District of Columbia Courts

Probate Division

Probate is a legal process that takes place after someone's death. It usually involves proving that the deceased's will is valid, identifying the deceased person's property and having it appraised, paying outstanding debts and taxes, and distributing the property per the will or state law. The Probate division also handles the estates of incapacitated adults, estates of minors, trusts, and wills.

Please see the Superior Court Reimagining Plan for the current status of our operations, including hearings.

On-site and Virtual Appointments for Decedent Estates – Make an Appointment Online
You may now schedule an appointment with the Legal Branch and Small Estates Branch to review new petitions.

Public Computers – Make an Appointment Online
You can reserve a public computer. Appointments are preferred over on-site same day signup.

NEED HELP WITH PROBATE FORMS? GET FORMS HELP ONLINE AND SEE OUR FAQS.

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Large Estates

Large Decedents' Estates (ADM) are opened for deceased persons who, at the time of death, lived in the District of Columbia and owned real property located in the District of Columbia and/or other assets of any value.

Small Estates Proceedings

For people who died after April 26, 2001, and had assets with a total value of $40,000.00 or less,* a small estate proceeding may be opened to appoint a personal representative, pay claims, and make distribution of estate assets.

Foreign Decedent's Estates

Since the primary estate is not being opened in the District of Columbia, the estate is called a foreign estate proceeding (FEP), no personal representative is appointed in DC, and no letters of administration are issued.

Filing a Will

The Probate Division does not accept wills before death. The will should be filed within 90 days after the death of the deceased person with a Certificate of Filing Will.

Guardianship and/or Conservatorships (INT/IDD)

Intervention proceedings are opened for adults 18 or older who live in the District of Columbia, are incapacitated, and need assistance with health care, quality of life, or placement decisions or the handling of finances or other assets.

Trusts (TRP)

In its simplest form, a trust is created when property is held by one person or entity for the benefit of another or others. A variety of trust-related actions are filed in the Probate Division.

Guardianship of Minors’ Estates (GDN)

Guardianship of Minor’s Estates (GDN) are opened for children under the age of 18 who live in the District of Columbia and who are entitled to receive assets.

Other Probate Case Types

See cases related to Litigation, Notice of Revocable Trusts, Foreign Intervention, and Disclaimers.

Forms Help Online

Our online interview tool can help you create legal documents and forms for Probate.

Resources

FAQs Probate Self-Help Center Probate Division Case Management Plan Probate Practice Standards Probate Court Appointments Request for Probate Searches and Copies Mediation in Probate Matters Brochures & Videos Elder Mediation Program Probate Division Case Management Plan Public Resources

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Contact

Probate Division

Presiding Judge: Hon. Laura Cordero
Deputy Presiding Judge: Hon. Carmen McLean
Director: Nicole Stevens
Deputy Director: Aisha Ivey-Nixon

Register of Wills: Nicole Stevens
Deputy Register of Wills: John H. Middleton

Court Building A
515 Fifth Street, NW, Third Floor
Washington, DC 20001

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Hours of Operation

Mondays-Friday:
8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Telephone Numbers

202-879-9460

Probate Division

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"Open to All, Trusted by All, Justice for All"

District of Columbia Courts | (202) 879-1010

"Open to All, Trusted by All, Justice for All"

District of Columbia Courts | (202) 879-1010