Intestate Succession in District of Columbia
State-specific overview · Estate & Probate
DC follows the Uniform Probate Code, distributing assets to spouse and descendants in fixed shares, with parents inheriting only if no spouse or children survive.
How District of Columbia treats Intestate Succession
When someone dies without a will in DC, their estate passes to surviving family members in this order: first to a surviving spouse and lineal descendants, then to parents, then to siblings and their descendants, and finally to more distant relatives. If the deceased leaves a spouse and children, the spouse typically receives the first $225,000 plus half the remaining estate, with children splitting the rest. DC law generally follows the Uniform Probate Code framework, ensuring predictable distribution based on family relationships rather than individual circumstances.
The general definition of Intestate Succession
The legal process of distributing a deceased person's property when they leave no valid will.
If someone dies without a will (or with an invalid will), state law determines who inherits their property. Each state has a set order of priority—usually spouse first, then children, then parents, then siblings. The court appoints an administrator to manage the estate and follow these statutory rules, even if the deceased person's wishes were different.
Read the full Intestate Succession entry →This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. State laws change frequently. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney in District of Columbia.