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.
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)
A minor is a person under the age of 18.
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.
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.
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.
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.
File a Petition To Resign with the Court, stating the reasons for the resignation.
A guardian should discuss wise choices for investment and use of the money but cannot withhold the funds from the emancipated minor.
The appointment ends when the minor emancipates, i.e., becomes 18, or when the guardianship is terminated by Court order for some other reason.
