When you are called on to assist in the administration of an estate, the process can seem daunting. Estate administration is a complex process which can take its toll, both emotionally and financially. The process begins by opening the estate, with the Register of Wills office for the District of Columbia. When called upon to assist clients, in this respect we facilitate the completion of all appropriate paper work so that you aren't left worrying whether we will be able to open the estate, or making multiple fruitless trips to the Register's Office.

In the District of Columbia, estates are generally considered "unsupervised," that is, the court does not have a role unless a concern is brought to its attention.  Where estates are supervised by the court, the Register of Wills for the District ensures that all transfers of property are made in accordance with the District of Columbia Code and the Superior Court Rules. The Register of Wills also maintains all original wills, bonds, court orders, and other official documents pertaining to probate matters.

In addition, the Register of Wills is responsible for reviewing incoming court filings for completeness and correctness and making recommendations to the Court on all uncontested matters filed in the Division.

By law, the Register of Wills  office are not permitted to assist with the preparation of necessary forms to open an estate except in some limited circumstances for Small Estates (i.e. those with $40,000 or less in assets). The Register of Wills is prohibited from providing legal advice.

Where estates are prepared under court supervision, they are ALWAYS audited.

DC Small Estates:
Estates of decedents having assets of $40,000.00 or less qualify as small estates.

A small estate proceeding is a streamlined process wherein the court staff assists with the preparation of required forms, and typically results in a very short adminstration process, with little fees.

Links: DC Register of Wills Forms