Probate in District of Columbia
State-specific overview · Estate & Probate
D.C. probate follows federal rules and allows simplified procedures for small estates under $40,000.
How District of Columbia treats Probate
The District of Columbia Probate Court handles estate administration under D.C. Code Title 20. Estates valued under $40,000 may qualify for simplified probate, avoiding full court proceedings. D.C. recognizes holographic (handwritten) wills if they meet statutory requirements. The personal representative has generally 9 months to file an inventory with the court, though this timeline can be extended.
The general definition of Probate
The court process of validating a will and distributing a deceased person's estate.
When someone dies, probate is the legal process where a court oversees the handling of their will and property. The court confirms the will is valid, identifies heirs and creditors, pays debts and taxes, and distributes what's left to the beneficiaries named in the will. It can take months or years and involves court fees and attorney costs.
Read the full Probate 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.