Probate - General

Accounting Questions - When is the inventory of assets due?

Probate Division Rule 204(a)(2) requires that an inventory be filed by the guardian within ninety days after qualification or ninety days after the order bringing the guardian under the Court’s authority, supervision, or direction. If there are no assets to collect, an affidavit to that effect must be filed in lieu of the inventory.

If an address is updated with the court’s eFile vendor, will it be updated automatically in the court’s case management system?

No. To update an address in the court’s case management system, eFile a Praecipe-Change of Address within 14 days of the change so that the court is able to mail court orders, delinquency notices, and notices of court proceedings to the correct address. Your address of record is maintained on the court’s case management system, not with the court’s eFile vendor.

Accounting Questions - How do I prepare an inventory?

Fill in the information on the inventory 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 inventories must be machine-printed or typewritten. Inventories may be filed by mail. The Probate Division offers seminars regarding how to prepare and file an inventory called Getting Started – Inventory Preparation. Call the Duty Auditor at 202-879-9447 for more information.

Accounting Questions - How long does it take the Court to audit an account once it is filed?

Generally, an account is audited within 30 to 45 days from the date that it is filed. If no initial audit notice has been received after 60 days, you may contact the auditing branch manager at 202-879-9429 or the supervisory auditor at 202-879-9412 to inquire about the status of the audit.

Accounting Questions - What forms do I need to prepare an account?

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.

Other Questions - What documents need to be verified to be filed in the Probate Division?

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)