Probate | District of Columbia Courts

Closing the Guardianship or Conservatorship - How do I terminate my appointment as conservator when the ward has died?

Read more about Closing the Guardianship or Conservatorship - How do I terminate my appointment as conservator when the ward has died?

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.

Closing the Guardianship or Conservatorship - Once a final account has been approved, how long does it take to receive distributions from the estate?

Read more about Closing the Guardianship or Conservatorship - Once a final account has been approved, how long does it take to receive distributions from the estate?

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

Closing the Guardianship or Conservatorship - How do I terminate my appointment as guardian when the ward has died?

Read more about Closing the Guardianship or Conservatorship - How do I terminate my appointment as guardian when the ward has died?

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.

Closing the Guardianship of a Minor - How can I resign?

Read more about Closing the Guardianship of a Minor - How can I resign?

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

Closing the Guardianship of a Minor - What options do I have if I do not want to turn over a large sum of money to a minor who has recently reached the age of majority

Read more about Closing the Guardianship of a Minor - What options do I have if I do not want to turn over a large sum of money to a minor who has recently reached the age of majority

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

Closing the Guardianship of a Minor - How long does the appointment as guardian of the estate of the minor last?

Read more about Closing the Guardianship of a Minor - How long does the appointment as guardian of the estate of the minor last?

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

Closing the Guardianship of a Minor - If the minor has reached the age of majority and cannot be located, to whom should distribution be made?

Read more about Closing the Guardianship of a Minor - If the minor has reached the age of majority and cannot be located, to whom should distribution be made?

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.

Closing the Guardianship or Conservatorship - If the ward has died, does a Report of Guardian still have to be filed?

Read more about Closing the Guardianship or Conservatorship - If the ward has died, does a Report of Guardian still have to be filed?

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.

Closing the Guardianship of a Minor - When can funds be turned over to a minor who has become 18? Can distribution be made to the minor prior to the approval of the final account?

Read more about Closing the Guardianship of a Minor - When can funds be turned over to a minor who has become 18? Can distribution be made to the minor prior to the approval of the final account?

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.

Fees - Can a family member who is a guardian and/or conservator file a petition for compensation?

Read more about Fees - Can a family member who is a guardian and/or conservator file a petition for compensation?

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.