reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 16 - Particular Actions, Proceedings and Matters. [Enacted title] › Chapter 56 - Uniform Family Law Arbitration Act › § 16–5621. Judgment on award

§ 16–5621. Judgment on award.
(a) On granting an order confirming, vacating without directing a rehearing, or amending an award under this chapter, the Superior Court shall enter judgment in conformity with the order.
(b) On motion of a party, the Superior Court may order that a document or part of the arbitration record be sealed or redacted to prevent public disclosure of all or part of the record or award to the extent permitted under law of the District other than this chapter.
(Mar. 10, 2023, D.C. Law 24-286, § 2(b), 70 DCR 526.)
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 16 - Particular Actions, Proceedings and Matters. [Enacted title] › Chapter 56 - Uniform Family Law Arbitration Act › § 16–5622. Modification of confirmed award or judgment

§ 16–5622. Modification of confirmed award or judgment.
If a party requests under law of the District other than this chapter a modification of an award confirmed under § 16-5616 or judgment on the award based on a fact occurring after confirmation:
(1) The parties shall proceed under the dispute-resolution method specified in the award or judgment; or
(2) If the award or judgment does not specify a dispute-resolution method, the parties may:
(A) Agree to arbitrate the modification before the original arbitrator or another arbitrator; or
(B) Absent agreement proceed under law of the District other than this chapter governing modification of a judgment in a family law proceeding.
(Mar. 10, 2023, D.C. Law 24-286, § 2(b), 70 DCR 526.)
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 16 - Particular Actions, Proceedings and Matters. [Enacted title] › Chapter 56 - Uniform Family Law Arbitration Act › § 16–5623. Enforcement of confirmed award

§ 16–5623. Enforcement of confirmed award.
(a) The Superior Court shall enforce an award confirmed under § 16-5616, including a temporary award, in the manner and to the same extent as any other order or judgment of the court.
(b) The Superior Court shall enforce an arbitration award in a family law dispute confirmed by a court in another state in the manner and to the same extent as any other order or judgment from another state.
(Mar. 10, 2023, D.C. Law 24-286, § 2(b), 70 DCR 526.)
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 16 - Particular Actions, Proceedings and Matters. [Enacted title] › Chapter 56 - Uniform Family Law Arbitration Act › § 16–5624. Appeal

§ 16–5624. Appeal.
(a) An appeal may be taken under this chapter from:
(1) An order granting or denying a motion to compel arbitration;
(2) An order granting or denying a motion to stay arbitration;
(3) An order confirming or denying confirmation of an award;
(4) An order correcting an award;
(5) An order vacating an award without directing a rehearing; or
(6) A final judgment.
(b) An appeal under this section may be taken as from an order or a judgment in a civil action.
(Mar. 10, 2023, D.C. Law 24-286, § 2(b), 70 DCR 526.)
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 16 - Particular Actions, Proceedings and Matters. [Enacted title] › Chapter 56 - Uniform Family Law Arbitration Act › § 16–5625. Immunity of arbitrator

§ 16–5625. Immunity of arbitrator.
(a) An arbitrator or arbitration organization acting in that capacity in a family law dispute is immune from civil liability to the same extent as a judge of the Superior Court acting in a judicial capacity.
(b) The immunity provided by this section supplements any immunity under law of the District other than this chapter.
(c) An arbitrator's failure to make a disclosure required by § 16-5609 does not cause the arbitrator to lose immunity under this section.
(d) An arbitrator is not competent to testify, and may not be required to produce records, in a judicial, administrative, or similar proceeding about a statement, conduct, decision, or ruling occurring during an arbitration, to the same extent as a judge of the Superior Court acting in a judicial capacity. This subsection does not apply:
(1) To the extent disclosure is necessary to determine a claim by the arbitrator or arbitration organization against a party to the arbitration; or
(2) To a hearing on a motion under § 16-5619(a)(1) or (2) to vacate an award, if there is prima facie evidence that a ground for vacating the award exists.
(e) If a person commences a civil action against an arbitrator arising from the services of the arbitrator or seeks to compel the arbitrator to testify or produce records in violation of subsection (d) of this section and the Superior Court determines that the arbitrator is immune from civil liability or is not competent to testify or required to produce the records, the court shall award the arbitrator reasonable attorney's fees, costs, and reasonable expenses of litigation.
(Mar. 10, 2023, D.C. Law 24-286, § 2(b), 70 DCR 526.)
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 16 - Particular Actions, Proceedings and Matters. [Enacted title] › Chapter 56 - Uniform Family Law Arbitration Act › § 16–5626. Uniformity of application and construction

§ 16–5626. Uniformity of application and construction.
In applying and construing this chapter, consideration shall be given to the need to promote uniformity of the law with respect to its subject matter among states that enact it.
(Mar. 10, 2023, D.C. Law 24-286, § 2(b), 70 DCR 526.)
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 16 - Particular Actions, Proceedings and Matters. [Enacted title] › Chapter 56 - Uniform Family Law Arbitration Act › § 16–5627. Relation to Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act

§ 16–5627. Relation to Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act.
This chapter modifies, limits, and supersedes the Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act, approved June 30, 2000 (114 Stat. 464; 15 U.S.C. § 7001
et seq.
) ("Act"), but shall not be construed to modify, limit, or supersede section 101(c) of the Act, or authorize electronic delivery of any of the notices described in section 103(b) of the Act.
(Mar. 10, 2023, D.C. Law 24-286, § 2(b), 70 DCR 526.)
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 16 - Particular Actions, Proceedings and Matters. [Enacted title] › Chapter 56 - Uniform Family Law Arbitration Act › § 16–5628. Transitional provision

§ 16–5628. Transitional provision.
This chapter applies to arbitration of a family law dispute under an arbitration agreement made on or after [March 10, 2023]. If an arbitration agreement was made before [March 10, 2023], the parties may agree in a record that this chapter applies to the arbitration.
(Mar. 10, 2023, D.C. Law 24-286, § 2(b), 70 DCR 526.)
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 17 - Review. [Enacted title] › Chapter 1 - United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. [Repealed] › § 17–101. Appeal from District of Columbia Court of Appeals; filing, form and contents of petition [Repealed]

§ 17–101. Appeal from District of Columbia Court of Appeals; filing, form and contents of petition [Repealed]
Repealed.
(July 29, 1970, 84 Stat. 565, Pub. L. 91-358, title I, § 146a1.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., §§ 17-101 to 17-104.
Editor's Notes
Section 29 of D.C. Law 15-354 provided that Title 17 is designated Title 17 of the District of Columbia Official Code.
Section 29 of D.C. Law 15-354 provided that Title 17 is designated Title 17 of the District of Columbia Official Code.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 17 - Review. [Enacted title] › Chapter 1 - United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. [Repealed] › § 17–102. Procedure, generally, on appeal from District of Columbia Court of Appeals; record; rules of court [Repealed]

§ 17–102. Procedure, generally, on appeal from District of Columbia Court of Appeals; record; rules of court [Repealed]
Repealed.
(July 29, 1970, 84 Stat. 565, Pub. L. 91-358, title I, § 146a1.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., §§ 17-101 to 17-104.
Editor's Notes
Section 29 of D.C. Law 15-354 provided that Title 17 is designated Title 17 of the District of Columbia Official Code.
Section 29 of D.C. Law 15-354 provided that Title 17 is designated Title 17 of the District of Columbia Official Code.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 17 - Review. [Enacted title] › Chapter 1 - United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. [Repealed] › § 17–103. Time for petitioning for allowance of appeal from District of Columbia Court of Appeals [Repealed]

§ 17–103. Time for petitioning for allowance of appeal from District of Columbia Court of Appeals [Repealed]
Repealed.
(July 29, 1970, 84 Stat. 565, Pub. L. 91-358, title I, § 146a1.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., §§ 17-101 to 17-104.
Editor's Notes
Section 29 of D.C. Law 15-354 provided that Title 17 is designated Title 17 of the District of Columbia Official Code.
Section 29 of D.C. Law 15-354 provided that Title 17 is designated Title 17 of the District of Columbia Official Code.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 17 - Review. [Enacted title] › Chapter 1 - United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. [Repealed] › § 17–104. Determination of appeal from District of Columbia Court of Appeals [Repealed]

§ 17–104. Determination of appeal from District of Columbia Court of Appeals [Repealed]
Repealed.
(July 29, 1970, 84 Stat. 565, Pub. L. 91-358, title I, § 146a1.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., §§ 17-101 to 17-104.
Editor's Notes
Section 29 of D.C. Law 15-354 provided that Title 17 is designated Title 17 of the District of Columbia Official Code.
Section 29 of D.C. Law 15-354 provided that Title 17 is designated Title 17 of the District of Columbia Official Code.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 17 - Review. [Enacted title] › Chapter 3 - District of Columbia Court of Appeals › § 17–301. Applications for allowance of appeals from certain Superior Court judgments; hearing; effect of denial

§ 17–301. Applications for allowance of appeals from certain Superior Court judgments; hearing; effect of denial.
(a) The application for the allowance of an appeal from a judgment of the Small Claims and Conciliation Branch of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, or from a judgment of the criminal division of that court where the penalty imposed is less than $50, provided for by section 11-721(c), shall be on a standard form, in simple language, prescribed by the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. If the appellant is not represented by counsel, the clerk of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia shall prepare the application in his behalf.
(b) The application provided for by subsection (a) of this section shall be filed in the District of Columbia Court of Appeals within the time limit prescribed by section 17-307(b), and shall be promptly presented by the clerk of that court to three judges thereof for their consideration. When any one of them is of the opinion that the appeal should be allowed, the appeal shall be recorded as granted, and the case set down for hearing on appeal. It shall be given a preferred status on the calendar, and heard in the same manner as other appeals in the court. When the three judges are of the opinion that the appeal should be denied, the denial shall stand as an affirmance of the judgment of the trial court, and there shall be no further appeal.
(Dec. 23, 1963, 77 Stat. 613, Pub. L. 88-241, § 1; Dec. 8, 1967, 81 Stat. 545, Pub. L. 90-178, § 2; July 29, 1970, 84 Stat. 565, Pub. L. 91-358, title I, § 146(a)(2)(A), 155(a).)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 17-301.
1973 Ed., § 17-301.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 17 - Review. [Enacted title] › Chapter 3 - District of Columbia Court of Appeals › § 17–302. Regulation of appeals; record; costs

§ 17–302. Regulation of appeals; record; costs.
The District of Columbia Court of Appeals may regulate, generally, all matters relating to appeals, whether in the District of Columbia Court of Appeals or in the court below. It may prescribe by rules what part of the proceedings in the court below shall constitute the record on appeal, and may require that the original papers, instead of copies thereof, be sent to it. It may not require that the record or briefs on appeal be printed. If they are printed, the cost of printing may not be taxed as costs in the case.
(Dec. 23, 1963, 77 Stat. 613, Pub. L. 88-241, § 1.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 17-302.
1973 Ed., § 17-302.
Section References
This section is referenced in § 47-895.22.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 17 - Review. [Enacted title] › Chapter 3 - District of Columbia Court of Appeals › § 17–303. Appeals from administrative orders and decisions

§ 17–303. Appeals from administrative orders and decisions.
An appeal from an order or decision as provided for in section 11-722 , is commenced by filing, within the time prescribed pursuant to section 17-307(a) , the written petition for review provided by section 11 of the District of Columbia Administrative Procedure Act (§ 2-510). The District of Columbia Court of Appeals may prescribe the necessary rules and procedures for review of administrative orders and decisions, consistent with such section 11.
(Dec. 23, 1963, 77 Stat. 614, Pub. L. 88-241, § 1; July 29, 1970, 84 Stat. 565, Pub. L. 91-358, title I, § 146(a)(3)(A).)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 17-303.
1973 Ed., § 17-303.
Section References
This section is referenced in § 17-304.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 17 - Review. [Enacted title] › Chapter 3 - District of Columbia Court of Appeals › § 17–304. Stay upon application for review of, or pending appeal from, administrative order or decision

§ 17–304. Stay upon application for review of, or pending appeal from, administrative order or decision.
(a) An application for review, or pendency of an appeal, provided for by section 17-303, does not operate as a stay of the order or decision from which the appeal is taken:
(1) in any case where, under existing law, a stay may not be granted; or
(2) in any other case unless so ordered by the Mayor or Council of the District of Columbia, by the independent agency, or by the District of Columbia Court of Appeals as provided by subsection (b) of this section.
(b) For good cause shown, and upon such conditions as may be required and to the extent necessary to prevent irreparable injury, the court may take appropriate and necessary action to preserve the status or rights pending conclusion of the review proceedings provided for by section 17-303.
(Dec. 23, 1963, 77 Stat. 614, Pub. L. 88-241, § 1; July 29, 1970, 84 Stat. 565, Pub. L. 91-358, title I, § 146(a)(4); Mar. 24, 1998, D.C. Law 12-81, § 11, 45 DCR 745.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 17-304.
1973 Ed., § 17-304.
Editor's Notes
Law 12-81, the “Technical Amendments Act of 1998,” was introduced in Council and assigned Bill No. 12-408, which was referred to the Committee of the Whole. The Bill was adopted on first and second readings on November 4, 1997, and December 4, 1997, respectively. Signed by the Mayor on December 22, 1997, it was assigned Act No. 12-246 and transmitted to both Houses of Congress for its review. D.C. Law 12-81 became effective on March 24, 1998.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 17 - Review. [Enacted title] › Chapter 3 - District of Columbia Court of Appeals › § 17–305. Scope of review

§ 17–305. Scope of review.
(a) In considering an order or judgment of a lower court (or any of its divisions or branches) brought before it for review, the District of Columbia Court of Appeals shall review the record on appeal. When the issues of fact were tried by jury, the court shall review the case only as to matters of law. When the case was tried without a jury, the court may review both as to the facts and the law, but the judgment may not be set aside except for errors of law unless it appears that the judgment is plainly wrong or without evidence to support it.
(b) The provisions of section 11 of the District of Columbia Administrative Procedure Act (§ 2-510) shall apply with respect to review by the District of Columbia Court of Appeals of an order or decision under that Act.
(Dec. 23, 1963, 77 Stat. 614, Pub. L. 88-241, § 1; July 29, 1970, 84 Stat. 565, Pub. L. 91-358, title I, § 146(a)(5).)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 17-305.
1973 Ed., § 17-305.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 17 - Review. [Enacted title] › Chapter 3 - District of Columbia Court of Appeals › § 17–306. Determination of appeals

§ 17–306. Determination of appeals.
The District of Columbia Court of Appeals may affirm, modify, vacate, set aside or reverse any order or judgment of a court or any division or branch thereof, or any administrative order or decision, lawfully brought before it for review, and may remand the cause and direct the entry of such appropriate order, judgment, or decision, or require such further proceedings to be had, as is just in the circumstances.
(Dec. 23, 1963, 77 Stat. 615, Pub. L. 88-241, § 1; July 29, 1970, 84 Stat. 565, Pub. L. 91-358, title I, § 146(a)(6).)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 17-306.
1973 Ed., § 17-306.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 17 - Review. [Enacted title] › Chapter 3 - District of Columbia Court of Appeals › § 17–307. Time for taking or applying for allowance of appeals

§ 17–307. Time for taking or applying for allowance of appeals.
(a) Except as provided by subsection (b) of this section, the time during which an appeal may be taken pursuant to section 11-721 or 11-722 may be fixed by rules of the District of Columbia Court of Appeals.
(b) Applications for the allowance of appeals from judgments of the Small Claims and Conciliation Branch of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, and from judgments in the criminal division of that court where the penalty imposed is less than $50, specified by section 11-721(c), shall, in each case, be filed in the District of Columbia Court of Appeals within three days from the date of judgment.
(Dec. 23, 1963, 77 Stat. 615, Pub. L. 88-241, § 1; July 29, 1970, 84 Stat. 565, Pub. L. 91-358, title I, § 146(a)(7).)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 17-307.
1973 Ed., § 17-307.
Section References
This section is referenced in § 17-301 and § 17-303.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 18 - Wills. [Enacted title] › Chapter 1 - General Provisions › § 18–101. Definitions

§ 18–101. Definitions.
As used in this title, unless the context requires a different meaning:
words importing the singular include the plural, and words importing the plural include the singular;
the present tense includes the future as well as the present;
“District Court” means the United States District Court for the District of Columbia; and
“Probate Court” and “court”, respectively, mean the Superior Court of the District of Columbia.
(Sept. 14, 1965, 79 Stat. 685, Pub. L. 89-183, § 1; July 29, 1970, 84 Stat. 566, Pub. L. 91-358, title I, § 147(1); June 4, 1982, D.C. Law 4-111, § 2(c), 29 DCR 1684.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 18-101.
1973 Ed., § 18-101.
Editor's Notes
Section 30 of D.C. Law 15-354 provided that Title 18 is designated Title 18 of the District of Columbia Official Code.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 18 - Wills. [Enacted title] › Chapter 1 - General Provisions › § 18–102. Capacity to make a will

§ 18–102. Capacity to make a will.
A will, testament, or codicil is not valid for any purpose unless the person making it is at least 18 years of age and, at the time of executing or acknowledging it as provided by this chapter, of sound and disposing mind and capable of executing a valid deed or contract.
(Sept. 14, 1965, 79 Stat. 686, Pub. L. 89-183, § 1; July 22, 1976, D.C. Law 1-75, § 4(a), 23 DCR 1180.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 18-102.
1973 Ed., § 18-102.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 18 - Wills. [Enacted title] › Chapter 1 - General Provisions › § 18–103. Execution of written will; attestation

§ 18–103. Execution of written will; attestation.
A will or testament, other than a will executed in the manner provided by section 18-107 or Chapter 9 of this title, is void unless it is:
(1) in writing and signed by the testator, or by another person in his presence and by his express direction; and
(2) attested and subscribed in the presence of the testator, by at least two credible witnesses.
(Sept. 14, 1965, 79 Stat. 686, Pub. L. 89-183, § 1; Mar. 10, 2023, D.C. Law 24-296, § 2(b), 70 DCR 1012.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 18-103.
1973 Ed., § 18-103.
Section References
This section is referenced in § 1-1001.06a, § 18-105, and § 18-109.
Emergency Legislation
For temporary (90 days) amendment of this section, see § 3(gg)(1) of Public Emergency Extension and Eviction and Utility Moratorium Phasing Emergency Amendment Act of 2021 (D.C. Act 24-125, July 24, 2021, 68 DCR 007342).
For temporary (90 days) amendment of this section, see § 811(b) of Coronavirus Support Congressional Review Emergency Amendment Act of 2021 (D.C. Act 24-96, June 7, 2021, 68 DCR 006025).
For temporary (90 days) amendment of this section, see § 811(b) of Coronavirus Support Emergency Amendment Act of 2021 (D.C. Act 24-30, Mar. 17, 2021, 68 DCR 003101).
For temporary (90 days) amendment of this section, see § 811(b) of Coronavirus Support Second Congressional Review Emergency Amendment Act of 2020 (D.C. Act 23-405, Aug. 19, 2020, 67 DCR 10235).
For temporary (90 days) amendment of this section, see Chapter 1(b) of Coronavirus Support Congressional Review Emergency Amendment Act of 2020 (D.C. Act 23-328, June 8, 2020, 67 DCR 7598).
For temporary (90 days) amendment of this section, see Chapter 1(b) of Coronavirus Support Emergency Amendment Act of 2020 (D.C. Act 23-326, May 27, 2020, 67 DCR 7045).
Temporary Legislation
For temporary (225 days) amendment of this section, see § 3(gg)(1) of Public Emergency Extension and Eviction and Utility Moratorium Phasing Temporary Amendment Act of 2021 (D.C. Law 24-39, Oct. 27, 2021, 68 DCR 009487).
For temporary (225 days) amendment of this section, see § 811(b) of Coronavirus Support Temporary Amendment Act of 2021 (D.C. Law 24-9, June 24, 2021, 68 DCR 004824).
For temporary (225 days) amendment of this section, see § 811(b) of Coronavirus Support Temporary Amendment Act of 2020 (D.C. Law 23-130, Oct. 9, 2020, 67 DCR 8622).
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 18 - Wills. [Enacted title] › Chapter 1 - General Provisions › § 18–104. Devises, legacies, etc., to attesting witnesses

§ 18–104. Devises, legacies, etc., to attesting witnesses.
(a) A beneficial devise, legacy, estate, interest, gift, or power of appointment of or affecting real or personal estate, given or made to an attesting witness to a will or codicil is void as to him and persons claiming under him, except as provided by subsections (b) and (c) of this section.
(b) Where an interested witness to a will or codicil, referred to in subsection (a) of this section, would be entitled to a share of the estate of the testator in case the will or codicil were not established, he or persons claiming under him shall take such portion of the devise or bequest made to him in the will or codicil as does not exceed the share of the estate which would be distributed to him or persons claiming under him in case of intestacy.
(c) The voidance provided for by subsection (a) of this section does not apply to charges on real estate for the payment of debts.
(d) Notwithstanding subsection (a) of this section, an interested witness referred to therein, whether an heir at law or not, is not disqualified as a competent witness to the execution of the will or codicil by reason of his interest.
(Sept. 14, 1965, 79 Stat. 686, Pub. L. 89-183, § 1.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 18-104.
1973 Ed., § 18-104.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 18 - Wills. [Enacted title] › Chapter 1 - General Provisions › § 18–105. Retention or demand of void devise or legacy by attesting witness prohibited

§ 18–105. Retention or demand of void devise or legacy by attesting witness prohibited.
A person to whom a beneficial devise, legacy, estate, interest, gift, or power of appointment is given or made in a will or codicil, which is void under section 18-103, may not, in any manner or under any color or pretense whatsoever:
(1) demand or take possession of or receive any profits or benefit of or from the devise, legacy, estate, interest, gift, or power of appointment so given or made; or
(2) demand, receive, or accept from another person the beneficial devise, legacy, estate, interest, gift, or power of appointment or any satisfaction or compensation therefor.
(Sept. 14, 1965, 79 Stat. 686, Pub. L. 89-183, § 1.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 18-105.
1973 Ed., § 18-105.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 18 - Wills. [Enacted title] › Chapter 1 - General Provisions › § 18–106. Creditors as competent witnesses

§ 18–106. Creditors as competent witnesses.
A mere charge in a will or codicil on the estate of a testator for the payment of debts does not disqualify a creditor from being a competent witness to the will or codicil.
(Sept. 14, 1965, 79 Stat. 686, Pub. L. 89-183, § 1.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 18-106.
1973 Ed., § 18-106.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 18 - Wills. [Enacted title] › Chapter 1 - General Provisions › § 18–107. Nuncupative wills

§ 18–107. Nuncupative wills.
A nuncupative will made after January 1, 1902, is not valid in the District of Columbia except that a person in actual military or naval service or a mariner at sea may dispose of his personal property by word of mouth, if:
(1) his oral disposition of the property is proved by at least two witnesses who were present at the making thereof and were requested by the testator to bear witness that the disposition was his last will; and
(2) the will is made during the time of the last illness of the deceased; and
(3) the substance of the will is reduced to writing within 10 days after it was made.
(Sept. 14, 1965, 79 Stat. 686, Pub. L. 89-183, § 1.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 18-107.
1973 Ed., § 18-107.
Section References
This section is referenced in § 18-103 and § 18-109.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 18 - Wills. [Enacted title] › Chapter 1 - General Provisions › § 18–108. Execution of power by will

§ 18–108. Execution of power by will.
An appointment made by will in the exercise of a power is not valid unless it is so executed that it would be valid for the disposition of the property to which the power applies if it belonged to the testator.
(Sept. 14, 1965, 79 Stat. 687, Pub. L. 89-183, § 1.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 18-108.
1973 Ed., § 18-108.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 18 - Wills. [Enacted title] › Chapter 1 - General Provisions › § 18–109. Revocation of wills; revival

§ 18–109. Revocation of wills; revival.
(a) A will or codicil, or a part thereof, may not be revoked, except by implication of law, otherwise than by
(1) a later will, codicil, or other writing declaring the revocation, executed as provided by section 18-103 or 18-107; or
(2) burning, tearing, cancelling, or obliterating the will or codicil, or the part thereof, with the intention of revoking it, by the testator himself, or by a person in his presence and by his express direction and consent.
(b) A will or codicil, or a part thereof, after it is revoked, may not be revived otherwise than by its re-execution, or by a codicil executed as provided in the case of wills, and then only to the extent to which an intention to revive is shown.
(Sept. 14, 1965, 79 Stat. 687, Pub. L. 89-183, § 1.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 18-109.
1973 Ed., § 18-109.
Editor's Notes
Application of dower rights to husband and wife: Section 3 of the Act of September 14, 1965, provided: “Effective Mar. 15, 1962, all provisions of the Act entitled ‘An Act to establish a code of law for the District of Columbia’, approved Mar. 3, 1901, as amended, and all other laws in force in the District of Columbia, relating to the right of dower and its incidents, apply to both husband and wife.”
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 18 - Wills. [Enacted title] › Chapter 1 - General Provisions › § 18–110. Opening will before delivery to Probate Court

§ 18–110. Opening will before delivery to Probate Court.
A person having possession or custody of a testamentary instrument may, after the death of the testator, open and read it in the presence of near relatives of the deceased, who may conveniently have notice thereof, and of other persons, and immediately thereafter may deliver the will or codicil to the Probate Court or the Register of Wills, until proceedings may be held for the purpose of proving it or other action is taken thereon.
(Sept. 14, 1965, 79 Stat. 687, Pub. L. 89-183, § 1.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 18-110.
1973 Ed., § 18-110.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 18 - Wills. [Enacted title] › Chapter 1 - General Provisions › § 18–111. Withholding will

§ 18–111. Withholding will.
Whoever, having possession of a testamentary instrument, willfully neglects, for the period of 90 days after the death of the testator becomes known to him, to deliver it to the Probate Court, or to the Register of Wills, or to an executor named in the instrument, shall be fined not more than $500.
(Sept. 14, 1965, 79 Stat. 687, Pub. L. 89-183, § 1.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 18-111.
1973 Ed., § 18-111.
Section References
This section is referenced in § 6-1071, § 47-368.06, and § 50-2303.04a.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 18 - Wills. [Enacted title] › Chapter 1 - General Provisions › § 18–112. Taking and carrying away, or destroying, mutilating, or secreting will

§ 18–112. Taking and carrying away, or destroying, mutilating, or secreting will.
Whoever, during the life or after the death of the testator, for a fraudulent purpose, takes and carries away, or destroys, mutilates, or secretes, a testamentary instrument, shall be imprisoned not more than five years. In addition to any other penalty provided under this section, a person may be fined an amount not more than the amount set forth in [§ 22-3571.01].
(Sept. 14, 1965, 79 Stat. 687, Pub. L. 89-183, § 1; June 11, 2013, D.C. Law 19-317, § 301, 60 DCR 2064.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 18-112.
1973 Ed., § 18-112.
Effect of Amendments
The 2013 amendment by D.C. Law 19-317 added the last sentence.
Emergency Legislation
For temporary (90 days) amendment of provision for Electronic wills, see § 3(gg)(2) of Public Emergency Extension and Eviction and Utility Moratorium Phasing Emergency Amendment Act of 2021 (D.C. Act 24-125, July 24, 2021, 68 DCR 007342).
For temporary (90 days) creation of Electronic wills, see § 811(c) of Coronavirus Support Congressional Review Emergency Amendment Act of 2021 (D.C. Act 24-96, June 7, 2021, 68 DCR 006025).
For temporary (90 days) creation of Electronic wills, see § 811(c) of Coronavirus Support Emergency Amendment Act of 2021 (D.C. Act 24-30, Mar. 17, 2021, 68 DCR 003101).
For temporary (90 days) creation of Electronic wills, see Chapter 1(c) of Coronavirus Support Congressional Review Emergency Amendment Act of 2020 (D.C. Act 23-328, June 8, 2020, 67 DCR 7598).
For temporary (90 days) creation of Electronic wills, see Chapter 1(c) of Coronavirus Support Emergency Amendment Act of 2020 (D.C. Act 23-326, May 27, 2020, 67 DCR 7045).
For temporary (90 days) amendment of this section, see § 301 of the Criminal Fine Proportionality Emergency Act of 2013 (D.C. Act 20-45, April 1, 2013, 60 DCR 5400, 20 DCSTAT 1300).
Temporary Legislation
For temporary (225 days) amendment of provision for Electronic wills, see § 3(gg)(2) of Public Emergency Extension and Eviction and Utility Moratorium Phasing Temporary Amendment Act of 2021 (D.C. Law 24-39, Oct. 27, 2021, 68 DCR 009487).
For temporary (225 days) creation of Electronic wills, see § 811(c) of Coronavirus Support Temporary Amendment Act of 2021 (D.C. Law 24-9, June 24, 2021, 68 DCR 004824).
For temporary (225 days) creation of § 18-113, see § 811(c) of Coronavirus Support Temporary Amendment Act of 2020 (D.C. Law 23-130, Oct. 9, 2020, 67 DCR 8622).
Editor's Notes
Applicability of D.C. Law 19-317: Section 401 of D.C. Law 19-317 provided that the act shall apply only to offenses committed on or after June 11, 2013.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 18 - Wills. [Enacted title] › Chapter 3 - Devises and Bequests › § 18–301. Estates disposable by will

§ 18–301. Estates disposable by will.
The real and personal estate of a person, which may pass by deed or gift, or which would, in case of the owner’s dying intestate, descend to or devolve upon his heirs or other legal representatives, may be disposed of, transferred, and passed by his last will, testament, or codicil in accordance with this part.
(Sept. 14, 1965, 79 Stat. 687, Pub. L. 89-183, § 1.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 18-301.
1973 Ed., § 18-301.
Cross References
Creation of estates in land, powers, see §§ 42-1001 et seq., 42-501 et seq.
Devise to spouse in lieu of dower, see § 19-112.
Election of spouse in lieu of will provisions, see §§ 19-113, 19-114.
References in Text
“This part,” referred to in this section, is Division III of the D.C. Official Code, Decedents’ Estates and Fiduciary Relations.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 18 - Wills. [Enacted title] › Chapter 3 - Devises and Bequests › § 18–302. Devises or bequests for religious purposes. [Repealed]

§ 18–302. Devises or bequests for religious purposes. [Repealed]
Repealed.
(June 24, 1980, D.C. Law 3-72, § 203(b), 27 DCR 2155.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 18-302.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 18 - Wills. [Enacted title] › Chapter 3 - Devises and Bequests › § 18–303. General devise and bequest of all property

§ 18–303. General devise and bequest of all property.
A devise and bequest purporting to be of all real or personal property, or both, belonging to the testator, includes also all property of either or both kinds, respectively, over which he has a general power of appointment, unless a contrary intention appears in the testamentary instrument containing the devise or bequest.
(Sept. 14, 1965, 79 Stat. 688, Pub. L. 89-183, § 1.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 18-303.
1973 Ed., § 18-303.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 18 - Wills. [Enacted title] › Chapter 3 - Devises and Bequests › § 18–304. Devise of land to include leaseholds

§ 18–304. Devise of land to include leaseholds.
A devise of the land of a testator, or of his land in any place, or in the occupation of a person named or otherwise described in a general manner, includes his leasehold estates or those to which the descriptions extend, as well as freehold estates, unless a contrary intention appears in the testamentary instrument containing the devise.
(Sept. 14, 1965, 79 Stat. 688, Pub. L. 89-183, § 1.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 18-304.
1973 Ed., § 18-304.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 18 - Wills. [Enacted title] › Chapter 3 - Devises and Bequests › § 18–305. After-acquired real property

§ 18–305. After-acquired real property.
(a) A will executed after January 17, 1887, and before January 1, 1902, devising real property, from which it appears that it was the intention of the testator to devise property acquired after the execution of the will, operates as a valid devise of all after-acquired real property.
(b) A will executed after January 1, 1902, which by words of general import devises all the estate or all the property of the testator, operates as a valid devise of real property acquired by the testator after the execution of the will, unless it appears therefrom that it was not the intention of the testator to devise the after-acquired real property.
(Sept. 14, 1965, 79 Stat. 688, Pub. L. 89-183, § 1.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 18-305.
1973 Ed., § 18-305.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 18 - Wills. [Enacted title] › Chapter 3 - Devises and Bequests › § 18–307. Advancement as satisfaction of devise or bequest

§ 18–307. Advancement as satisfaction of devise or bequest.
An advancement or a provision for an advancement to a person is a satisfaction, in whole or in part, of a devise or bequest to that person contained in a previous will if it would be so deemed in case the devisee or legatee were the child of the testator; and, whether he is a child or not, it shall be so deemed where it appears from parol or other evidence to be so intended.
(Sept. 14, 1965, 79 Stat. 689, Pub. L. 89-183, § 1.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 18-307.
1973 Ed., § 18-307.
Cross References
Advancements to child or descendant, see § 19-319.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 18 - Wills. [Enacted title] › Chapter 3 - Devises and Bequests › § 18–308. Death of devisee or legatee; lapsed or void devises or bequests

§ 18–308. Death of devisee or legatee; lapsed or void devises or bequests.
Unless a different disposition is made or required by the will, if a devisee or legatee dies before the testator, leaving issue who survive the testator, the issue shall take the estate devised or bequeathed as the devisee or legatee would have done if he had survived the testator. Unless a contrary intention appears by the will, the property comprised in a devise or bequest in a will that fails or is void or is otherwise incapable of taking effect, shall be deemed included in the residuary devise or bequest, if any, contained in the will.
(Sept. 14, 1965, 79 Stat. 689, Pub. L. 89-183, § 1.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 18-308.
1973 Ed., § 18-308.
Section References
This section is referenced in § 19-604.13.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 18 - Wills. [Enacted title] › Chapter 5 - Probate of Wills. [Repealed] › § 18–501. Notice of petition for probate [Repealed]

§ 18–501. Notice of petition for probate [Repealed]
Repealed.
(June 24, 1980, D.C. Law 3-72, § 203c, 27 DCR 2155.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., §§ 18-501 to 18-514.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 18 - Wills. [Enacted title] › Chapter 5 - Probate of Wills. [Repealed] › § 18–502. Notice to nonresidents and unfound residents [Repealed]

§ 18–502. Notice to nonresidents and unfound residents [Repealed]
Repealed.
(June 24, 1980, D.C. Law 3-72, § 203c, 27 DCR 2155.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., §§ 18-501 to 18-514.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 18 - Wills. [Enacted title] › Chapter 5 - Probate of Wills. [Repealed] › § 18–503. Notice to unknown kin or heirs at law [Repealed]

§ 18–503. Notice to unknown kin or heirs at law [Repealed]
Repealed.
(June 24, 1980, D.C. Law 3-72, § 203c, 27 DCR 2155.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., §§ 18-501 to 18-514.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 18 - Wills. [Enacted title] › Chapter 5 - Probate of Wills. [Repealed] › § 18–504. Probate; waiver of notice; proof of execution [Repealed]

§ 18–504. Probate; waiver of notice; proof of execution [Repealed]
Repealed.
(June 24, 1980, D.C. Law 3-72, § 203c, 27 DCR 2155.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., §§ 18-501 to 18-514.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 18 - Wills. [Enacted title] › Chapter 5 - Probate of Wills. [Repealed] › § 18–505. Proof of wills; testimony; witnesses outside District [Repealed]

§ 18–505. Proof of wills; testimony; witnesses outside District [Repealed]
Repealed.
(June 24, 1980, D.C. Law 3-72, § 203c, 27 DCR 2155.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., §§ 18-501 to 18-514.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 18 - Wills. [Enacted title] › Chapter 5 - Probate of Wills. [Repealed] › § 18–506. Appearance of persons not cited [Repealed]

§ 18–506. Appearance of persons not cited [Repealed]
Repealed.
(June 24, 1980, D.C. Law 3-72, § 203c, 27 DCR 2155.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., §§ 18-501 to 18-514.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 18 - Wills. [Enacted title] › Chapter 5 - Probate of Wills. [Repealed] › § 18–507. Admission to probate [Repealed]

§ 18–507. Admission to probate [Repealed]
Repealed.
(June 24, 1980, D.C. Law 3-72, § 203c, 27 DCR 2155.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., §§ 18-501 to 18-514.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 18 - Wills. [Enacted title] › Chapter 5 - Probate of Wills. [Repealed] › § 18–508. Caveat; will not to be probated while issues pending [Repealed]

§ 18–508. Caveat; will not to be probated while issues pending [Repealed]
Repealed.
(June 24, 1980, D.C. Law 3-72, § 203c, 27 DCR 2155.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., §§ 18-501 to 18-514.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 18 - Wills. [Enacted title] › Chapter 5 - Probate of Wills. [Repealed] › § 18–509. Caveat; time for filing [Repealed]

§ 18–509. Caveat; time for filing [Repealed]
Repealed.
(June 24, 1980, D.C. Law 3-72, § 203c, 27 DCR 2155.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., §§ 18-501 to 18-514.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 18 - Wills. [Enacted title] › Chapter 5 - Probate of Wills. [Repealed] › § 18–510. Prior will not to be probated pending issues [Repealed]

§ 18–510. Prior will not to be probated pending issues [Repealed]
Repealed.
(June 24, 1980, D.C. Law 3-72, § 203c, 27 DCR 2155.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., §§ 18-501 to 18-514.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 18 - Wills. [Enacted title] › Chapter 5 - Probate of Wills. [Repealed] › § 18–511. Guardian ad litem [Repealed]

§ 18–511. Guardian ad litem [Repealed]
Repealed.
(June 24, 1980, D.C. Law 3-72, § 203c, 27 DCR 2155.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., §§ 18-501 to 18-514.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 18 - Wills. [Enacted title] › Chapter 5 - Probate of Wills. [Repealed] › § 18–512. Plenary proceedings [Repealed]

§ 18–512. Plenary proceedings [Repealed]
Repealed.
(June 24, 1980, D.C. Law 3-72, § 203c, 27 DCR 2155.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., §§ 18-501 to 18-514.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 18 - Wills. [Enacted title] › Chapter 5 - Probate of Wills. [Repealed] › § 18–513. Rules of procedure [Repealed]

§ 18–513. Rules of procedure [Repealed]
Repealed.
(June 24, 1980, D.C. Law 3-72, § 203c, 27 DCR 2155.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., §§ 18-501 to 18-514.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 18 - Wills. [Enacted title] › Chapter 5 - Probate of Wills. [Repealed] › § 18–514. Wills filed prior to June 8, 1898, may be probated as of real estate [Repealed]

§ 18–514. Wills filed prior to June 8, 1898, may be probated as of real estate [Repealed]
Repealed.
(June 24, 1980, D.C. Law 3-72, § 203c, 27 DCR 2155.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., §§ 18-501 to 18-514.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 18 - Wills. [Enacted title] › Chapter 7 - International Will; Information Registration › § 18–701. Definitions

§ 18–701. Definitions.
For the purposes of this chapter, the term:
(1) “Authorized person” or “person authorized to act in connection with international wills” means a person who by section 18-709, or by the laws of the United States, including members of the diplomatic and consular service of the United States designated by Foreign Service Regulations, is empowered to supervise the execution of international wills.
(2) “International will” means a will executed in conformity with sections 18-702 through 18-705.
(Apr. 27, 2001, D.C. Law 13-292, § 102(b), 48 DCR 2087.)
Section References
This section is referenced in § 18-708.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 18 - Wills. [Enacted title] › Chapter 7 - International Will; Information Registration › § 18–702. International will; validity

§ 18–702. International will; validity.
(a) A will shall be valid as regards form, irrespective particularly of the place where it is made, of the location of the assets, and of the nationality, domicile, or residence of the testator, if it is made in the form of an international will complying with the requirements of this chapter.
(b) The invalidity of the will as an international will shall not affect its formal validity as a will of another kind.
(c) This chapter shall not apply to the form of testamentary dispositions made by 2 or more persons in one instrument.
(Apr. 27, 2001, D.C. Law 13-292, § 102(b), 48 DCR 2087.)
Section References
This section is referenced in § 18-701.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 18 - Wills. [Enacted title] › Chapter 7 - International Will; Information Registration › § 18–703. International will; requirements

§ 18–703. International will; requirements.
(a) The will shall be made in writing. It need not be written by the testator himself or herself. It may be written in any language, by hand, or by any other means.
(b) The testator shall declare in the presence of 2 witnesses and of a person authorized to act in connection with international wills that the document is his or her will and that he or she knows the contents thereof. The testator need not inform the witnesses, or the authorized person, of the contents of the will.
(c) In the presence of the witnesses, and of the authorized person, the testator shall sign the will or, if he or she has previously signed it, shall acknowledge his or her signature.
(d) When the testator is unable to sign, the absence of his or her signature does not affect the validity of the international will if the testator indicates the reason for his or her inability to sign and the authorized person makes note thereof on the will. In these cases, it is permissible for any other person present, including the authorized person or one of the witnesses, at the direction of the testator, to sign the testator’s name for him or her, if the authorized person makes note of this also on the will, but it is not required that any person sign the testator’s name for him or her.
(e) The witnesses and the authorized person shall then and there attest the will by signing in the presence of the testator.
(Apr. 27, 2001, D.C. Law 13-292, § 102(b), 48 DCR 2087.)
Section References
This section is referenced in § 18-704.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 18 - Wills. [Enacted title] › Chapter 7 - International Will; Information Registration › § 18–704. International will; other points of form

§ 18–704. International will; other points of form.
(a) The signatures shall be placed at the end of the will. If the will consists of several sheets, each sheet shall be signed by the testator or, if he or she is unable to sign, by the person signing on his or her behalf or, if there is no such person, by the authorized person. In addition, each sheet shall be numbered.
(b) The date of the will shall be the date of its signature by the authorized person. That date shall be noted at the end of the will by the authorized person.
(c) The authorized person shall ask the testator whether he or she wishes to make a declaration concerning the safekeeping of his or her will. If so, and at the express request of the testator, the place where he or she intends to have his or her will kept shall be mentioned in the certificate provided for in section 18-705.
(d) A will executed in compliance with section 18-703 shall not be invalid merely because it does not comply with this section.
(Apr. 27, 2001, D.C. Law 13-292, § 102(b), 48 DCR 2087.)