Guide To Filing For The Administration Of A Decedent's Estate

There are all sorts of forms executors, beneficiaries, and probate court clerks have to fill out and correspond with during probate and estate settlement, including affidavits, letters, petitions, summons, orders, and notices.

Guide To Filing For The Administration Of A Decedent's Estate is a commonly used form within District of Columbia. Here’s an overview of what the form is and means, including a breakdown of the situations when (or why) you may need to use it:

Atticus Fast Facts About Guide To Filing For The Administration Of A Decedent's Estate

Sometimes it’s tough to find a quick summary— here’s the important details you should know about Guide To Filing For The Administration Of A Decedent's Estate:

• This form pertains to the State of District of Columbia

Government forms are not typically updated often, though when they are, it often happens rather quietly. While Atticus works hard to keep this information about District of Columbia’s Form Guide To Filing For The Administration Of A Decedent's Estate up to date, certain details can change from time-to-time with little or no communication.

Step 1 - Download the correct District of Columbia form based on the name and ID if applicable

Double check that you have both the correct form name and the correct form ID. Some District of Columbia probate forms can look remarkably similar, so it’s best to double, even triple-check that you’re using the right one! Keep in mind that not all States have a standardized Form ID system for their probate forms.

Step 2 - Complete the Document

Fill out all relevant fields in Form Guide To Filing For The Administration Of A Decedent's Estate, take a break, and then review. Probate and estate settlement processes in DC are long enough to begin with, and making a silly error can push your timeline even farther back. No thank you!

Note: If you don’t currently know all of the answers and are accessing Form Guide To Filing For The Administration Of A Decedent's Estate online, be sure to avoid closing the browser tab and potentially losing all your progress (or use a platform like Atticus to help avoid making mistakes).

Step 3 - Have Form witnessed or notarized (if required)

Some States and situations require particular forms to be notarized. If you have been instructed to get the document notarized or see it in writing on the document, then make sure to hire a local notary. There are max notary fees in the United States that are defined and set by local law. Take a look at our full guide to notary fees to make sure you aren’t overpaying or getting ripped off.

Step 4 - Submit Guide To Filing For The Administration Of A Decedent's Estate to the relevant office

This is most often the local probate court where the decedent (person who passed away) is domiciled (permanently resides) or the institution involved with this particular form (e.g. a bank). Some offices allow you to submit forms online, other’s don’t, and we while we generally recommend going in-person to expedite the process, sometimes that simply isn’t an option.

It’s also a generally good idea to establish a positive working relationship with any probate clerk (unfortunately there’s enough people & process out there making things more difficult and unnecessarily confusing for them), so a best practice is to simply ask the probate clerk proactively exactly how and where they’d prefer you to submit all forms.

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Different probate forms or processes can require different deadlines or response times for completing the appropriate form.

While some steps in the process are bound to specific deadlines (like petitioning for probate, having to submit an inventory of assets, or filing applicable notices to creditors and beneficiaries), many probate forms or processes are not tied to a specific deadline since the scope of work can vary based on situational factors or requirements involved.

Either way, there are a bunch of practical reasons why personal representatives should work to complete each step as thoroughly and quickly as possible when completing probate in District of Columbia.

5 reasons you should submit this form as quickly as possible:

1. The sooner you begin, the faster District of Columbia can allow heirs and beneficiaries to get their share of assets subject to probate. Acting promptly can also decrease the costs & overall mental fatigue through an otherwise burdensome process.
   
   Helpful Context: What’s the Difference Between Probate and Non-Probate Assets?

2. In general, creditors of an estate usually have around 3-6 months from the time you file notice to creditors to file any claims for debt against the deceased’s assets. If they don’t, then that debt is forfeited (and more importantly, the executor won’t be held personally responsible). So doing this sooner means you have a better idea of who is owed what and ensures you won’t get a surprise collector months later.

3. Not filing a will within 30 days (on average) could mean that the probate process proceeds according to intestate laws (laws that govern what happens to someone's stuff without a will) or is subject to unnecessary supervision by the probate court. And if you aren't directly related to the deceased (a.k.a. next of kin), this could also mean you lose your inheritance.

4. It’s important to file any necessary state tax returns on behalf of the deceased or estate by the following tax season in District of Columbia. If you don’t, you could owe penalties and interest. This also includes any necessary federal tax returns such as Forms 1040, 1041, or even a Form 706 estate tax return.

5. If a house in the State of District of Columbia is left empty (or abandoned) for a while, insurance can get dicey. For example, if the house burns down and no one has been there for a year, an insurance company may get out of paying your claim.

If you’re not using Atticus to get specific forms, deadlines, and timelines for District of Columbia probate, then try and stay as organized as possible, pay close attention to the dates mentioned in any correspondence you have with the State’s government officials, call the local District of Columbia probate clerk or court for exact answers regarding Form Guide To Filing For The Administration Of A Decedent's Estate, and when in doubt— consult a qualified trust & estates lawyer for that area.

Guide To Filing For The Administration Of A Decedent's Estate is one of the many probate court forms available for download through Atticus.

It may also be available through some District of Columbia probate court sites, such as . In order to access the latest version, be updated with any revisions, and get full instructions on how to complete each form, check out the Atticus Probate & Estate Settlement software or consider hiring a qualified legal expert locally within District of Columbia.

While Atticus automatically provides the latest forms, be sure to choose the correct version of Form Guide To Filing For The Administration Of A Decedent's Estate f using any other site or resource in order to avoid having to re-complete the form process and/or make another trip to the District of Columbia probate court office.

Guide To Filing For The Administration Of A Decedent's Estate is a .pdf, so opening it should be as simple as clicking “View Form” from within the Atticus app or by clicking the appropriate link found on any District of Columbia-provided government platform. Once you’ve opened the form, you should be able to directly edit the form before saving or printing.

Here’s the text, verbatim, that is found on District of Columbia Form Guide To Filing For The Administration Of A Decedent's Estate. You can use this to get an idea of the context of the form and what type of information is needed.

FILING FOR THE ADMINISTRATION OF A DECEDENT’S ESTATE (ADM) IN THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA (VALUED AT MORE THAN $40,000) Office of the Register of Wills, Probate Division 515 5 th Street, NW, Third Floor Washington, DC 20001 All attached forms and documents are available through the division’s website: http://www.dccourts.gov/dccourts/superior/probate/index.jsp May 2015 TABLE OF CONTENTS General Information Forms Required to File an Estate a. Certificate of Filing Will b. Petition for Probate c. Abbreviated Probate Order d. Personal Identification Form (Form 26) e. Notice of Appointment, Notice to Creditors and Notice to Unknown Heirs f. Bond of Personal Representative Pursuant to D.C. Code, Section 20-502(a) g. Waiver of Personal Representative’s Bond h. Renunciation i. Consent to Appointment of Personal Representative Forms Required Shortly After Appointment a. General Information for Heirs, Legatees and Creditors b. Verification and Certificate of Notice General Information for Large Estates If a person died who lived in the District of Columbia, a large estate can be opened in the Probate Division of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia when the decedent owned real estate in the District of Columbia or other assets of any value or a lawsuit involving the decedent is open or needs to be opened. The assets must have been owned in just the decedent’s name; they must not have joint owners or designated beneficiaries. The forms that will be needed are located on the Probate Division website at http://www.dccourts.gov/internet/public/aud_probate/large.jsf . The forms must be typewritten and filed at one time in person. All signatures must be originals. The Probate Division is located on the third floor at 515 5 th Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. The person who is nominated in the decedent’s will or who is the decedent’s next of kin has priority to open the decedent’s estate and serve as Personal Representative. The following forms are always required to open an estate: 1. The will (if there is one) and the Certificate of Filing Will 2. A petition for probate 3. An abbreviated probate order 4. A Notice of Appointment of Personal Representative, Notice to Creditors and Notice to Unknown Heirs. The Notice must be typed. 5. (a) Bond, or (b) If all heirs waive bond, a waiver of bond form from each heir, or (c) If the will waives bond as to the petitioner (that is, if the will states that the petitioner can serve without bond or undertaking), no bond or waivers of bond are required. 6. Court costs - by check or money order payable to “Register of Wills,” cash, or credit card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express) The Office of the Register of Wills recommends that you consult an attorney of your choosing for more complicated estates, when the person who wishes to serve as personal representative is not the person named in the will to serve or, if there is no will, is not the decedent’s next of kin, or when legal advice is otherwise necessary or desirable. Details regarding the process of administering an estate in the District of Columbia, including definitions of terms and a case diary of important deadlines, are included in “After Death – A Guide to Probate in the District of Columbia” at http://www.dccourts.gov/internet/public/aud_probate/large.jsf If you are considering filing a petition for probate to become a personal representative, please read it carefully. SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION _________ WIL _________ (Link to: _________________) In re Estate of ________________________________ Deceased CERTIFICATE OF FILING WILL I, _______________________________, on this_______day of____________________, 20____, hereby submit for filing the following paper-writing(s) purporting to be the Last Will and Testament and/or Codicil(s) of ____________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ (insert all name(s) of decedent as reflected in the will(s) and/or codicil(s)) who died on or about the _______day of ___________________,20_____, domiciled in the District of Columbia. Date of document(s): __________________________________________________ Unusual attributes (if any): _____________________________________________ Name of nominated personal representative: _______________________________ Address of nominated personal representative (if known): _____________________ ___________________________________________________________________ The same (was) (were) received from___________________________________________. Case No: _____ADM/SEB______ is open or is being opened. No estate is open. Name: _________________________________ (signature) Address:________________________________ _________________________________ Telephone Number: ______________________ FOR OFFICE USE ONLY Reviewed by_________________________ (signature) Comments: _________________________ ___________________________________ _________________________________ SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION _________ ADM _________ (Link to _________ WIL _________) Estate of ________________________________ Age _________ Deceased PETITION FOR PROBATE (For decedents dying on or after July 1, 1995 to the present) Petition for Abbreviated Probate Unsupervised Administration Supervised Administration Appointment of Personal Representative Appointment of Successor Personal Representative(s) Unsupervised Administration Supervised Administration Petition for Standard Probate Unsupervised Administration Supervised Administration Appointment of Co-Personal Representative(s) (each must sign) Appointment of Special Administrator(s) Admission as an International Will NOTE: The appointment of a personal representative shall constitute an order for unsupervised administration unless the order specifically provides for supervised administration as provided in D.C. Code, sec. 20-402. The Petition of: ____________________________________ Name Age ____________________________________ Name Age ____________________________________ Name Age ____________________________________ Address ____________________________________ Address ____________________________________ Address hereinafter “petitioner” being a citizen of the United States or a lawfully admitted permanent resident thereof, of legal age, and not otherwise excluded from acting as personal representative pursuant to D.C. Code, sec. 20-303(b), shows: 1. ______________________________________________________, the decedent, a domiciliary of ____________________ residing at ____________________________________________ died at ____________________________________ on ______________ (with) (without) a will. 2. Petitioner is entitled to be appointed personal representative of the decedent’s estate under D.C. Code, sec. 20-303 for the following reasons: __________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ 3. The court has jurisdiction in this matter because — decedent died domiciled in the District of Columbia other — please state basis for jurisdiction __________________________________________ 4. There are no other proceedings regarding the administration of the estate except _____________ ______________________________________________________________________________ 4(a). If the decedent is survived by a spouse/domestic partner, state the names of any surviving descendants of the spouse/domestic partner who are not descendants of the decedent (delete if not applicable).__________________________________________________________________ 5. The petitioner has made a diligent search for wills and codicils of the decedent, and, to the best knowledge of the petitioner the will dated _________________________ and codicil(s) dated ___________________________ accompanying this petition (is) (are) the decedent’s last will, and petitioner knows of no later will or codicil, and said will and codicil(s), if any, came into petitioner’s hands in the following manner: ___________________________________________ If an international will, the certificate of the authorized person is/is not attached. 6. All information required pursuant to D.C. Code, sec. 20-304(a) has been furnished except ______ _________________________________________________________________________________ NOTE: Paragraphs 7- 9 may be completed at the option of the petitioner. (Attach additional sheets if necessary.) 7. It is requested that witnesses to the alleged will dated __________________________ and the authorized person, if an international will, appear and give testimony regarding its execution, (give reasons and complete names and addresses of witnesses): __________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ 8. It is requested that an individual having custody of the original will be directed to deliver same to the Court. (State reasons for this request including all demands made for delivery of the will.): ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ 9. It is requested that the Court issue an Order to Show Cause why the provisions of a lost or destroyed will should not be admitted to probate. (Set forth the reasons for this requested relief.): ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ 10. If supervised administration is (required) (requested), it is for the following reasons: Decedent’s will directs supervised administration. Although decedent’s will directs unsupervised administration, supervised administration is requested for the following reasons: _________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ Other _______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ 11. Bond is not required because (Note: Refer to D.C. Code, sec. 20-502 for bond provisions). decedent’s will waives bond. a signed written waiver of each interested person has been filed. the personal representative(s) (is/are) the sole heir(s)/legatee(s). Bond is required and no reduction in bond is requested. Bond is required in the amount of $ ________________ because some but less than all interested persons waive bond. Bond is required but a reduction is requested in the amount of $ _______________________, being the value of any real or personal property, the sale or distribution of which will be restricted without prior court authorization. (If reduced bond is sought list cash accounts requiring Court order for withdrawal and/or other personal or real property for which prior court authorization for sale or distribution must be obtained.) _____________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ Petitioner seeks the following limitation(s) on his/her powers - refer to D.C. Code, secs. 20-404, 20- 406 and 20-741 with respect to powers. ________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ The decedent was survived by - (please check appropriate boxes) a. Spouse/Domestic Partner b. Children. c. Grandchildren. No spouse/domestic partner. Check appropriate box and go to b. Descendants of predeceased children. If so, stop here; if not, go to c. Descendants of predeceased grandchildren. If so, stop here; if not, go to d. d. Parents. If so, stop here; if not go to e. e. Brothers and/or Sisters. f. Nieces and/or Nephews. Descendants of predeceased brothers and/or sisters. If so, stop here; if not, go to f. Descendants of predeceased nieces and/or nephews.If so, stop here; if not, go to g. g. Uncles and/or Aunts. If so, stop here; if not, go to h. h. First cousins. If so, stop here; if not, go to i. i. Grandparents. If so, stop here; if not, go to j. j. Other heirs. If none, go to k. k. Notify Office of the Attorney General, Chief of the Civil Enforcement Section, 441 4th Street, N.W., Washington, DC 20001. LIST OF INTERESTED PERSONS must include names of heirs if decedent died intestate; heirs and legatees, including trustees and all named Personal Representatives, if the decedent died testate. Refer to D.C. Code, secs. 19-301 through 312 and sec. 20-101(d)(1). If under age of 18 or an adult who is legally disabled, also list as an interested person the judicially appointed guardian, conservator or committee for such person. If no judicially appointed representative exists, then list the parent, or custodian, or an attorney-in-fact, if any, for such person (subject to the terms of the power of attorney), or any other person with legal authority to act for such disabled person. Note: If each trustee is also a petitioning party or acting personal representative, list all beneficiaries under trust. Refer to D.C. Code, sec. 20-101(g). Any creditor of the decedent, including those persons whose rights accrue at the time of death, who has timely presented a claim in excess of $500 that has not been barred or discharged is also an interested person. Petitioner(s) should update list of interested persons or creditors with claims in excess of $500 as they become known. Indicate, when applicable, grandchildren and nieces and nephews by family groups, by showing the name of their deceased parent who was related to the decedent Sample: Joe Petitioner 1234 Hexagon Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20000 Son/heir/legatee/petitioner Interested persons Address Relationship (Age, if under 18) ________________________ ____________________________ _________________________ ________________________ ____________________________ _________________________ ________________________ ____________________________ _________________________ ________________________ ____________________________ _________________________ ________________________ ____________________________ _________________________ ________________________ ____________________________ _________________________ (Use continuation sheet if necessary) WITNESSES TO WILL(S)/CODICIL(S) (Names) __________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ AUTHORIZED PERSON (Applicable only to an international will) (Use continuation sheet if necessary) _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ Character, Location and Estimated Value of Property Titled in Decedent’s Name: A. Real Property located in the District of Columbia _____________________________________ _____________________________________ _____________________________________ _____________________________________ _____________________________________ _____________________________________ _____________________________________ _____________________________________ Estimated Value _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ Total $ _____________________ B. Personal Property located in the District of Columbia and other jurisdictions B1. Value of household furniture, automobiles, furnishings, appliances and personal effects $ _______________ B2. Value of all other personal property $ _______________ Personal Property Total Total $ _____________________ C. (A+B) Total $ _____________________ D. Debts and Funeral Expenses Debts secured: _____________________________ Total $ _____________________ Debts unsecured: ___________________________ Total $ _____________________ Funeral Expenses: Paid by __________________________ name Unpaid Amount paid $__________________ Amount unpaid $__________________ WHEREFORE, the petitioner prays that petitioner(s) be appointed (supervised) (unsupervised) personal representative(s) of the decedent’s estate in (abbreviated) (standard) probate proceeding, and that the (court find that the decedent died intestate) (will dated ___________________________ and codicil(s) dated _____________________________________________________, exhibited with the petition be admitted to probate and record) and that the additional relief be granted: Check appropriate box(es) order witnesses to the alleged will dated ___________________________________________, to appear and give testimony regarding its execution; order _____________________________________________________________________ who is alleged to have custody of will dated _______________________________, to deliver it to the Court; order any interested person to show cause why the provisions of the lost or destroyed will dated _______________________________, should not be admitted to probate; Other _______________________________________________________________________ DECLARATION OF PETITIONER I do solemnly declare and affirm under the penalty of law that the contents of the foregoing petition are true and correct to the best of my knowledge, information and belief. I am a member of the D.C. bar and hereby guarantee court costs. I understand that the Court cannot waive publication costs or bond premiums and that I am responsible for paying any such costs. _____________________________ Signature of Attorney for Petitioner ________________________________ Signature of Petitioner __________________________ Tel. No. _____________________________ Typed name of Attorney ________________________________ Signature of Petitioner __________________________ Tel. No. _____________________________ Attorney’s Address _____________________________ Telephone No. _____________________________ Unified Bar No. ________________________________ Signature of Petitioner __________________________ Tel. No. __________________________ E-mail address ACCEPTANCE AND CONSENT OF EACH PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE I do hereby accept the duties of the office of personal representative of the estate of ______________ ________________________________________________________________ deceased, whether in a supervised or unsupervised administration, and consent to personal jurisdiction in any action brought in the District of Columbia against me as personal representative or arising from the duties of the office of personal representative pursuant to D.C. Code, sec. 20-501. _____________________________ Signature of Petitioner _____________________________ Signature of Petitioner _____________________________ Signature of Petitioner POWER OF ATTORNEY To be Executed by Each Non-resident Personal Representative Pursuant to D.C. Code, sec. 20-303(b)(7), I do hereby irrevocably appoint the Register of Wills and successors in office as the person upon whom all notices and process issued by a competent court in the District of Columbia may be served with the same effect as personal service in relation to all suits or matters pertaining to the estate in which the letters are to issue. ____________________________________________ (Signature) ____________________________________________ (Address, may not be P.O. Box) ____________________________________________ (Signature) ____________________________________________ (Address, may not be P.O. Box) ____________________________________________ (Signature) ____________________________________________ (Address, may not be P.O. Box) SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION _________ ADM _________ (Linked to ______ WIL _________) Estate of __________________________________ Age _________ Deceased Abbreviated Probate Order (For estates of decedents dying on or after July 1, 1995) Upon consideration of the petition for (supervised) (unsupervised) abbreviated probate, acceptance and consent of each personal representative, a power of attorney of each non-resident, and a bond, if applicable, in the amount of $ ____________________________ all having been filed herein, it is by the Court this ____________ day of ____________________________, 20_______, ORDERED, that administration of this estate is (unsupervised) (supervised) for the following reasons: Decedent's will directs supervision. Decedent's will directs unsupervised administration but supervised administration is required for the following reasons: _____________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ Other ___________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ and it is further, ORDERED, that _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________(is) (are) appointed personal representative(s) of the estate of _________________________________________________ , deceased, and it is further, ORDERED, that The Court finds that the decedent died intestate. The will dated ________________________________________________ and codicil(s) dated ________________________________________________________________accompanying the petition (is) (are) admitted to probate and record as the last will and testament of the aforesaid decedent, and as an international will where applicable. Bond heretofore filed in the amount of $ _____________________________ is approved. Bond is not required. The personal representative(s) shall file an additional bond in an amount to be fixed by the Court before accepting assets in excess of the stated amount. The sum of $10,000 is allowed from the personal estate of _________________________ as surviving spouse and/or custodian of decedent’s minor child(ren) in accordance with law (for estates before April 27, 2001 only). Subject to D.C. Code, sec. 20-906, a homestead allowance in the sum of $15,000 is authorized from the real or personal estate to ____________________ as the surviving spouse/domestic partner and, if none, to _________________ as a custodian of a surviving minor child and to ___________________ as a dependent child, to be divided equally between each of the children. Subject to the homestead allowance and as provided in D.C. Code, sec. 20-906, a family allowance in a reasonable sum not to exceed $15,000 is authorized from the personal estate to____________________ as surviving spouse /domestic partner and decedent's minor child(ren) whom the decedent was obligated to support and children who were in fact being supported by the decedent, in accordance with law. After payment of the homestead and the family allowance and as provided in D.C. Code, sec. 20-906, tangible personalty or other personalty not exceeding the value of $10,000 is allowed to the surviving spouse/domestic partner and if none, to the decedent’s surviving children jointly as exempt property. Subject to any limitation of the will (if decedent died testate), D.C. Code Title 20, or by an order of Court, the personal representative(s) may, in addition to any power or authority contained in the will and to any other common law or statutory power, properly exercise those general powers as enumerated in D.C. Code, sec. 20-741, subject to the following limitations which, if the administration is supervised, shall be endorsed on the letters of administration: Sale, transfer, or encumbrance of estate realty is restricted and shall not occur without prior Court order. _____________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ Because the petition for probate includes interested persons whose names and/or addresses are unknown, the personal representative shall file the missing names and/or addresses or a report regarding efforts to identify and locate those persons within 60 days of the date of this order. There shall be no further proceedings under the Small Estate Act in case number __________ SEB ____________________. The appointment of the Special Administrator is terminated, and the special administrator shall file a final account within ______ days of this order. _______________________________________ JUDGE cc: (Include attorney of record and personal representative.) Personal Identification Information (Form 26) _________ ADM _________ _________ INT/IDD _________ _________ SEB _________ _________ GDN _________ Estate of ____________________________________ decedent/minor/adult ward/custodian Name/ Relationship To Case Address Telephone Number Date of Birth Driver’s License Social Security Number S UPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION _________ ADM _________ _____________________________________________________________ Name of Decedent _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ Name and Address of Attorney Notice of Appointment, Notice to Creditors and Notice to Unknown Heirs _______________________________________________________________________, whose address(es) (is/are) _________________________________________________________________ (was/were) appointed Personal Representative(s) of the estate of _____________________________ __________________________________________ who died on _____________________________ (with/without) a Will and will serve (with/without) Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent's Will) shall be filed With the Register of Wills, D.C., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., 3 rd Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before ____________________________. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before __________________, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address and relationship. Date of first publication: __________________________________ Name of newspaper and/or periodical: __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ To be signed by Personal Representative(s) __________________________________ Telephone Number of Personal Representative(s) TRUE TEST COPY __________________________________ Register of Wills S UPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION _________ ADM _________ Estate of ________________________________ Deceased BOND OF PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE PURSUANT TO D.C. CODE SEC. 20-502(a) (For estates of decedents dying on or after July 1, 1995) KNOW ALL BY THESE PRESENTS: That I/we _______________________________________ ___________________________________ as principal and _________________________________ as surety, are held and firmly bound to the District of Columbia in the sum of ___________________ dollars. The condition of the above obligation is such that if the said ___________________________ shall well and truly perform the office of the personal representative(s) of the estate of ____________ ________________________________________________, deceased, late of __________________ _____________________________, according to law, and shall in all respects discharge the duties required of the personal representative(s) by law without any injury or damage to any interested person or creditor (other than those excluded below, if any) the above obligation shall be void; otherwise it shall be in full force and effect. The foregoing notwithstanding, this bond shall not cover the following: __________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ the interest of the following interested persons who have filed written waivers: _________ ___________________________________________________________________________ the cash on deposit in an account expressly subject to withdrawal only in a manner that is approved by the Court: ________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ the value of the following real or personal property which cannot be sold or distributed without Court authorization: ____________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ SIGNED, SEALED AND DELIVERED IN THE PRESENCE OF: ______________________________________ (Seal) ___________________________________________ ______________________________________ (Seal) ___________________________________________ ______________________________________ (Seal) ___________________________________________ Dated this ______________ day of _________________ , _________ Surety __________________________________ By: _____________________________ (Seal) SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION _________ ADM _________ Estate of ________________________________ Deceased WAIVER OF PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE'S BOND (For estates of decedents dying on or after July 1, 1995) I, ___________________________________________________________, being a competent adult heir and/or legatee of __________________________________________, deceased, or a creditor of the decedent whose claim in excess of $500.00 has not been barred or discharged, and being familiar with the petition of ___________________________________________________ for Letters of Administration, do hereby waive protection of any bond* so far as my interest in said estate is concerned. ________________________________ Witness ________________________________ Date ________________________________ Signature ________________________________ Date *Bond is a form of insurance. If the personal representative misappropriates or otherwise mishandles estate assets, the bonding company will repay the estate the amount lost or the amount of the bond, whichever is less. Bond covers the shares of all interested persons who have not waived bond. SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION _________ ADM _________ Estate of ________________________________ Deceased RENUNCIATION I, ____________________________________________, being a competent adult, and being familiar with the petition of _____________________________, for Letters of Administration, and being aware of the fact that according to D.C. Code, sec. 20-303, I have priority to serve as personal representative of the instant estate in that I am the _____________________________ (insert relationship to decedent such heir, legatee, personal representative or alternate personal representative nominated in the will) of the deceased, hereby renounce my right to serve as the personal representative of this estate. _________________________________ Date _________________________________ (Signature of heir/legatee) _________________________________ Address _________________________________ _________________________________ _________________________________ _________________________________ Telephone Number S UPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION _________ ADM _________ Estate of ________________________________ Deceased CONSENT TO APPOINTMENT OF PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE (For estates of decedents dying on or after July 1, 1995) I ___________________________________________________, being a competent adult heir and/or legatee of __________________________________________________ deceased, and being familiar with the petition of _______________________________________ for Letters of Administration, do hereby consent to the appointment of petitioner(s). ________________________________ Witness ________________________________ Date ________________________________ Signature of heir or legatee ________________________________ Date SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION GENERAL INFORMATION FOR HEIRS, LEGATEES, AND CREDITORS (For estates of decedents dying on or after July 1, 1995) INTRODUCTION Pursuant to the provisions of D.C. Code, sec. 20-704(b), the Personal Representative of a decedent’s estate is required to send this statement of general information to each heir, legatee, and known creditor. The law requires that this statement contain the following information: (1) the typical duties of a Personal Representative, including a description of the essential steps in both supervised and unsupervised estates; (2) how fees for estate administration are determined in this jurisdiction and that the Personal Representative is to be provided as soon as feasible with an estimate of attorney’s fees to be claimed against the estate; (3) the rights of heirs and legatees, the assistance an heir or legatee may provide to the Personal Representative and the role of the Register of Wills; (4) if the Personal Representative is not subject to continuing court supervision, the right of any interested person, on petition to the Court duly presented and filed with the Register, to begin a proceeding requiring notice to interested persons and a hearing to impose Court supervision on the estate, or to seek any other court order necessary for protection of rights of the interested person. This information is intended only to highlight certain aspects of this process and is not intended to be a detailed and complete legal guide for the administration of an estate. Depending on the factual situation in a particular case, the rights of certain classes of heirs and legatees may differ from others. This summary is not meant to include a description and explanation of the entire probate procedure as it may affect the rights of all parties. For more complete information, refer to Title 20 of the District of Columbia Code, court decisions relating thereto, and the Court Rules, and consult an attorney. The following definitions are provided to help understand this information: Creditor: A person or organization owed money by the decedent at the time of the decedent’s death. Heir: A relative of a decedent who inherits property if the decedent had no will. Interested Person: An heir, legatee, or creditor who timely presents a claim of $500 or more. Legatee: A person who receives property under the terms of a will. Personal Representative: The person appointed by the D.C. Superior Court to settle the financial affairs of someone who has died. Supervised Administration: An estate administration wherein the actions of the personal representative are supervised by the court, in that an inventory and accounts are filed and the accounts are audited by the Court. Unsupervised Administration: An estate administration wherein the actions of the personal representative generally are not supervised by the court. As an heir, legatee, or creditor, it is important that you understand your rights, what to expect during the administration of the estate, and how to protect your interests in the estate. An administration begins with the appointment of the personal representative by order of the Court. The administration will be unsupervised unless the court order of appointment specifically provides for supervised administration. An unsupervised personal representative is not required to file an inventory or accounts with the Court and is not subject to continuing court supervision. If the estate is supervised, the personal representative will be required to file an inventory and accounts, which are audited by the Court. Each time an account or other notice from the personal representative is provided to you, it will state how and when you may oppose or object to that document. Note carefully that you must make any such objection within the stated time period or you will lose the right to do so. Because of these time limits, you should carefully and promptly review all documents received from the personal representative. I. TYPICAL DUTIES OF A PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE (a) Both supervised and unsupervised Personal Representatives must: (1) determine the kind, amount, and location of all assets of the decedent and, where feasible, bring them into the Personal Representative’s possession; (2) determine the whereabouts of all of the decedent’s heirs and legatees and make reasonable efforts to identify creditors of the decedent; (3) file a bond to protect the interests of all interested persons and creditors unless excused by the testator in a will or excused by the interested persons; (4) within 20 days after appointment, publish a notice in the newspaper advising persons who have claims against the decedent to file claims with the Court, and after the expiration of this publication period (which is 6 months), pay the valid claims in accordance with the law; (5) within three months after appointment, prepare and deliver or mail to each interested person a detailed inventory and appraisal of all estate assets; (6) within 90 days after appointment, file both original proofs of publication and a verification and certificate of notice with the Register of Wills, certifying that notices required under D.C. Code, sec. 20-704(b) have been given; (7) prepare and file decedent’s final federal and state income tax returns, estate income tax returns, and inheritance and estate tax returns, both federal and state, where such returns are required by law. (b) An unsupervised Personal Representative: (1) may file the inventory with the Court at his or her option; (2) shall account to interested persons for all receipts, disbursements and distributions of estate assets at reasonable intervals or on reasonable demand. These accounts are not filed with the Court; (3) may make full distribution and close the estate by filing a Certificate of Completion at any time after expiration of the time for filing creditors’ claims against the estate. If no Certificate is filed, the appointment of the unsupervised Personal Representative will terminate automatically 3 years after appointment, unless a Request for Extension is filed and granted by the Court. (c) A supervised Personal Representative: (1) must file the inventory with the Court within three months of appointment of the personal representative; (2) within one year and one day of the first date of publication of the Notice of Appointment, Notice to Creditors and Notice to Unknown Heirs, prepare, deliver to interested persons and file with the Court an account setting forth all assets of the decedent’s estate, all transactions made (such as purchases, sales, leases, etc.), all disbursements, and a statement as to the value of any remaining assets. This account will be audited by the Court in a very cursory and informal way if all heirs and legatees consent to such audit. Otherwise, the Personal Representative will be required to exhibit detailed documentation to support every asset and disbursement shown in the account; (3) continue to prepare, deliver to interested persons, and file accounts every 9 months after the first account until a final account is filed; (4) within 30 days after approval by the Court of a final account, distribute remaining assets to the heirs or legatees. Approval of a final account automatically closes the estate and terminates the appointment of the Personal Representative if requested in the final account and approved by the Court. If termination of appointment is not approved, the Personal Representative may file a Petition to Terminate accompanied by all receipts not previously filed. II. DETERMINATION OF FEES (a) The Personal Representative and any other agent employed by the Personal Representative are each entitled to reasonable compensation for services rendered. (b) As soon as feasible, employees or agents providing services for estate administration must provide an estimate to the Personal Representative of the fees expected to be charged. (c) The reasonableness of the compensation may be reviewed by the Court only upon request of an interested person and after notice and hearing. (d) The Personal Representative and any agent employed by the estate should maintain accurate records of the date, time, and nature of the services rendered, as well as the results achieved in order to justify the reasonableness of the fees upon request of an interested person or the Court. III. RIGHTS OF INTERESTED PERSONS (An INTERESTED PERSON means an heir, legatee or a creditor who has timely presented a claim in excess of $500 that has not been barred or discharged.) (a) In the absence of a waiver in a decedent's will, any interested person has the right to require the personal representative to give bond with surety approved by the Court to protect his or her interest in the estate. If a bond is waived in a decedent's will, any interested person whose interest exceeds $1,000 has the right to request a bond. (b) An interested person may at any time petition the Court for an Order protecting his or her rights or to resolve questions arising in the course of a supervised or unsupervised administration. (c) In an unsupervised administration, an interested person may, at any time before the termination of a probate proceeding, petition the Court for supervised administration or any other court order necessary to protect the rights of the interested parties. The change from unsupervised to supervised will be prospective only. (d) An heir or legatee has the right to contest the validity of a will within six months of the first date of the notice of publication. (e) In a supervised administration, an interested person has the right to decide whether the Court should conduct a cursory review or a detailed audit of the personal representative's books and records. (f) In an unsupervised administration, an interested person is entitled to accountings by the personal representative at reasonable intervals and may request same upon reasonable notice to the personal representative. An interested person may also petition to compel an unsupervised Personal Representative to account to the Court. (g) An interested person has the right to file written objections with the Court as to: (1) the contents of or value stated in any inventory; (2) the contents of any account; and (3) the amounts stated for compensation for services rendered by a Personal Representative or any agent employed by the Personal Representative. (h) An interested person has the right to receive a copy of all documents identified in (g) above and to request justification for fees and other actions of the personal representative and agents employed by the personal representative. (i) Prior to the sale or transfer of a particular piece of real or personal property, an interested person may request the Court to have a priority placed on the sale or transfer. After a hearing, the Court will decide the order in which estate property will be sold or transferred. (j) A person in possession of property that the person is presumptively entitled to receive at some later time as heir or legatee may retain said property unless the Personal Representative requests possession of the property for purposes of estate administration. (k) An interested person has a duty to inform the Personal Representative of all matters which will aid in the administration of the estate. (l) Creditors must present claims within six months of the first notice of publication. See Chapter 9, Title 20 of the D.C. Code. IV. ROLE OF THE REGISTER OF WILLS (a) The Register of Wills is the administrative officer of the Court who serves as Clerk of the Probate Division. (b) In a supervised administration, it is the duty of the Register of Wills to ensure that prompt and accurate reports and accounts are filed, creditors are paid, and distribution is made to the proper persons. In an unsupervised administration, the Register of Wills generally will not monitor the administration. (c) Any questions or information concerning the estate administration should be addressed to the Personal Representative. If an interested person is not satisfied with the response or action of the Personal Representative, the matter may be brought to the attention of the Court by filing a petition with the Register of Wills, 515 5 th St, N.W., 3rd Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001. S UPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION _________ ADM _________ Estate of ________________________________ Deceased VERIFICATION AND CERTIFICATE OF NOTICE BY PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE PURSUANT TO SCR-PD 403(b)(4) (For estates of decedents dying on or after July 1, 1995) I do solemnly declare and affirm that I have mailed or caused to be mailed a copy of the notice of appointment and general information statement as required in D.C. Code, sec. 20-704 (a) and (b) on the ___________________________ day of _____________________ _______ , to the following persons: List names and addresses of all heirs, legatees, and creditors referred to in D.C. Code, sec. 20-704(b) (Attach additional sheets if necessary) I do further solemnly declare and affirm under penalty of law that the contents of the foregoing document are true and correct to the best of my knowledge, information, and belief, that I have previously filed or file herewith proofs of publication as required by SCR-PD 403(b)(4), and that to the best of my knowledge and belief the value of the probate estate (remains the same as) (increased/decreased in the following amount from) that set forth in the petition for probate previously filed with the Court ( $ ____________________); and that I have paid or tender herewith court costs pursuant to SCR-PD 425(a)(1) through (4) and in accordance with D.C. Code, sec. 15- 707(a). Dated: __________________________ _______________________________________ Signature of attorney _______________________________________ Typed name of attorney _______________________________________ Address (actual address/not Post Office Box) _______________________________________ _______________________________________ _______________________________________ Telephone number _______________________________________ Email address _______________________________________ Unified Bar number _______________________________________ Signature _______________________________________ Typed name ____________________________________________ Address (actual address/not Post Office Box) ____________________________________________ ____________________________________________ ____________________________________________ Telephone number ____________________________________________ Email address ____________________________________________ Bar number (if filer is an attorney) Instructions for Filing “Verification and Certificate of Notice by Personal Representative Pursuant to SCR-PD 403(b)(4)” (For estates of decedents dying on or after July 1, 1995 and whose estates are unsupervised.*) Overview: The purpose of this form is to certify to the Register of Wills for the record that all heirs, all legatees (persons who take under a will) and all creditors have received notice of the probate proceedings. When the Notice must be given: A copy of the General Information Sheet (covered below) and the Notice of Appointment, Notice to Creditors and Notice to Unknown Heirs (also covered below) must be mailed to all creditors, heirs and legatees within twenty (20) days of the date of the order appointing the personal representative. How the Notice must be mailed: The notices must be sent by registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested, to the last known address, with delivery restricted to the addressee. The filing of the green return receipts is optional. When the Verification and Certificate of Notice must be filed: The Verification and Certificate of Notice must be filed with the Court within ninety (90) days of the date of the order appointing the personal representative. Newspaper Notice: Immediately upon appointment of the personal representative, the Probate Division will transmit the Notice of Appointment, Notice to Creditors and Notice to Unknown Heirs to the newspapers selected by the petitioner and will return to the personal representative or attorney, if any, one copy of the Notice of Appointment, Notice to Creditors and Notice to Unknown Heirs with the initial publication date stamped on it. The personal representative must mail a copy of that notice to all creditors and to each heir and legatee. The two newspapers will bill the personal representative for the costs of publication. Upon receipt of payment, the newspapers will send the personal representative a Proof of Publication which will bear a raised seal. The personal representative must file these original Proofs of Publication along with the Verification and Certificate of Notice. The Verification and Certificate of Notice will not be accepted for filing without the Proofs of Publication. General Information for Heirs, Legatees, and Creditors (General Information Sheet): The personal representative is required to send a copy of this sheet along with the Notice of Appointment, Notice to Creditors, and Notice to Unknown Heirs to all creditors and to each heir and legatee. Creditors: In the space provided in the Verification and Certificate of Notice, the personal representative must list the names of each creditor of the decedent. The notice must be sent to any creditor whose identity is known or discoverable through reasonably diligent effort. * Supervised Estates: These instructions also apply to supervised estates with the exception that the Verification and Certificate of Notice form is not used. Instead, the Inventory form is used. In supervised cases the required information must be provided on the “Verification and Certificate” on the reverse side of the Inventory form.