and approved by the Court or (2) when a petition post appointment to transfer the guardianship or conservatorship to another state is filed and granted by the Court.

Letters of conservatorship are evidence of the transfer of all assets of a ward (or the assets specified in the Letters) to the conservator. Letters of guardianship are evidence that a guardian has been appointed who has the authority to make medical decisions, health care decisions, quality of life decisions, and legal decisions for the ward.

If the guardian is unable to perform the duties of a guardian, the Court should be notified immediately by the filing of a Petition Post Appointment pursuant to Superior Court, Probate Division Rule 322 to appoint a successor guardian. If the guardian dies, a Notice of Death should be filed, and a Petition Post Appointment for the appointment of a successor should be filed.

Court costs are paid with the first account. Additional costs may be owed with subsequent accounts if additional assets are received.

If something needs to be done for the ward and the authority to do it is in doubt, review the Findings of Fact or the order of appointment to see if either document specifically allows what needs to be done or specifically prohibits it. If the Findings or the order of appointment do not provide any guidance, review the powers set forth at DC Code, sec. 21-2047 for guidance. If there is still a question about authority to act, consider filing a petition post appointment requesting permission or instructions from the Court.

A Guardianship Plan, Report of Guardian, inventory, or account must be filed by the statutory deadline. When any of these documents has not been filed by the statutory deadline, a hearing is scheduled. Once a hearing is scheduled, the guardian or conservator must attend, even if the item is filed, and the Probate Division judges expect the party who filed the item late to be present at the hearing.

District of Columbia law requires a bond for the protection of the assets of the ward. In general, a conservator must be able to qualify for a bond that covers all the assets of the ward plus one year’s income.

The Court has the ultimate responsibility for the welfare of each ward. A Report of Guardian must be filed every six months from the date of appointment as guardian so that the Court is kept informed of the ward’s medical status, residence, and general condition for the protection of the ward. The filing of such reports is required by the applicable District of Columbia law and is a condition of appointment as a guardian.

Five. Additional Letters are available for $1 each.

No. Under the law in the District of Columbia, the will must be in writing, signed by the testator, and attested and signed by at least 2 credible witnesses in the presence of the testator.

No.

If you are not authorized to enter the safe deposit box of the decedent, you may petition for the appointment of a special administrator to open the safe deposit box by filing a Petition for Appointment of Special Administrator to Enter Safe Deposit Box and Order.

File a petition for standard probate, and follow the procedure set forth in Superior Court, Probate Division Rule 403(a)(4). See Filing Standard Probate Proceedings in the District of Columbia.

The Probate Division keeps wills forever as a permanent part of the public legal record. The will is kept in the Probate Division for a period of 10 years from the date of filing. After 10 years, it is archived permanently.

If the Probate Division copies a will for you, it will cost 50¢ per page. If you wish to visit the Probate Division to copy the will yourself, you may do so at the public copier at a cost of 25¢ per page.

Letters of Administration are the formal document issued by the Court after a petition for probate is filed and the Court issues an order opening the estate and appointing a personal representative. When a personal representative is appointed in a large estate proceeding, 12 original Letters of Administration are included in the materials sent to the personal representative or counsel for use in administering the estate. Additional Letters may be ordered by the personal representative or counsel at a cost of $1.00 each.

Once a will has been accepted for filing, it can be released only by order of the Court. To obtain such an order, file a verified petition for release of the will and a proposed order authorizing transfer of the will.

If a nominated personal representative does not wish to serve, he/she can file a Renunciation.

The law in the District of Columbia requires that the will be filed even if there is no estate. Whether an estate needs to be opened or is solvent is a separate issue.

Yes. A Petition for Authority To Invest or for Approval of Investment Plan or Program and documentation in support of that request can be filed for the Court’s consideration.

Notices do not have to be sent to parents or custodians. However, a parent or custodian can ask the Court to be allowed to participate as a party by filing a Petition for Permission To Participate. If the Court grants the request, the parent or custodian then has the right to receive copies of all documents that are filed.

Yes, without prior Court approval. The invoice and proof of payment must be attached to the account.

The funds of a minor can only be spent on three types of expenditures without prior Court order: (1) the bond premium, (2) Court costs, and (3) income tax on the money of the minor that is being held by the guardian. All other expenditures must be preapproved by the Court. To obtain approval, the guardian files a Petition for Authority To Expend Funds, asking the Court to approve a particular expenditure and attaches any backup documentation, such as the quote for a computer or the brochure for a summer camp. A Financial Statement from the parent(s) should also be attached.

Ordinarily, the funds of a minor are not to be used for the support of the minor because parents are responsible for support. Therefore there should be no emergencies. If an emergency does occur and the guardian spends money without prior Court approval, the guardian can file a petition for ratification (approval) of the expenditure but will be personally responsible for repaying the money if the Court does not ratify (approve) the expenditure.

It depends upon your relationship to the case and what you are asking the guardian to do. If the minor’s money is needed for care of the minor and you are the caretaker of the child, petition the Court to approve the expenditure. However, be advised that the Court will wish to know that the expenditure is in the best interests of the child in the view of the guardian.

If assets are discovered after a final order has issued, a supplemental petition for small estate proceeding and written verification of those newly found assets must be filed. If the amount discovered increases the estate assets over $40,000.00, then a petition for probate for a large estate must be filed.

It is the Financial Account Information form that a guardian is required to file with the account and includes such information as the name on an account, the name and address of the bank or financial institution, and the account number. The form is maintained under seal and is available only to authorized Court personnel unless otherwise included in the public record.

Probate Division Rules 204(a)(4) and (5) require that accounts be filed annually within thirty (30) days after the anniversary date of appointment. Final accounts must be filed within sixty (60) days after the minor’s eighteenth birthday or the guardian’s death or incapacity. A schedule of mandatory filing dates is provided to the guardian upon appointment.

Prior to approval of a final account, a conservator may only disburse or expend pursuant to a court order authorizing expenditures or disbursements. Such an order is obtained by filing a petition with the Court for such authority pursuant to Superior Court, Probate Division Rule 334. Otherwise, a conservator should wait until approval of the final account to make final distribution of the deceased ward’s assets.

Yes; write P. Allen Butler, III, Auditing Branch Manager or Herbert Files, Supervisory Auditor and request an expedited audit of the account. Reasons for the expedited request must be provided.

Yes

The conservator must be present while the appraisal is being done. If the conservator will not be available, the conservator must write the Court appraiser, designating the person who will be present and including the case number and name. That person must be present while the appraisal is being done.

Telephone the Duty Auditor at (202) 870-9447, or call (202) 879-9434,.

Generally, an account is audited within 30 to 45 days from the date of filing. If no initial audit notice has been received after 60 days, contact the Auditing Branch Manager at (202) 879-9429 to inquire regarding the status of the audit.

The average appraisal takes 2 to 3 hours. If there are more items than usual, it takes longer.

No. A summary hearing can only be vacated by the court (1) at the hearing or (2) by an order in response to a motion to vacate summary hearing filed by the fiduciary. The motion should be filed at least 13 days prior to the date of the hearing, and the Pro Se Motion to Vacate Summary Hearing form may be used. If the motion is filed less than 13 days from the date of the hearing, it should be by consent of all parties. The motion should state the reasons for the delay.

Unless the order appointing the conservator in an INT or IDD case restricts spending in some way, Court approval is not required before expenditures are made unless the expenditure is a fee to the guardian, conservator, or counsel. All expenditures are, however, subject to proper accounting. Receipts, bills, cancelled checks, and bank statements must be filed with the annual account in support of all expenditures. In CON cases (those filed prior to September 30, 1989), Court approval is required before expenditures can be made.

Yes. A checklist is available and can be found on pages 6-11 of the Inventory and Accounting Guide.

Yes. A checklist is available on pages 6 to 11 of the Inventory and Accounting Guide and on the Probate Division website.

Telephone the Duty Auditor at (202) 879-9447, or call (202) 879-9434 for the assigned auditor’s name and telephone number about two (2) days after the account is filed.

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

The forms needed are: (1) Account (with Schedules A – L), (2) Financial Account Information (Form 27) (for confidential information under SCR-PD 5.1), (3) bank statements, and (4) canceled checks, receipts, or vouchers in support of all transactions.

The inventory must be filed no later than 90 days from the date of the order appointing the conservator or successor conservator.

Approximately one week after the appraisal.

Audit inquiries may differ depending upon the circumstances of the case. If there is a question regarding a particular audit that cannot be resolved with the auditor performing the audit, write either P. Allen Butler, III, Auditing Branch Manager or Anne Meister, Esq., Register of Wills, and request an administrative review. Note that a request for administrative review will not stay the response period.

Yes. A form titled Statement of Claim Pursuant to Superior Court, Probate Division Rule 307 is available on this website.

Sometimes, the existence of a power of attorney is pertinent to an intervention proceeding. The Court may accept a power of attorney under certain circumstances and for limited purposes. Consult counsel of your choosing for advice regarding this issue.

The Court cannot provide any advice relating to obtaining or executing a power of attorney. Consult counsel of your choosing.

File a Petition Post Appointment in accordance with Superior Court, Probate Division Rule 322 asking the Court to decide what should be done.

File a Petition Post Appointment to remove a guardian. Be specific regarding the reasons for removal. A hearing will be held. The Judge will consider the contents of the petition and the evidence presented at the hearing and decide whether to remove the guardian and whether a successor guardian should be appointed. The successor may be the petitioner, a relative or friend of the ward, or an attorney from the Court’s fiduciary panel.

Discovery in intervention cases occurs only with the Court’s permission. File a motion requesting permission to issue a subpoena that includes a description of the information that you are seeking and a proposed order. If the Court grants the motion, counsel can issue the subpoena. Persons who are not represented by counsel must come to the Probate Division, Probate Clerk’s Office with 3 copies of a completed subpoena form and a copy of the Court order authorizing issuance of the subpoena so that the subpoena can be issued.

Yes. A response to a petition for general proceeding may be filed up to five days before the general proceeding and should list any objections for the Judge to consider at the hearing.

A certificate of service informs the Court that a copy of the document that is being presented for filing has been mailed to all parties. (See above for an explanation of who is a party.) The date that the copy was mailed to each party and the name and complete mailing address of each party must be included in the certificate of service. Many of the forms on this website contain a certificate of service that can be used or used as an example.

The parties in an intervention proceeding include the subject of the proceeding, any guardian or conservator, the person filing the petition to initiate the intervention proceeding, and a creditor filing a petition to determine claim.

File a petition for release of funds held in the estate deposit account and order. If the Court grants the motion, go to the Probate Clerk’s Office on the third floor at 515 5th Street, NW, with a copy of the order and identification and contact information. A check will be mailed from the Court’s Budget and Finance Division after the paperwork is processed.

In an intervention proceeding, file a petition post appointment to deposit funds into the estate deposit account and proposed order. In a decedent’s estate, file a petition to deposit funds into the estate deposit account and proposed order. If the Court grants the motion, go to the Probate Clerk’s Office, Room 314,at 515 5th Street, NW, with a copy of the order and a check made payable to the Register of Wills for no less than the amount of money that the order states is to be deposited.

File a Petition Post Appointment to Terminate Conservatorship of Deceased Ward in compliance with the requirements of Superior Court, Probate Division Rule 334, an account titled “Final” and ending on the date of death, and a final Conservator’s Report within 60 days of the ward’s death. Upon hearing and approval of the final account, the Court will issue an order of termination directing any appropriate conditions for termination of the conservatorship.

If the ward has died, file a Suggestion of Death, notifying the Court of the ward’s death. Then file a final Report of Guardian within 60 days of the filing of the Suggestion of Death. After the final Report of Guardian is filed, the Court will enter an order terminating the guardianship.

In intervention cases in which the ward has died, a conservator has up to 60 days to file a final receipt of distribution.

A guardian should discuss wise choices for investment and use of the money but cannot withhold the funds from the emancipated minor.

File a Petition To Resign with the Court, stating the reasons for the resignation.

The appointment ends when the minor emancipates, i.e., becomes 18, or when the guardianship is terminated by Court order for some other reason.

The guardian may file a Petition To Deposit Funds Into the Estate Deposit Account at the Probate Division. The funds will be held until the emancipated minor files a Petition for Release of Funds Held in the Estate Deposit Account, the Court approves the petition, and the emancipated minor brings the order allowing release of the funds to the Probate Division cashier with identification to begin the process of releasing the funds.

No. Ordinarily, the Final Account is approved, and then distribution is made to the minor. This process takes 60-90 days after the minor has become 18 because a final account must be prepared and filed, reviewed by the auditing staff, and approved by the Court. When the assets are paid to the emancipated minor, the guardian must get a signed receipt and file it in the Probate Division with the auditor who audited the final account.

If a ward has died, a Notice of Death should be filed as soon as possible to alert the Superior Court and other interested persons. A final Report of Guardian must then be filed within 60 days. If you have already reported the ward’s date of death in the final guardianship report, a Suggestion of Death is still required to ensure proper docketing of the ward’s date of death by Court staff.

Yes, the rate is usually $45 per hour when the Court grants such petitions for compensation from the Guardianship Fund. If the individual has specific qualifications or specialized training that justify a higher rate of compensation, those qualifications or the specialized training should be explained in detail in the petition for compensation. Note that requests for compensation for a person functioning as second chair are not likely to be approved.

Yes, a family member who is a guardian and/or conservator can file a petition for compensation. In general, the Court will consider fees claimed for fiduciary decision-making, administrative advocacy, or supervision of other care providers if they are reasonable; however, the Court has not been awarding fees for personal services provided by a family member, such as bathing, combing hair, feeding, caring for the ward’s pet, and other similar services.

The threshold date for payment of fees is the date of the guardian’s and/or conservator’s appointment.

Sullivan v. DC, 829 A.2d 221 (DC 2003), pages 228-229

In accordance with Superior Court, Probate Division Rule 308, both are entitled to reasonable compensation for services rendered. A fee petition must be filed.

Yes, if the Court finds the Petition for a General Proceeding to be meritorious and approves the request. The request must be approved by the Court before the fees are reimbursed. Failure to obtain prior Court approval could result in removal. It is recommended that a petition for compensation completed by counsel accompany any petition for approval of such an expenditure.

In re Randolph Brevard, Sr., 2011 INT 44, 8-5-11 order; In re Leon M. Stanard, 2011 INT 20, May 26, 2011 order

Yes. A guardian who is an attorney may file a petition for reasonable attorney’s fees for preparing pleadings filed with the Court and for other necessary legal services rendered.

Yes, if you file a petition for reimbursement, and the expenses are approved by the Court.

Yes, the Court may, in its discretion, approve compensation for mileage within the Washington, DC, Metropolitan area if the claim is reasonable. Travel time and mileage must be detailed separately in the petition for compensation and cannot be included in the service rendered at the destination. The date, time, distance traveled, location, and the purpose of the travel must be stated. The Court rate for mileage is currently 51 cents per mile, the rate paid to attorneys on the CCAN and CJA panels.

Travel time and mileage to and from Court is not compensated in accordance with the practice in CCAN and CJA cases.

See In re Brenda J. Wilson and In re Irene Mason, 139 WLR 2753 (DC Superior Court, December 27, 2011); In re Alice Bush, 2008 INT 286, 2-3-12 order; In re Fred T. Darson, 2011 INT 328, 1-12-12 order; In re Robert Washington, 2008 INT 79, 1-12-12 order; In re Ruby McDougald, 2008 INT 63, 1-12-12 order

Yes, the Court may, in its discretion, approve compensation for ordinary travel time within the Washington, DC, Metropolitan area if the claim is reasonable. Travel time must be detailed separately in the petition for compensation and cannot be included in the service rendered at the destination. The date, time, distance traveled, location, and the purpose of the travel must be stated. Travel time must be in tenths of an hour. Travel time from an office outside the Washington, DC, Metropolitan area may not be compensable.

No. A petition for turnover commission is not ordinarily required. Note the following exceptions: (1) If the guardianship terminates because of the guardian’s death, resignation, or incapacity, a statement of services shall be filed in support of the turnover commission claims.

No. If an attorney is retained by a petitioner and the petitioner pays the attorney with petitioner’s own funds, no petition for compensation is necessary.

In re Grealis, In re Irma Sams, In re Mary Nazarczuk, 902 A.2d 821; 2006 DC App. LEXIS 414, 03-PR-963, 03-PR-965, 04-PR-169, DCC.A., 7-13-06 (2002 INT 359, 2002 INT 225, 1999 INT 205)

Shortly after receipt of an order awarding payment of compensation or fees from the Guardianship Fund, you may track the status of the payment by logging onto the DC Court Web Voucher System

There is no form for this pleading for most requests for compensation due to the specific requirements that pertain to the role of the petitioner. However, there is a Petition for Compensation of Visitor or Examiner, and detailed information about what needs to be contained in a petition requesting compensation is in included in Superior Court, Probate DivisionRule 308.

A petition requesting compensation from the Guardianship Fund must be filed to obtain a court order authorizing such compensation.

Pursuant to Superior Court, Probate Division Rule 225(a), a guardian may elect to claim an ordinary commission in an interim account for ordinary services rendered not to exceed 5% of the amounts disbursed from the estate of the minor. The commission cannot be paid until the account is approved. Pursuant to Superior Court, Probate Division Rule 225(d), for final accounts, a guardian may elect to claim ordinary and turnover commissions in an amount not to exceed 5% of the net assets to be turned over to the minor who has now emancipated.

Petitions for compensation are generally considered by the Court within 60 days of filing.

Call the Auditing Branch Deputy Clerk at (202) 879-9419, and explain the situation. Do not call the Budget and Finance Division.

Yes, if the doctor or social worker is seeking payment from the subject’s assets or the guardianship fund. See Petition for Compensation of Visitor or Examiner.

Yes, pursuant to Superior Court, Probate Division Rule 308(c)(4), a petition for compensation may not be filed with the court unless it has been served at least twenty (20) calendar days prior to the filing of the petition. The petition shall be accompanied by a certificate of service showing compliance with the requirement.

After a court order is issued approving the petition for compensation, payment is effected in collaboration with the Budget & Finance Division.

The estate assets, if sufficient, or the Guardianship Fund, if the ward’s assets would otherwise be depleted. In rare cases, the Court has awarded fees from a third-party petitioner when a petitioner has failed to follow through after filing an intervention petition.

Henok Araya v. Aida Keleta and Frances Hom, 24 A.2d 665; 2011 DC App. LEXIS 466; 09-PR-1561, DCC.A., 7-14-11 (2009 INT 261)

DC Code, sec.

A motion for leave to late file the petition for compensation can be filed. The original petition for compensation must be attached. There is a $20.00 filing fee for the motion (by check payable to the “Register of Wills”).

The petition should describe the services provided, state the amount requested, be supported by a detailed statement of services, the dates provided, and the time that each service took (rounded to no more than a tenth of an hour), and be accompanied by a proposed order with envelopes or mailing labels for every involved party. Refer to Superior Court, Probate Division Rule 308 for specific additional details regarding filing requirements and to Estate of Torchiana, 121 WLR 2477 (Super. Ct. 1993).

DC Code, sec 21-2060 and Superior Court, Probate Division Rule 308 contain more specific information.

Objections to the petition for compensation must be filed with the Register of Wills and a copy thereof served on the petitioner, all parties, and anyone who has filed an effective request for notice within 20 calendar days of the mailing to you of the petition for compensation. There is a filing fee of $25.00.

An attorney petitioner must also file a certificate pursuant to Administrative Order 04-06. Non-lawyer fiduciaries must file an affidavit pursuant to Administrative Order 04-07.

After a court order authorizing payment from the Guardianship Fund has been issued, payment is made by the General Services Administration. The Budget and Finance Division requires every participant in the Guardianship Fund program to complete a Request to Establish Vendor File. This request form must be mailed or returned by hand to 616 H Street, NW, Suite 600.19, Washington, DC 20001. Faxed copies will not be accepted, and the form must have an original signature or it will not be processed. A Direct Deposit form can be completed at the same time.

A fee petition for a guardian should be filed no later than 30 days from the anniversary date of the guardian’s appointment. For example, if you were appointed on March 1, the fee petition should be filed every year on or before April 1. The final fee petition should be filed no later than 60 days after termination of the guardianship. A fee petition for a conservator should be filed either with the annual account or at any time before approval of an annual account that has already been filed.

Unless the fee petition is filed with an account, it will generally be decided by the Court within 60 days. A fee petition that is filed with an account is forwarded to Court when the account has been audited and is ready for Court approval.

The decision whether to award payment from the Guardianship Fund and how much to award is made by a judge? See In re Ruth M. Tolliver-Woody, 1999 INT 257, 6-11-12 order, in which the Court applies a percentage reduction to a fee request.

A visitor, an attorney, an examiner, a conservator, a special conservator, a guardian ad litem, or a guardian in an intervention (INT or IDD) case involving an incapacitated adult may be paid from the Guardianship Fund if the court so orders. Money from the Guardianship Fund is not available in decedent’s estates (ADM), guardianships of the estates of minors (GDN), former law conservatorships (CON), and trusts (TRP).

Pursuant to Superior Court, Probate Division Rule 308(d), any petition for compensation that includes services provided at the initial hearing is served, together with the Notice of Petition for Compensation, on all interested parties, including (1) the subject, ward, or protected individual, (2) a Court-appointed examiner, (3) a Court-appointed visitor, (4) a Court-appointed guardian ad litem, (5) counsel for the subject, (6) any person who has been granted permission to participate, (7) any person who has filed an effective request for notice, and (8) any other person as directed by the C

Yes. A guardian who is an attorney may file a petition for reasonable attorney’s fees for preparing pleadings filed with the Court and for other necessary legal services rendered.

Letters of administration are evidence that the Court has appointed a personal representative. They are needed to support the authority of the personal representative to collect the decedent’s assets and transact any business on behalf of the estate.

"Probating an estate" is the process of collecting the assets of a decedent, paying any claims or bills of the decedent and the costs of administration, and distributing what is left to the heirs if the decedent had no will and to persons named in a will to receive assets if the decedent had a will.

A "cc" list is a "copies to" list. Every pleading (i.e., petition or motion) must have an attached order. All orders should end with a "cc" list that includes the names and addresses of the person filing the pleading and of all other parties or interested persons. Envelopes or mailing labels addressed to those persons should be included with the filing. The "cc" list is usually a repetition of the names and addresses in the certificate of service on the pleading plus the name and address of the filer.

A decedent can nominate a personal representative in his or her will, but that person is not officially the personal representative until the Court issues an order appointing that person as personal representative. Once appointed, the personal representative is responsible for settling the decedent’s estate. Until the Court has appointed someone, no one has the authority to deal with the decedent’s affairs.

A special administrator is a person appointed by the Court in two different circumstances: (1) to open a safe deposit box owned by a decedent to search for a will and (2) pending the appointment of a personal representative to protect and hold assets of the estate. The powers of a special administrator are limited.

Bond is a type of insurance. If the personal representative misappropriates or otherwise mishandles estate assets, the bonding company will repay the estate the amount lost or the amount of the bond, whichever is less.

When a will or a petition to open an estate is filed, it is assigned a case number that includes the year, then "WIL," "SEB," or "ADM" then an additional number. For example, 1995 ADM 22 is a case number that means the 22nd large estate filed in 1995. The case number can usually be found in the top right-hand corner of a pleading. It can also be found by searching for the decedent by name by computer via the Court’s Court Cases Online.

The assets of a small estate cannot exceed $40,000.00. In addition, a small estate can be opened if the only asset is real estate located outside the District of Columbia. In contrast, the assets of a large estate may include real estate located in the District of Columbia and other assets of any value. A large estate can be opened for litigation purposes, but a small estate cannot.

When there is no will, the persons who are entitled to receive the assets of the estate are set forth in the law of the District of Columbia and are called "heirs." When there is a will, the persons to whom the assets are given under the will are called "legatees" or "beneficiaries."

An abbreviated probate proceeding may be filed by a person having priority to serve as personal representative. Most estate administrations are abbreviated probates. Unusual estates, such as those in which the person seeking appointment does not have priority to be appointed or someone is seeking admission of a copy of a will or exclusion of an original will, require a standard probate proceeding. See DC Code, sec. 20-321, et seq. In standard probate proceedings, there are additional filing requirements and an additional set of publications before a personal representative is appointed.

When an heir or legatee who is to receive liquid assets from an estate cannot be found, the personal representative can file a Petition to Deposit Funds into the Estate Deposit Account to deposit the money into the estate deposit account, a special account held by the Probate Division of the Superior Court, until the person comes forward, files a Petition for Release of Funds Held in the Estate Deposit Account, and obta

It is a chart of blood relationships that can be used to determine who the heirs are in an estate and whether there are any heirs to the fifth degree of consanguinity. If a decedent died without a will and there are no heirs to the fifth degree, the assets of an estate go to the District of Columbia in accordance with DC Code, sec. 19-701. 

"Unclaimed property" refers to an asset that is being held by the Unclaimed Property Office of the DC Office of Finance and Treasury. Unclaimed property of a decedent will be released only to a duly appointed personal representative, so an estate must be opened.

Bond is a type of insurance. A guardian appointed by the Court must purchase a bond in an amount of the assets that the guardian will be holding plus one year’s income. If the guardian misappropriates the money, the bonding company will pay the money back up to the amount of the bond.

No. Any person who has higher priority to serve and is choosing not to do so must sign a renunciation (not a consent). The renunciation states that the person knows that he or she has higher priority to serve and is still choosing not to do so. The consent does not contain that language.

No. The forms are available online. The forms are interactive and should be typed and printed out for filing in person.

If you have an attorney, that attorney will prepare the notice for your signature. If you are not represented by an attorney, type the decedent's name in the top line and on line 3 in the body of the notice exactly as it appears in the petition for probate. Type the name(s) of the persons who are asking to be appointed in the first line in the body of the notice and their addresses in the second line. Type the decedent's date of death in the third line. Do not type anything else in the body of the notice. The Probate Division staff will insert the dates.

Once all the required documents have been filed, an order appointing a personal representative is generally issued within 10 to 14 days.

No. Any person can file a petition for probate. However, the process is complicated, and you may wish to hire an attorney to ensure the proper administration of the estate.

Yes. File the petition with the estate listed and the address in care of the person most likely to be appointed as personal representative. Correct or amend the List of Interested Persons after the estate is opened, and a personal representative is appointed. Serve notice on the personal representative as required by DC Code, sec. 20-704.

Although wills must be filed within ninety days of the person’s death, there is no required time within which the documents needed to open an estate must be filed. However, no one has authority to act for a decedent until an estate is opened, and a personal representative is appointed by the Court.

Superior Court Rules of the Probate Division - Rule 108. Court Costs and Filing Fees
(a) COURT COSTS ON VALUE OF ESTATE.
(1) Court costs are assessed on the value of a decedent’s estate, conservatorship estate, and minor child’s estate subject to a guardianship, excluding the value of real property, as follows:

In all decedent’s estates in which there is no will or the will does not waive bond, the law of the District of Columbia requires that any person who wishes to serve as personal representative either obtain a signed, written waiver of bond from each interested person or buy a bond from a bonding company. Assets of the estate are used to pay the bond premium. Bond is a type of insurance. If the personal representative misappropriates or otherwise mishandles estate assets, the bonding company will repay the estate the amount lost or the amount of the bond, whichever is less.

Petition for general proceeding; Order Appointing Counsel, Examiner, Visitor and/or Guardian ad Litem;

An estate proceeding is opened in the name that the decedent used to sign a will if there is one. Any other version of the decedent’s name typed in the will is listed as an "aka." If there is no will and the decedent owned assets in different names during his or her life, the name used most often should be first, and other versions can be listed as "aka’s." For example, John Howard signed his will John Q. Howard, but both versions of his name are included in his will. The estate is opened as "John Q. Howard, aka John Howard."

1. The rules are available on the here.
2. The law is contained in DC Code, Title 21 and is available online on the Council of the District of Columbia’s website.
 

If there is a will, the person nominated in the will has priority to serve. A surviving spouse is next; then children or the residuary legatees. Consult DC Code, sec. 20-303 for the order of priority to serve as personal representative.

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

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

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

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.

After a guardian or conservator has been appointed by the Court, a Petition Post Appointment may be filed to request Court action concerning an issue that arises in the intervention proceeding. A notice called Notice of Right to Respond and/or Request an Oral Hearing must be mailed to all parties with the Petition Post Appointment.

The powers and duties of a guardian are set forth at DC Code, sec. 21-2047 and in the Specific Instructions to Guardians and Guardianship Information Sheet.

The date that the Findings of Fact or order of appointment is docketed is the official date of appointment; however, Letters are not issued until the guardian files an Acceptance and Consent and, when a conservator is appointed, a bond.

No, the personal representative holds the estate assets and makes the distributions to the persons entitled to receive them.

As Superior Court no longer employs a court appraiser, the petitioner/fiduciary must get their own private appraiser if the Court determines that an appraisal of an estate asset is necessary.

Additional or updated Letters can be purchased for $1.00 each at the Probate Division, 515 5th Street, NW, Room 314, Washington, DC 20001, or ordered by mail. To order by mail, complete the Copy Request Form and mail with check payable to "Register of Wills."

First, the personal representative should contact the Internal Revenue Service and obtain a tax identification number for the estate, called an Employer Identification Number (EIN). The telephone number is 800-829-4933. Then the personal representative should take that number, a copy of the order appointing personal representative, an original of the letters of administration, the decedent’s death certificate, and the check or cash that needs to be deposited to the bank of his or her choosing.

Send each interested person a letter stating your intent to resign. If after 15 days, no one has petitioned to be appointed successor personal representative, file a petition asking the Court to allow you to resign, and include a copy of the letter. See DC Code, sec. 20-525.

Letters of administration are valid as long as the estate is open. However, many financial institutions want letters that have been issued within 60 days of the date of whatever transaction is being made. Updated Letters for open estates can be purchased for $1.00 each at the Probate Division, 515 5th Street, NW, 3rd Floor, Room 314, Washington, DC 20001, or requested by mail. See above.

By preparing and executing a deed from you as personal representative of the estate to the person entitled to receive the house and filing the deed at the Recorder of Deeds. There is a filing fee, and other documents must be presented at filing, so check with the Recorder of Deeds office before going. The Recorder of Deeds is part of the Office of Tax and Revenue of the District of Columbia and is located at 1101 4th Street, S.W., 5th Floor, Washington, DC 20024, (202) 727-5374.

First, consider whether additional bond is required. If so, petition to increase bond.

Next, if the estate is unsupervised and the Verification and Certificate of Notice has not been filed, include the additional assets on the Verification and Certificate of Notice when it is filed and pay any additional Court costs then.

An appraisal of real property is not required for accounting purposes. Instead, a tax-assessed value from the DC Office of Tax and Revenue may be used. If, however, you are filing a petition for sale of real property, an appraisal is required by Superior Court, Probate Division Rule 112(b) (for estates of decedents who died before July 1, 1995).

The personal representative is responsible for collecting the assets; paying or dealing with any claims, debts, or bills with the decedent’s funds; filing the decedent’s final income tax return and any missing returns; filing any tax returns required of the estate; keeping the interested persons informed of the progress of the estate; and distributing the remaining assets to those entitled to receive them.

The personal representative is responsible for responding to those who file claims by sending a Notice of Action on Claim, which says (1) whether the claim has been allowed for the requested amount, (2) whether the claim has been disallowed or allowed for an amount less than the amount requested and what the procedures and time limits for contesting the disallowance or reduction are, or (3) whether the personal representative will petition the Court t

Unsupervised estates close three years from the date of appointment of the personal representative unless ordered otherwise by the Court or unless the personal representative chooses to file a Certificate of Completion to close the estate sooner. The court closes the estate administratively, and no notice is sent. Supervised estates close when the final account is approved by the Court.

The decision to distribute assets in a supervised estate is made by the personal representative and depends upon the assets of the estate, outstanding claims, debts, or liabilities, and the expiration of the six-month creditor claim period. Although all or some of the assets may be distributed sooner, in a supervised estate any assets remaining are distributed after the Court has approved the final account. In an unsupervised estate, any assets remaining are generally distributed 60 days after the final account is mailed to all remaining interested persons.

The Probate Division does not maintain a list of real estate appraisers. Consult the yellow pages of the phone book or the Internet for listings of real estate appraisers licensed in the District of Columbia.

Apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN), a special tax identification number for an estate, by contacting the Internal Revenue Service at 800-829-4933.

No. Under the law in the District of Columbia, the will must be in writing, signed by the testator, and attested and signed by at least 2 credible witnesses in the presence of the testator.

No.

If you are not authorized to enter the safe deposit box of the decedent, you may petition for the appointment of a special administrator to open the safe deposit box by filing a Petition for Appointment of Special Administrator to Enter Safe Deposit Box and Order.

File a petition for standard probate, and follow the procedure set forth in Superior Court, Probate Division Rule 403(a)(4). See Filing Standard Probate Proceedings in the District of Columbia.

The Probate Division keeps wills forever as a permanent part of the public legal record. The will is kept in the Probate Division for a period of 10 years from the date of filing. After 10 years, it is archived permanently.

If the Probate Division copies a will for you, it will cost 50¢ per page. If you wish to visit the Probate Division to copy the will yourself, you may do so at the public copier at a cost of 25¢ per page.

Letters of Administration are the formal document issued by the Court after a petition for probate is filed and the Court issues an order opening the estate and appointing a personal representative. When a personal representative is appointed in a large estate proceeding, 12 original Letters of Administration are included in the materials sent to the personal representative or counsel for use in administering the estate. Additional Letters may be ordered by the personal representative or counsel at a cost of $1.00 each.

Once a will has been accepted for filing, it can be released only by order of the Court. To obtain such an order, file a verified petition for release of the will and a proposed order authorizing transfer of the will.

If a nominated personal representative does not wish to serve, they can file a Renunciation.

The law in the District of Columbia requires that the will be filed even if there is no estate. Whether an estate needs to be opened or is solvent is a separate issue.

Claims cannot be filed until a personal representative is appointed, even if a special administrator has been appointed. See DC Code, sec. 20-901. Claims can be filed after the six-month claim period expired, but the acceptance of a claim for filing by the Probate Division is not a guarantee that it will be paid.

No.

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."

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."

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 personal representative may be removed from a case by order of a judge. The process of removing a personal representative is begun with the filing of either a complaint for removal in the LIT case type (LIT means Major Litigation) or a petition for removal in the estate case (ADM). It is recommended that any person considering removal of a personal representative seek legal advice from an attorney.

In large estates, the claims period expires six (6) months after the first date of publication of the Notice of Appointment, Notice to Creditors and Notice to Unknown Heirs. However, if the personal representative is aware of the existence of a debt, the personal representative must take action with regard to the debt even if no claim has been filed.

The authority granted in a power of attorney ends the minute that the person who signed the power of attorney dies. The person named as attorney-of-fact in the power of attorney must immediately stop using the power of attorney or will be subject to potential personal liability. If the decedent owned assets in his or her sole name, an estate proceeding must be opened to collect and distribute those assets.

If your name is already on a deed to real estate as a joint owner and the deed has already been filed at the Recorder of Deeds, that real estate passes automatically to you at the death of the co-owner, and no probate proceeding is necessary to pass title to that piece of real estate. If your name is already on a deed but not as a joint owner (instead, as a tenant in common), a probate proceeding will be necessary to transfer the decedent’s share of the property to you.

The decedent’s spouse and parents.

The following pleadings must be verified to be filed in the Probate Division:

1. All Petitions - SCR-PD 2(b) and 3
2. Complaints filed in Probate Matters - SCR-PD 107(a), and 208(a)
3. Accounts - DC Code 20-721
4. Inventories - DC Code 20-711
5. Guardian Reports - SCR-PD 328
6. Assignments - SCR-PD 120 and 420
7. Claims - DC Code 20-905(a)
8. Affidavits of Mailing and Non-Mailing in Standard Probate - SCR-PD 403(a)(8)
9. Any Affidavit - SCR-CIV 9
10. Verification and Certificate of Notice - SCR-PD 403(b)(3)

The following pleadings must be verified to be filed in the Probate Division:

1. All Petitions - SCR-PD 2(b) and 3
2. Complaints filed in Probate Matters - SCR-PD 107(a), and 208(a)
3. Accounts - DC Code 20-721
4. Inventories - DC Code 20-711
5. Guardian Reports - SCR-PD 328
6. Assignments - SCR-PD 120 and 420
7. Claims - DC Code 20-905(a)
8. Affidavits of Mailing and Non-Mailing in Standard Probate - SCR-PD 403(a)(8)
9. Any Affidavit - SCR-CIV 9
10. Verification and Certificate of Notice - SCR-PD 403(b)(3)

File a verified petition to transfer the will to the state in which the decedent was domiciled, which is where the will should have been filed. The petition must contain (1) facts supporting the argument that the will was filed in the District of Columbia in error and that the other state was the decedent’s domicile at death and (2) the name, address, and telephone number of the Clerk of the Court of the other state who is authorized to accept the transferred will. Include a proposed order authorizing the transfer.

File a motion for an extension of time to comply with the audit requirements and a proposed order, stating the reason why an extension is requested with the Auditing Branch.

The forms needed are: (1) Account (with Schedules A – L), (2) Financial Account Information (Form 27) (for confidential information under SCR-PD 5.1), (3) bank statements, and (4) canceled checks, receipts, or vouchers in support of all transactions.

Generally, an account is audited within 30 to 45 days. However, if after 45 days, no initial audit notice is received, please contact the Auditing Branch Manager at 202-879-9429.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

File a motion for an extension of time to comply with the audit requirements providing the reason why an extension is needed. The judge may, or may not, grant such a motion.

Pursuant to DC Code, sec. 20-724 (a)(1), a first account is due within one year and one day after the first publication of notice pursuant to section 20-704. Accordingly, if the first attempt at publication was unsuccessful, then the first account is not due until one year and one day from the date of the successful republication.

In an unsupervised estate, pursuant to DC Code, sec. 20-734, the personal representative has a duty to provide an account to the interested persons at reasonable intervals or on reasonable demand, and the personal representative may be compelled to account to the Court in a proceeding initiated by an interested person following notice and a hearing. However, because the estate is unsupervised, there is no duty to file the account with the Court unless the Court orders that an account to be filed or an estate to be converted to supervised probate.

The powers and duties of a special administrator are set forth in DC Code, sec. 20-533, Superior Court, Probate Division Rule 419, and the order of appointment. A special administrator is not usually required to file an inventory but is ordinarily required to file periodic reports and is required to account for the property of a decedent upon the appointment of a personal representative.

Yes. A checklist is available and can be found on pages 6-11 of the Inventory and Accounting Guide or on the Probate Division’s website.

The forms needed are: (1) Account; (2) Schedules A – L; (3) Schedule K-1 for interim accounts, (4) Financial Account Information (Form 27) (for confidential information under Superior Court, Probate Division Rule 5.1); (5) copies of bank statements; and (6) copies of canceled checks, receipts, or vouchers in support of all transactions. Sometimes, the original bank statements or canceled checks may be requested during the account audit. The Account, Schedules A - L, and Financial Account Information (Form 27) can be found on the Probate Division website.

Audits are conducted on a case-by-case basis. Inquiries may differ depending upon the circumstances of the case. If matters are not resolved with the auditor to your satisfaction, please write either P. Allen Butler, III, Auditing Branch Manager, or Anne Meister, Esq., Register of Wills, and request an administrative review. Please note that a request for administrative review will not stay the response period.

File a Petition Post Appointment for removal of the conservator in accordance with Superior Court, Probate Division Rule 322. Be specific regarding the reasons for removal of the conservator, and be prepared to appear at a hearing to present your view.

The following pleadings must be verified to be filed in the Probate Division:

1. All Petitions - SCR-PD 2(b) and 3
2. Complaints filed in Probate Matters - SCR-PD 107(a), and 208(a)
3. Accounts - DC Code 20-721
4. Inventories - DC Code 20-711
5. Guardian Reports - SCR-PD 328
6. Assignments - SCR-PD 120 and 420
7. Claims - DC Code 20-905(a)
8. Affidavits of Mailing and Non-Mailing in Standard Probate - SCR-PD 403(a)(8)
9. Any Affidavit - SCR-CIV 9
10. Verification and Certificate of Notice - SCR-PD 403(b)(3)

There is no set rate of compensation for a personal representative in the District of Columbia. For estates of decedents dying on or after July 1, 1995, the standard is "reasonable" compensation. For estates of decedent’s dying before July 1, 1995, Superior Court, Probate Division Rule 125 set a guideline of 4.5 to 8% of the assets and income of the estate for the combined fee of the personal representative and the attorney for the personal representative.

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

The cost to open a foreign estate is $45. The cost of a Preliminary Certificate is $45, and the cost of a Final Certificate is $10. Make the payment in cash or by check or money order payable to "Register of Wills."

Pursuant to Super Ct. Prob. R. 401(d), the Register of Wills may only issue a final certificate if all claims have been released.

The court rules require that a proposed order and service list be included with a motion or petition requesting action by the court. The court may need to edit the proposed order and service list, so the filer is required to email a non-write-protected version of the proposed order* and service list in Word format (i.e., a version that can be modified and/or edited) to ProbateDivisionEfiling [at] dcsc.gov (ProbateDivisionEfiling[at]dcsc[dot]gov).

Hourly Rate as of October 1, 2023, from the Guardianship Fund: 1) Attorneys serving as a guardian, conservator, special conservator, guardian ad litem or visitors. $110 (Administrative Order 23-01) 2) Participants in the Non-Lawyer Pilot Program serving as a guardian. $80 3) Medical doctors appointed by Superior Court to serve as an examiner and make a capacity assessment. $120 (Administrative Order 23-19) 4) All other licensed health care professionals serving as an examiner.