Seals of the Court of Appeals and Superior Court
District of Columbia Courts

Probate

Probate is a legal process that takes place after someone's death. It usually involves proving that the deceased's will is valid, identifying the deceased person's property and having it appraised, paying outstanding debts and taxes, and distributing the property per the will or state law. The Probate division also handles the estates of incapacitated adults, estates of minors, trusts, and wills.

Please see the Superior Court Reimagining Plan for the current status of our operations, including hearings.

On-site and Virtual Appointments for Decedent Estates – Make an Appointment Online
You may now schedule an appointment with the Legal Branch and Small Estates Branch to review new petitions.

Public Computers – Make an Appointment Online
You can reserve a public computer. Appointments are preferred over on-site same day signup.

NEED HELP WITH PROBATE FORMS? GET FORMS HELP ONLINE AND SEE OUR FAQS.

E-filing
The public information viewed on the Court Cases Online system reflects the docket entries in civil, criminal, criminal domestic violence and tax cases, probate cases for large estates and small estates, disclaimers of interest, major litigation, wills and foreign estate proceedings.
E-filing
Search Cases Online
The public information viewed on the Court Cases Online system reflects the docket entries in civil, criminal, criminal domestic violence and tax cases, probate cases for large estates and small estates, disclaimers of interest, major litigation, wills and foreign estate proceedings.
Search Cases Online
Contact
Probate Division

Presiding Judge: Hon. Laura Cordero
Deputy Presiding Judge: Hon. Carmen McLean
Director: Nicole Stevens
Deputy Director: Aisha Ivey-Nixon

Register of Wills: Nicole Stevens
Deputy Register of Wills: John H. Middleton

Court Building A
515 Fifth Street, NW, Third Floor
Washington, DC 20001

Get Directions
Hours of Operation

Monday-Friday:
8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Telephone Numbers

202-879-9460