Overview
What is Probate?
Probate is a legal process that takes place after someone dies. The property, debt, and assets of the person who died is called the “estate.” The court makes sure:
- The person’s property and assets are distributed properly
- Any debts and taxes are paid
- The will is valid (if there is one). If there is no will, the court follows DC law to decide who gets the property.
The Probate Division also handles cases involving:
- Trusts (property held by someone for another person’s benefit)
- Guardianship (people who cannot make their own decisions, or to manage the estate of a child)
- Conservatorship (people who cannot manage their money)
Search public case records and check the status of filings, hearings, and judgments.
Case Types
Cases where the person who died did not own property and had assets valued at $80,000 or less.
Cases where the person who died owned a house or had or property valued over $80,000.
Cases where the person had property in D.C. but died in another state or country.
After a person dies, you may file their will with the court. This creates a permanent record of the will for safekeeping.
Also called intervention proceedings, cases where an adult cannot make their own decisions or manage their money.
Cases where a person manages money or property for a child through court.
A trust is a way for someone to have their money or property managed by another person for the benefit of someone else.
Cases where a person challenges an underlying probate case, such as estates, guardianships, conservatorships, or trusts.
Cases where a person does not accept property or the power to control it, and the property goes to the next person in line.