District of Columbia probate guide
Probate process in District of Columbia
D.C. probate is handled by the Superior Court's Probate Division. An estate under $40,000 qualifies as a small estate using an abbreviated procedure. Standard probate fees start at $25 and scale up by total assets — about $1.50 per $1,000 of assets over $1,000 — capping near $525 for large estates. D.C. recognizes the Uniform Real Property Transfer on Death Act under D.C. Code § 19-604.01 et seq.
District of Columbia probate at a glance
- Court
- Superior Court of D.C. (Probate Division)
- Typical timeline
- 26–52 weeks
- Filing fee
- $25–$525
- Small-estate threshold
- $40,000
- TOD deed allowed?
- Yes
- Bond required by default?
- Yes (unless waived)
- Statute
- D.C. Code §§ 20-101 et seq.; § 15-707 (fees)
Source: www.dccourts.gov. Fees and thresholds change — verify with your county court before filing.
How District of Columbia probate works, step by step
- 1File petition for probate with the Probate Division
- 2Court appoints personal representative and issues letters
- 3Publish notice to creditors; six-month claim period runs
- 4File inventory within three months and pay debts, taxes, and allowances
- 5File final account and distribute remaining property
Probate by county in District of Columbia
Filing fees, court contacts, and process detail for 1 District of Columbia county:
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This page is informational and is not legal advice. Probate procedure varies by county and changes over time. Consult a licensed District of Columbia probate attorney for advice specific to your situation.