ProbateUS
Probate Court

District of Columbia

District of Columbia

202-879-1010

Phone

202-879-1010

Probate Records

Search Portal →

In District of Columbia, District of Columbia, you file a probate case with the District of Columbia probate court at 515 5th Street, NW, Third Floor, Room 314, Washington, DC 20001. You can reach the court at 202-879-1010. Below you'll find 1 filing fee, 170 downloadable forms and the office hours.

Court details last updated

Court Location & Contact

Address

515 5th Street, NW, Third Floor, Room 314, Washington, DC 20001

Search Probate RecordsVisit Official Court Website

Filing Fees

District of Columbia, District of Columbia

Fee TypeAmount
Petition for Probate (Large Estate)$25.00 if decedent owned DC real estate, plus additional fee based on value of personal property

Judges & Officers

EP
Erik P. Christian (Presiding Judge)

Required Forms

Petition for ProbateAffidavit of WitnessPersonal Identification InformationConsentRenunciationProbate Bond WaiverAcceptanceBondNotice of AppointmentCertificate of NoticeInventoryStatement of AccountReceiptCertificate of Completion

Probate Forms Library

170 fillable forms. Scroll the list to see them all.

Every District of Columbiaform, with a short summary and the official source →
Administracion del Patrimonio de un DifuntocountyDownload
After Death – A Guide to Probate in the District of ColumbiacountyDownload
Probate Case Management PlancountyDownload
1041 — Accumulation Distribution for Certain Complex TrustsfederalDownload
1041-T — Allocation of Estimated Tax Payments to BeneficiariesfederalDownload
1041 — Alternative Minimum Tax — Estates and TrustsfederalDownload
Application For Burial BenefitsfederalDownload
SSA-4 — Application for Child's Insurance BenefitsfederalDownload
SF 2800 — Application for Death Benefits (CSRS)federalDownload
SF 3104 — Application for Death Benefits (FERS)federalDownload
Application For DIC, Survivors Pension And/Or Accrued BenefitsfederalDownload
SS-4 — Application for Employer Identification NumberfederalDownload
706 — Application for Extension of Time To File a Return and/or Pay U.S. Estate TaxesfederalDownload
SSA-10 — Application for Widow's or Widower's Insurance BenefitsfederalDownload
1041 — Beneficiary's Share of Income, Deductions, Credits, etc.federalDownload
1041 — Capital Gains and Losses (Estates and Trusts)federalDownload
706-CE — Certification of Payment of Foreign Death TaxfederalDownload
FE6 — Claim for Death Benefits (FEGLI)federalDownload
VA40-1330 — Claim For Standard Government Headstone Or MarkerfederalDownload
SF 2818 — Continuation of Life Insurance Coverage as AnnuitantfederalDownload
FE7 — Designation Of Beneficiary (FEGLI)federalDownload
SF 2823 — Designation Of Beneficiary Federal Employees' Group Life InsurancefederalDownload
FS 5336 — Disposition of Treasury Securities Belonging to a Decedent's Estate Being Settled Without AdministrationfederalDownload
8855 — Election To Treat a Qualified Revocable Trust as Part of an EstatefederalDownload
1041 — Estimated Income Tax for Estates and TrustsfederalDownload
706 — Generation-Skipping Transfer Tax (Form 706)federalDownload
706-GS — Generation-Skipping Transfer Tax Return for DistributionsfederalDownload
706-GS — Generation-Skipping Transfer Tax Return for TerminationsfederalDownload
8971 — Information Regarding Beneficiaries Acquiring Property From a DecedentfederalDownload
56 — Notice Concerning Fiduciary RelationshipfederalDownload
706-GS — Notification of Distribution From a Generation-Skipping TrustfederalDownload
1041-V — Payment Voucher (Estate or Trust)federalDownload
I-360 — Petition For Amerasian, Widow(er), Or Special ImmigrantfederalDownload
2848 — Power of Attorney and Declaration of RepresentativefederalDownload
FS 1455 — Request By Owner or Person Entitled to Payment for Reissue of United States Savings BondsfederalDownload
706 HAS — Request for Discharge From Personal Liability Under IRC 2204 or 6905federalDownload
4810 — Request For Prompt Assessment Under Internal Revenue Code Section 6501(d)federalDownload
FS 1522 — Special Form of Request for Payment of United States Savings and Retirement SecuritiesfederalDownload
SSA-721 — Statement of Death by Funeral DirectorfederalDownload
1310 — Statement of Person Claiming Refund Due a Deceased TaxpayerfederalDownload
706-NA — U.S. Estate Tax Return for Nonresident Not a Citizen of the U.S.federalDownload
706-QDT — U.S. Estate Tax Return for Qualified Domestic TrustsfederalDownload
1041 U — U.S. Income Tax Return for Estates and TrustsfederalDownload
1041-A — U.S. Information Return Trust Accumulation of Charitable AmountsfederalDownload
706-A — United States Additional Estate Tax ReturnfederalDownload
706 UNITED — United States Estate (and Generation-Skipping Transfer) Tax ReturnfederalDownload
709 — United States Gift (and Generation-Skipping Transfer) Tax ReturnfederalDownload
Abbreviated Probate Order - For Estates of Decedents Dying On Or After January 1, 1981 Through June 30, 1995stateDownload
Abbreviated Probate Order - For Estates of Decedents Dying On Or After July 1, 1995stateDownload
PD-044 — AcceptancestateDownload
Acceptance and Consent of Each Personal RepresentativestateDownload
PD-045 — Acceptance, Consent, and Non-Resident Power of Attorney - TrusteestateDownload
PD-014 — AccountingstateDownload
Administrative-Order-22-06-Re-establishment-of-the- ...DC CourtsstateDownload
PD-048 — Affidavit in Compliance with the Service Members Civil Relief ActstateDownload
PD-1880 — Affidavit of Personal ServicestateDownload
PD-19II — Affidavit of Service by Mail - LegalstateDownload
PD-049 — Affidavit of Service By Process ServerstateDownload
PD-001 — Affidavit of Witness - LegalstateDownload
PD-050 — Answer of DefendantstateDownload
appendix a. estates of decedents dying prior to january 1, ...District of Columbia CourtsstateDownload
appendix b. estates of decedents dying on or after january 1DccourtsstateDownload
PD-051 — Appointment of Agent to Accept Service of ProcessstateDownload
PD-052 — Assignment of IntereststateDownload
PD-002 — Bill of CostsstateDownload
Bond for Guardianship of Minor EstatestateDownload
Bond for Guardianship of Minor EstatestateDownload
Case Initiation (Seb)-Petition For Administration of Small EstatestateDownload
Case Initiation-Abbreviated Probate (Adm)-Abbreviated Probate OrderstateDownload
Case Initiation-Abbreviated Probate (Adm)-Abbreviated Probate OrderstateDownload
Case Initiation-Abbreviated Probate (Adm)-Bond Or Waivers of Bond Or Some CombinationstateDownload
Case Initiation-Abbreviated Probate (Adm)-Petition For ProbatestateDownload
Case Initiation-Standard Probate (Adm)-Acknowledgement of Receipt of Service of Notice Regarding Petition For Standard ProbatestateDownload
Case Initiation-Standard Probate (Adm)-Notice of Petition For Standard ProbatestateDownload
Case Initiation-Standard Probate (Adm)-Notice of Standard ProbatestateDownload
Case Initiation-Standard Probate (Adm)-Petition For ProbatestateDownload
Case Initiation-Standard Probate (Adm)-Standard Probate OrderstateDownload
Case Initiation-Standard Probate (Adm)-Verified Statement Regarding Service of Petition For Standard ProbatestateDownload
PD-055 — Certificate of Filing DisclaimerstateDownload
PD-121 — Certificate of Filing Will - LegalstateDownload
PD-135 — Certificate of No Unsettled LiabilitiesstateDownload
PD-056 — Certificate Regarding DiscoverystateDownload
PD-003 — Certification of Filing WillstateDownload
PD-057 — Certification of TruststateDownload
PD-004 — Claim Against Decedent's Estate and or Revocable TruststateDownload
PD-058 — Claim Against Revocable TruststateDownload
Consent To Appointment of Personal RepresentativestateDownload
PD-060 — Consent to Minor Guardianship by Parents/Domestic PartnersstateDownload
PD-006 — Copy Request FormstateDownload
PD-122 — Financial Account Information - Form 27stateDownload
PD-007 — Financial Account Information for Trusts OnlystateDownload
PD-061 — Financial StatementstateDownload
General Bond of Personal RepresentativestateDownload
General Forms (Adm)-Acceptance and Consent of Each Personal RepresentativestateDownload
General Forms (Adm)-Bond of Personal Representative Pursuant To Dc Code, Sec. 20-502(A-1)stateDownload
General Forms (Adm)-Request For Extension of Personal Representative'S Appointment and OrderstateDownload
General Forms (Adm)-Verification and Certificate of Notice By Personal Representative Pursuant To Scr-Pd 403(B)(4)stateDownload
General Forms (Adm)-Waiver of Personal Representative'S BondstateDownload
PD-123 — In Forma Pauperis Service Waiver FormstateDownload
PD-124 — Instructions for Completing Petition for Small Estate AffidavitstateDownload
Inventory and Accounting Forms (Adm)-Waiver of Filing Inventories and Accounts By All Personal RepresentativesstateDownload
PD-008 — Inventory ReportstateDownload
PD-064 — Motion for Leave to Late Petition for CompensationstateDownload
Nominal Bond of Personal RepresentativestateDownload
PD-068 — Nomination of MinorstateDownload
PD-069 — Notice and Acknowledgment of Receipt of Summons, Complaint and Initial OrderstateDownload
PD-009 — Notice of Action Taken on ClaimstateDownload
PD-070 — Notice of AppealstateDownload
PD-071 — Notice of Appearance of CounselstateDownload
PD-072 — Notice of Appointment of Foreign Personal Representative and Notice to CreditorsstateDownload
PD-125 — Notice of Appointment, Notice of Creditors and Notice of Creditors and Notice to Unknown HeirsstateDownload
PD-099 — Notice of Death of FiduciarystateDownload
PD-100 — Notice of Death of Trust BeneficiarystateDownload
PD-010 — Notice of Existence of Revocable TruststateDownload
PD-1879 — Notice of Hearing on Subsequent PetitionstateDownload
PD-1892 — Notice of Initial Hearing To Other PersonsstateDownload
PD-137 — Notice of Petition for Compensation and Consent to Compensation and FeesstateDownload
PD-073 — Notice of Right to Respond and/or Request an Oral HearingstateDownload
PD-074 — Notice of Standard ProbatestateDownload
PD-126 — Notice of Standard Probate - LegalstateDownload
PD-011 — Objection - Exception to Account or InventorystateDownload
PD-012 — Objection - Exception to Fee Petition and OrderstateDownload
PD-075 — Order Appointing Counsel - Subject Outside the Metropolitan AreastateDownload
PD-080 — Order Regarding Temporary Relief RequeststateDownload
PD-081 — Personal Identification Information - Form 26stateDownload
PD-1800 — Petition for a General ProceedingstateDownload
PD-021 — Petition for Appointment of a Special Administrator to Open a Safe Deposit BoxstateDownload
PD-082 — Petition for Appointment of Guardian of Estate of a MinorstateDownload
PD-084 — Petition for Authority to Expend Funds and OrderstateDownload
PD-085 — Petition for Authority to Invest or for Approval of Investment Plan or ProgramstateDownload
PD-1804 — Petition for Compensation of Visitor or Examiner, Consent to Compensation, Fees and OrderstateDownload
PD-1870A — Petition for Permission to ParticipatestateDownload
PD-015 — Petition for Personal Representative's Bond Pursuant to D.C. Code Sec. 20-502 (a-1)stateDownload
Petition for ProbateDistrict of Columbia CourtsstateDownload
PD-087 — Petition for Referral to Auditor-Master and OrderstateDownload
PD-017 — Petition for Release of Funds Held in the Estate Deposit Account and OrderstateDownload
PD-130 — Petition for Rule to Show CausestateDownload
Petition For Termination of Appointment of Personal RepresentativestateDownload
PD-423 — Petition for Termination of Appointment of Supervised Personal Representative, Notice Accompanying Petition and OrderstateDownload
PD-1878A — Petition of Claimant for Determination of ClaimstateDownload
PD-019 — Petition Post Appointment - SCR-PD-322 - to Deposit Funds into the Estate Deposit Account - Pro SestateDownload
PD-131 — Petition Post Appointment and Order, Order Appointing Counsel, Notice of Hearing on Subsequent Petition, Notice of Right to Respond and/or Request an Oral HearingstateDownload
PD-022 — Petition to Request Supervised Administration Pursuant to D.C. Code 20-403stateDownload
PD-090 — Petition to ResignstateDownload
PD-023 — PraecipestateDownload
PD-024 — Praecipe - Change of AddressstateDownload
PD-034 — Pro Se Motion and OrderstateDownload
PD-133 — Pro Se Motion to Vacate and OrderstateDownload
PD-092 — Pro Se PetitionstateDownload
Probate Confidential Settlement Statement FormstateDownload
Probate Rule 103. Notice.pdfDistrict of Columbia CourtsstateDownload
PD-093 — ReceiptstateDownload
PD-031 — RenunciationstateDownload
PD-129 — Renunciation and Nomination of Personal Representative - LegalstateDownload
PD-1888B — Report of ExaminerstateDownload
PD-2872A — Request for NoticestateDownload
PD-095 — Request for Oral HearingstateDownload
PD-096 — Response to Petition Post AppointmentstateDownload
PD-035 — Search Request FormstateDownload
PD-097 — Settlement Agreement PraecipestateDownload
Standard Probate OrderstateDownload
Statement of Account (and All Attached Sheets) and Order and Order - For Decedents Dying On and After January 1, 1981stateDownload
PD-1893AI — Statement of Claim Pursuant to SCR - PDIP 307stateDownload
PD-040 — Statement of ClaimsstateDownload
PD-062 — SubpoenastateDownload
PD-101 — SummonsstateDownload
PD-102 — Verification of AssetsstateDownload
PD-103 — Verified ComplaintstateDownload
Waiver of Filing Inventories and Accounts By All Personal RepresentativesstateDownload
PD-104 — Waiver of Notice of Hearing on Petition in Accordance with DC Code, Sec. 21-2032stateDownload

How Probate Works in District of Columbia

Probate in District of Columbia, District of Columbia

The District of Columbia Probate Court handles all matters related to the estates of deceased persons, including the validation of wills, appointment of executors and administrators, and the supervised distribution of assets. If you need to file for probate in District of Columbia, DC, this guide covers what you need to know.

What Is Probate?

Probate is the legal process of settling a deceased person's estate. It involves validating the will (if one exists), identifying and inventorying assets, paying debts and taxes, and distributing remaining property to heirs and beneficiaries. In District of Columbia, the probate court in each county oversees this process.

When Is Probate Required in District of Columbia?

Probate is generally required when:

  • The deceased owned real estate solely in their name

  • The estate contains assets above District of Columbia's small estate threshold

  • There are disputes among heirs or creditors

  • Assets are not held in a trust or joint tenancy

Steps to File for Probate in District of Columbia

  1. Locate the will (if one exists) and gather the death certificate

  2. File a petition with the District of Columbia Probate Court to open probate

  3. Notify heirs and creditors as required by District of Columbia law

  4. Inventory the estate — identify all assets, debts, and liabilities

  5. Pay debts and taxes — settle outstanding obligations from estate funds

  6. Distribute remaining assets — according to the will or state intestacy laws

  7. Close the estate — file a final accounting with the court

How Long Does Probate Take?

In District of Columbia, probate typically takes 6 to 18 months depending on the complexity of the estate. Simple estates with no disputes may be resolved faster, while contested wills or complex asset distributions can take longer.

Do You Need a Probate Attorney?

While District of Columbia does not always require an attorney for probate, it is strongly recommended, especially for estates with significant assets, real estate, business interests, or potential disputes. A local probate attorney familiar with District of Columbia Probate Court procedures can help navigate the process efficiently.

Resources

For more information about the probate process, visit the District of Columbia Probate Court directly or consult with a local probate attorney. You can also explore tools like EverSettled for step-by-step estate settlement guidance.

Funeral homes near the District of Columbia probate court

Additional Notes

The Probate Division is a division of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. It handles cases involving trusts, guardianship, and conservatorship. Wills must be filed within 90 days after death.

Office Hours

Monday-Friday8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Common Questions

Where do I file for probate in District of Columbia, DC?

Probate petitions for estates in District of Columbia are filed at the District of Columbia Probate Court. Contact the court directly for filing instructions and office hours.

How much does probate cost in District of Columbia?

Probate filing fees in District of Columbia, District of Columbia vary based on the estate value and type of petition. Contact the probate court clerk for the current fee schedule.

How long does probate take in District of Columbia?

Probate in District of Columbia typically takes 6 to 18 months. Timeline depends on estate complexity, creditor claims, and whether the will is contested.

Can I avoid probate?

Assets held in trusts, joint tenancy, or with designated beneficiaries (like life insurance and retirement accounts) can pass outside of probate. Consult with an estate planning attorney for strategies specific to your situation.

Do I need a lawyer for probate in District of Columbia?

While not always legally required in District of Columbia, a probate attorney is recommended for most estates, especially those involving real estate, business interests, or potential disputes among heirs.

What happens if someone dies without a will?

When someone dies intestate (without a will) in District of Columbia, their assets are distributed according to state intestacy laws. The District of Columbia Probate Court will appoint an administrator to manage the estate.

Probate Attorneys

The closest we list to this court

Jeanne Newlon

Venable LLP

Washington · < 1 mi

Emily Plocki

Venable LLP

Washington · < 1 mi

Asset ProtectionBusiness Planning+4

Douglas (Doug) Siegler

Venable LLP

Washington · < 1 mi

Cara Koss

Arnold & Porter

Washington · < 1 mi

General Trust & EstateAsset Protection+3

Caitlin Orr

McDermott Will & Schulte

Washington · < 1 mi

Business PlanningCharitable Planning+2
See more attorneys near District of Columbia→

Related Resources

District of ColumbiaProbate Guide →All District of ColumbiaCourts →District of ColumbiaProbate Forms →Banks and Insurers to Notify →