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Probate Division

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 recent Superior Court administrative orders for professionals entitled to compensation from the Guardianship Fund:
Order 23-06: Hourly Compensation Rate for Attorneys Appointed Under the District of Columbia Criminal Justice Act, Counsel for Child Abuse and Neglect, and Guardianship Fund
Order 23-19: Hourly Rate for Visitors, Case Reviewers, and Examiners Compensated From the Guardianship Fund

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

Make Online Appointments for Public Computers
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.

Video: Probate Division Overview


Video de Introducción a La Sucesión en Español

 
Large Estates

Large Decedents' Estates (ADM) are opened for deceased persons who, at the time of death, lived in the District of Columbia and owned real property located in the District of Columbia and/or other assets of any value.

Small Estates Proceedings

For people who died after April 26, 2001, and had assets with a total value of $40,000.00 or less,* a small estate proceeding may be opened to appoint a personal representative, pay claims, and make distribution of estate assets.

Foreign Decedent's Estates

Since the primary estate is not being opened in the District of Columbia, the estate is called a foreign estate proceeding (FEP), no personal representative is appointed in DC, and no letters of administration are issued.

Filing a Will

The Probate Division does not accept wills before death. The will should be filed within 90 days after the death of the deceased person with a Certificate of Filing Will.

Guardianship and/or Conservatorships (INT/IDD)

Intervention proceedings are opened for adults 18 or older who live in the District of Columbia, are incapacitated, and need assistance with health care, quality of life, or placement decisions or the handling of finances or other assets.

Trusts (TRP)

In its simplest form, a trust is created when property is held by one person or entity for the benefit of another or others. A variety of trust-related actions are filed in the Probate Division.

Guardianship of Minors’ Estates (GDN)

Guardianship of Minor’s Estates (GDN) are opened for children under the age of 18 who live in the District of Columbia and who are entitled to receive assets.

Other Probate Case Types

See cases related to Litigation, Notice of Revocable Trusts, Foreign Intervention, and Disclaimers.

Forms Help Online

Our online interview tool can help you create legal documents and forms for Probate.

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

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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

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Hours of Operation

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

Telephone Numbers

202-879-9460

Seals of the Court of Appeals and Superior Court

 

"Open to All, Trusted by All, Justice for All"

District of Columbia Courts | (202) 879-1010

© 2023 District of Columbia Courts
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Seals of the Court of Appeals and Superior Court

 

"Open to All, Trusted by All, Justice for All"

District of Columbia Courts | (202) 879-1010

© 2023 District of Columbia Courts
Privacy Policy | Disclaimer | Sitemap