reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 20 - Probate and Administration of Decedents’ Estates. [Enacted title] › Chapter 3 - Opening the Estate › Subchapter I - General Provisions › § 20–301. Scope

§ 20–301. Scope.
This chapter applies to the opening of an estate which begins with the filing of a petition for probate by an interested person as provided in section 20-304 and results in the probate of a will or the determination of a decedent’s intestacy and the appointment of a personal representative. Probate may occur either:
(a) As an abbreviated probate proceeding as provided in subchapter II of this chapter;
(b) As a standard probate proceeding as provided in subchapter III of this chapter;
(c) As a small estates proceeding as provided in subchapter VI of this chapter.
(June 24, 1980, D.C. Law 3-72, § 101, 27 DCR 2155.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 20-301.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 20 - Probate and Administration of Decedents’ Estates. [Enacted title] › Chapter 3 - Opening the Estate › Subchapter I - General Provisions › § 20–302. Necessity for probate

§ 20–302. Necessity for probate.
(a) A will is ineffective to transfer property or to nominate a personal representative unless it is admitted to probate or recorded as provided in section 20-341 (b).
(b) Except for foreign personal representatives, no person shall exercise the powers or assume the duties of a personal representative unless he has been appointed by the Court.
(June 24, 1980, D.C. Law 3-72, § 101, 27 DCR 2155.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 20-302.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 20 - Probate and Administration of Decedents’ Estates. [Enacted title] › Chapter 3 - Opening the Estate › Subchapter I - General Provisions › § 20–305. Complaint to contest the validity of a will

§ 20–305. Complaint to contest the validity of a will.
Except as provided in section 20-353(b) , any person may file a verified complaint to contest the validity of a will within 6 months following notice by publication of the appointment or reappointment of a personal representative under section 20-704 . The person filing the complaint shall give notice to all interested persons.
(June 24, 1980, D.C. Law 3-72, § 101, 27 DCR 2155; Mar. 21, 1995, D.C. Law 10-241, § 3(k), 42 DCR 63.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 20-305.
Section References
This section is referenced in § 20-331.
Editor's Notes
Application of Law 10-241: See Application of Law 10-241 and Emergency act amendment notes to § 20-304.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 20 - Probate and Administration of Decedents’ Estates. [Enacted title] › Chapter 3 - Opening the Estate › Subchapter II - Abbreviated Probate Proceeding › § 20–311. Nature of proceeding

§ 20–311. Nature of proceeding.
(a) An abbreviated probate proceeding is a proceeding for the probate of a will or a determination of a decedent’s intestacy and for the appointment of a personal representative. This proceeding is instituted when an interested person files a petition for an abbreviated probate proceeding with the Court in accordance with the provisions of section 20-304. This proceeding may be conducted without the prior notice required for standard probate under section 20-323.
(b) The finality of abbreviated probate shall be governed by section 20-331.
(June 24, 1980, D.C. Law 3-72, § 101, 27 DCR 2155; Mar. 21, 1995, D.C. Law 10-241, § 3(l), 42 DCR 63.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 20-311.
Section References
This section is referenced in § 20-101.
Editor's Notes
Application of Law 10-241: See Application of Law 10-241 and Emergency act amendment notes to § 20-304.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 20 - Probate and Administration of Decedents’ Estates. [Enacted title] › Chapter 3 - Opening the Estate › Subchapter II - Abbreviated Probate Proceeding › § 20–312. Action on petition

§ 20–312. Action on petition.
(a) General. — Upon a request for abbreviated probate filed in accordance with section 20-304, the Court shall appoint one or more personal representatives, except as provided in section 20-322. The appointment of a personal representative shall constitute an Order for unsupervised administration, unless the Order specifically provides for supervised administration as provided in section 20-402. In no event, however, shall the appointment of a personal representative be delayed pending the Court’s decision with regard to whether the administration will be supervised or unsupervised.
(b) Wills. — In the case of a petition to admit a will to abbreviated probate, due execution of the will shall be presumed and the Court may admit a will to probate either: (1) if the will appears to have been duly executed and contains a recital by attesting witnesses of facts constituting due execution; or (2) upon the verified statement of any person with personal knowledge of the circumstances of execution, whether or not the person was in fact an attesting witness, reciting facts showing due execution of the will.
(June 24, 1980, D.C. Law 3-72, § 101, 27 DCR 2155; Mar. 21, 1995, D.C. Law 10-241, § 3(m), 42 DCR 63.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 20-312.
Section References
This section is referenced in § 20-321.
Editor's Notes
Application of 10-241: See Application of Law 10-241 and Emergency act amendment notes to § 20-304.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 20 - Probate and Administration of Decedents’ Estates. [Enacted title] › Chapter 3 - Opening the Estate › Subchapter III - Standard Probate Proceeding › § 20–321. Nature of proceeding

§ 20–321. Nature of proceeding.
A standard probate proceeding is a proceeding for the probate of a will or a determination of the decedent’s intestacy, particularly when due execution of a will cannot be presumed under section 20-312 , and for the appointment of a personal representative. This proceeding is instituted when an interested person or creditor files a petition for a standard probate proceeding with the Court in accordance with the provisions of section 20-304 ; and the filing of a complaint shall not be required for these purposes. This proceeding is conducted after notice as provided in section 20-323 . If no petition for abbreviated or standard probate is filed within a reasonable time, the Register, with the approval of the Court, may file a petition for standard probate.
(June 24, 1980, D.C. Law 3-72, § 101, 27 DCR 2155; Mar. 21, 1995, D.C. Law 10-241, § 3(n), 42 DCR 63.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 20-321.
Section References
This section is referenced in § 20-101.
Editor's Notes
Application of Law 10-241: See Application of Law 10-241 and Emergency act amendment notes to § 20-304.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 20 - Probate and Administration of Decedents’ Estates. [Enacted title] › Chapter 3 - Opening the Estate › Subchapter III - Standard Probate Proceeding › § 20–322. When mandatory

§ 20–322. When mandatory.
A proceeding for standard probate shall be instituted:
(a) if, at any time before abbreviated probate,
(1) an interested person or creditor makes a request; or
(2) it appears to the Court that the petition for abbreviated probate is materially incomplete or incorrect in any respect; or
(b) in accordance with the provisions of section 20-331.
(June 24, 1980, D.C. Law 3-72, § 101, 27 DCR 2155.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 20-322.
Section References
This section is referenced in § 20-312.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 20 - Probate and Administration of Decedents’ Estates. [Enacted title] › Chapter 3 - Opening the Estate › Subchapter III - Standard Probate Proceeding › § 20–323. Notice of request for standard probate; form

§ 20–323. Notice of request for standard probate; form.
(a) When given. — A person filing a petition for standard probate shall promptly give notice to all known interested persons. In addition, the petitioner shall publish a notice once a week for 2 successive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation in the District of Columbia and in any other publication the Court may provide by Rule.
(b) Form of notice. — The notice required by this section shall be in the form prescribed by the Rules.
(June 24, 1980, D.C. Law 3-72, § 101, 27 DCR 2155.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 20-323.
Section References
This section is referenced in § 20-311 and § 20-321.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 20 - Probate and Administration of Decedents’ Estates. [Enacted title] › Chapter 3 - Opening the Estate › Subchapter III - Standard Probate Proceeding › § 20–324. Action on petition

§ 20–324. Action on petition.
In a standard probate proceeding:
(1) Proof of due execution shall be made by affidavit of the witnesses as provided in paragraph (3) of this section unless the Court orders otherwise.
(2) After proof of due execution, the Court shall enter an order admitting the will to probate or determining that the decedent died intestate. At this time, the Court shall also appoint or reappoint one or more personal representatives, may order that the administration will be supervised as provided in section 20-402, and, if appropriate, revoke, modify, or confirm any action taken at any prior abbreviated probate, small estates or standard probate proceeding.
(3) Affidavits of due execution shall be in substantially the following form:
On this _____ day of __________ 19 ___, _______________ personally appeared and, under oath answered the following questions as follows:
1. Were you one of the witnesses who signed the attached written document which is dated ____________ and is said to be the last will and testament of __________ of the District of Columbia who is now dead? (Please initial appropriate box.)
____ Yes ____ No
2. Did sign the attached document while
(the testator)
in your presence?
____ Yes ____ No
3. Did say the attached document was to be a
(the testator)
part of his will?
____ Yes ____ No
4. At the time he signed the attached document, did __________
(the testator)
seem to you to be of sound mind and aware of what he was doing?
____ Yes ____ No
5. Did ask you to sign the attached document
(the testator)
as a witness?
____ Yes ____ No
6. When you signed the attached document as a witness, were
(the testator)
and all of the other witnesses who signed the document present?
____ Yes ____ No
7. Were you present when each of the other witnesses signed the attached document?
____ Yes ____ No
8. Did ask the other people who signed the
(the testator)
attached document to do so as witnesses?
____ Yes ____ No
9. Was present when each of the witnesses signed
(the testator)
the attached document?
____ Yes ____ No
10. What is your date of birth? __________
11. Do you know of any will or codicil of __________ other than the
(the testator)
attached document?
____ Yes ____ No
(June 24, 1980, D.C. Law 3-72, § 101, 27 DCR 2155; Mar. 21, 1995, D.C. Law 10-241, § 3(o), 42 DCR 63; Apr. 9, 1997, D.C. Law 11-255, § 19(b), 44 DCR 1271.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 20-324.
Editor's Notes
Application of Law 10-241: See Application of Law 10-241 and Emergency act amendment notes to § 20-304.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 20 - Probate and Administration of Decedents’ Estates. [Enacted title] › Chapter 3 - Opening the Estate › Subchapter IV - Finality › § 20–331. Finality of abbreviated and standard probate proceedings

§ 20–331. Finality of abbreviated and standard probate proceedings.
(a) An abbreviated probate proceeding shall be set aside if, within 6 months after notice of the appointment of the personal representative pursuant to section 20-704, an interested person makes a request for a standard probate proceeding.
(b) A standard probate proceeding may be reopened if, within 6 months after the notice of appointment of the personal representative pursuant to section 20-704: (1) An interested person makes a request; and (2) the Court finds that:
(A) the notice provided in section 20-704 was not given to such interested person and such interested person did not have actual notice of the petition for probate;
(B) there was a material mistake or substantial irregularity in the prior probate proceeding; or
(C) the proponent of a later offered will, in spite of the exercise of reasonable diligence, was actually unaware of such will’s existence at the time of the prior probate proceeding.
(c) Except as provided in section 20-305 and this section, an abbreviated probate proceeding shall be final and binding as to all interested persons.
(June 24, 1980, D.C. Law 3-72, § 101, 27 DCR 2155; Mar. 21, 1995, D.C. Law 10-241, § 3(p), 42 DCR 63.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 20-331.
Section References
This section is referenced in § 20-311 and § 20-322.
Editor's Notes
Application of 10-241: See Application of Law 10-241 and Emergency act amendment notes to § 20-304.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 20 - Probate and Administration of Decedents’ Estates. [Enacted title] › Chapter 3 - Opening the Estate › Subchapter V - Foreign Personal Representatives › § 20–341. Requirements

§ 20–341. Requirements.
(a) A foreign personal representative of a nondomiciliary shall not be required to obtain letters in the District of Columbia for any purpose.
(b) A foreign personal representative administering an estate which has property located in the District of Columbia shall file with the Register a copy of the appointment as personal representative and a copy of the decedent’s will, if any, authenticated pursuant to 28 U.S.C. sec. 1738.
(June 24, 1980, D.C. Law 3-72, § 101, 27 DCR 2155.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 20-341.
Section References
This section is referenced in § 20-302.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 20 - Probate and Administration of Decedents’ Estates. [Enacted title] › Chapter 3 - Opening the Estate › Subchapter V - Foreign Personal Representatives › § 20–342. Powers of foreign personal representative

§ 20–342. Powers of foreign personal representative.
A foreign personal representative may exercise all the powers of such office and may sue and be sued in the District of Columbia, subject to any statute or rule relating to nonresidents.
(June 24, 1980, D.C. Law 3-72, § 101, 27 DCR 2155.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 20-342.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 20 - Probate and Administration of Decedents’ Estates. [Enacted title] › Chapter 3 - Opening the Estate › Subchapter V - Foreign Personal Representatives › § 20–344. Right of heir or legatee

§ 20–344. Right of heir or legatee.
In the event a foreign personal representative fails to transfer the title to real or leasehold property located in the District of Columbia to the person or persons legally entitled to such property, within a reasonable time, the Court may direct the transfer of title to such person or persons if: (a) the will, if any, or a copy authenticated pursuant to 28 U.S.C. sec. 1738 , is filed in the Register’s office; (b) notice, approved by the Court, has been published indicating that the decedent died owning the real or leasehold property; and (c) all claims of creditors, if any, have been satisfied.
(June 24, 1980, D.C. Law 3-72, § 101, 27 DCR 2155.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 20-344.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 20 - Probate and Administration of Decedents’ Estates. [Enacted title] › Chapter 3 - Opening the Estate › Subchapter VI - Small Estates › § 20–351. General

§ 20–351. General.
If the property of a decedent subject to administration in the District of Columbia has a value of $40,000 or less, the property may be administered as a small estate in accordance with the provisions of this subchapter.
(June 24, 1980, D.C. Law 3-72, § 101, 27 DCR 2155; Mar. 21, 1995, D.C. Law 10-241, § 3(q), 42 DCR 63; Apr. 27, 2001, D.C. Law 13-292, § 901, 48 DCR 2087.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 20-351.
Effect of Amendments
D.C. Law 13-292 substituted “$40,00” for “$15,000”.
Editor's Notes
Application of Law 10-241: See Application of Law 10-241 and Emergency act amendment notes to § 20-304.
Section 1102 of D.C. Law 13-292 provided: “Sec. 1102. Applicability. For the purposes of Title 5 and Title 9 and sections 801(b), 805, and 806 of Title 8 of this act, the provisions relating to the administration of decedents’ estates shall apply only to the estates of decedents who die on or after the effective date of this act.”
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 20 - Probate and Administration of Decedents’ Estates. [Enacted title] › Chapter 3 - Opening the Estate › Subchapter VI - Small Estates › § 20–352. Petition

§ 20–352. Petition.
Any person eligible for appointment as the personal representative of an estate pursuant to section 20-303 may file a verified petition for administration of a small estate. Such petition shall contain, in addition to the information required by section 20-304 :
(a) A statement that the petitioner has made a diligent search to discover all property and debts of the decedent;
(b) A list of the known creditors of the decedent, with the amount of each claim, including contingent and disputed claim; and
(c) A statement of any legal proceedings pending in which the decedent was a party.
(June 24, 1980, D.C. Law 3-72, § 101, 27 DCR 2155.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 20-352.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 20 - Probate and Administration of Decedents’ Estates. [Enacted title] › Chapter 3 - Opening the Estate › Subchapter VI - Small Estates › § 20–353. Proceedings after petition

§ 20–353. Proceedings after petition.
(a) Determinations on petition. — If the Court finds that the petition and any additional information filed under this subchapter is accurate, it shall:
(1) appoint a personal representative of the small estate;
(2) direct the immediate payment of the allowable funeral expenses as provided in section 20-906 and the family allowance as provided in section 19-101 [repealed];
(3) direct the sale of property as may be necessary to satisfy funeral expenses and the family allowance; and
(4) if it appears that there will be any property remaining after payment of funeral expenses and there is no family allowance payable, admit the will, if any, to probate and direct that notice be given in accordance with subsection (b).
(b) Notice. — If the Court directs that notice be given, notice shall be given once in the form required by section 20-704; except, that the period within which claims must be filed or objection must be made to contest the validity of the will or the small estates proceeding or the appointment of the personal representative shall be 30 days from the date of publication of notice.
(June 24, 1980, D.C. Law 3-72, § 101, 27 DCR 2155.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 20-353.
Section References
This section is referenced in § 20-305, § 20-354, and § 20-355.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 20 - Probate and Administration of Decedents’ Estates. [Enacted title] › Chapter 3 - Opening the Estate › Subchapter VI - Small Estates › § 20–354. Duties of personal representatives

§ 20–354. Duties of personal representatives.
(a) Attorney; bond; compensation. — No person appointed as a personal representative in accordance with section 20-353 shall be required to be represented by an attorney or to give bond or be entitled to receive any commission for the performance of duties as personal representative.
(b) Distribution. — If notice is required and 30 days have expired since the publication of notice as provided in section 20-353(b), the personal representative shall file proof of publication of the notice and a verified list of all claims, including contingent and disputed claims, and the amount of the claims filed since the original petition. The Court shall hear any objections filed pursuant to the notice and, if satisfied that all action taken pursuant to this subchapter is proper, shall direct the personal representative to pay all proper claims and expenses and to distribute the net estate either in accordance with the will or, if the decedent died intestate, to the decedent’s heirs.
(June 24, 1980, D.C. Law 3-72, § 101, 27 DCR 2155.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 20-354.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 20 - Probate and Administration of Decedents’ Estates. [Enacted title] › Chapter 3 - Opening the Estate › Subchapter VI - Small Estates › § 20–355. After-discovered property

§ 20–355. After-discovered property.
The personal representative shall report to the Court immediately, by verified supplemental petition, any property of the decedent discovered after the filing of the petition. If the after-discovered property increases the value of all property of the decedent to an amount greater than the allowable funeral expenses (and there is no family allowance payable) but less than $15,000, the Court shall admit the will, if any, to probate and direct that notice be given in accordance with section 20-353(b) . If the after-discovered property increases the value of all property of the decedent to more than $15,000, there shall be no further proceedings under this subchapter, and administration shall proceed under the other provisions of this title.
(June 24, 1980, D.C. Law 3-72, § 101, 27 DCR 2155; Mar. 21, 1995, D.C. Law 10-241, § 3(r), 42 DCR 63.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 20-355.
Editor's Notes
Application of Law 10-241: See Application of Law 10-241 and Emergency act amendment notes to § 20-304.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 20 - Probate and Administration of Decedents’ Estates. [Enacted title] › Chapter 3 - Opening the Estate › Subchapter VI - Small Estates › § 20–356. Applicability of other provisions of title

§ 20–356. Applicability of other provisions of title.
Except to the extent inconsistent with this subchapter, all the other provisions of this title shall apply to small estates.
(June 24, 1980, D.C. Law 3-72, § 101, 27 DCR 2155.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 20-356.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 20 - Probate and Administration of Decedents’ Estates. [Enacted title] › Chapter 3 - Opening the Estate › Subchapter VI - Small Estates › § 20–357. Exception for motor vehicles. [Repealed]

§ 20–357. Exception for motor vehicles. [Repealed]
[Repealed].
(June 24, 1980, D.C. Law 3-72, § 101, 27 DCR 2155; Jan. 25, 2018, D.C. Law 22-48, § 4(b)(2), 64 DCR 12405.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 20-357.
Section References
This section is referenced in § 20-105.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 20 - Probate and Administration of Decedents’ Estates. [Enacted title] › Chapter 4 - Supervised and Unsupervised Administration › § 20–401. Supervised administration; in general

§ 20–401. Supervised administration; in general.
(a) Supervised administration is a single in rem proceeding to secure complete administration and settlement of a decedent’s estate under the continuing authority of the Court which extends until entry of an order approving distribution of the estate and discharging the personal representative or other order terminating the proceeding. A supervised personal representative is responsible to the Court, as well as to the interested parties, and is subject to directions concerning the estate made by the Court on its own motion or on the motion of any interested party. Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, or as otherwise ordered by the Court, a supervised personal representative has the same duties and powers as a personal representative who is not supervised.
(b) Unsupervised administration differs from supervised administration only in the following ways: in an unsupervised administration, the personal representative is not required to file any inventories or accounts with the Court, is not subject to provisions of this title which expressly apply only to a personal representative in a supervised administration, and, in general, is subject only to any order of the Court rendered upon a failure to satisfy filing requirements imposed by this title or a finding of good cause after a narrow issue or question has been brought to the Court’s attention by either the personal representative or an interested person, but otherwise is not subject to continuing Court supervision.
(Mar. 21, 1995, D.C. Law 10-241, § 3(t), 42 DCR 63.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 20-401.
Section References
This section is referenced in § 20-704 and § 20-711.
Emergency Legislation
For temporary amendment of § 4 of D.C. Law 10-241, see § 2 of the Probate Reform Act of 1994 Emergency Amendment Act of 1995 (D.C. Act 11-79, June 28, 1995, 42 DCR 3452).
Editor's Notes
Application of Law 10-241: Section 4 of D.C. Law 10-241, as amended by § 2 of D.C. Law 11-54, provided that the act shall be applicable to estates of decedents who died on or after July 1, 1995.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 20 - Probate and Administration of Decedents’ Estates. [Enacted title] › Chapter 4 - Supervised and Unsupervised Administration › § 20–402. Supervised administration; procedure

§ 20–402. Supervised administration; procedure.
(a) A prayer for supervised administration may be made in the petition for probate. The Court shall order supervised administration of a decedent’s estate only:
(1) If the decedent’s will directs supervised administration;
(2) If the decedent’s will directs unsupervised administration, but for good cause shown the Court finds that supervised administration is necessary for the protection of persons interested in the estate; or
(3) In other cases where, for good cause shown, the Court finds that supervised administration is necessary under the circumstances which the Court shall specify.
(b) In no event shall the appointment of a personal representative be delayed pending the Court’s decision pursuant to subsection (a) of this section. Thus, whenever the Court must make a decision under subsection (a)(2) or (a)(3) of this section, the Court shall appoint the personal representative in unsupervised administration; thereafter, an Order for supervised administration shall convert the proceeding to supervised administration.
(Mar. 21, 1995, D.C. Law 10-241, § 3(t), 42 DCR 63.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 20-402.
Section References
This section is referenced in § 20-304, § 20-312, § 20-324, and § 20-403.
Editor's Notes
Application of Law 10-241: See Application of Law 10-241 and Emergency act amendment notes to § 20-401.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 20 - Probate and Administration of Decedents’ Estates. [Enacted title] › Chapter 4 - Supervised and Unsupervised Administration › § 20–403. Supervised administration; changes and effect

§ 20–403. Supervised administration; changes and effect.
(a) The filing of signed waivers by all interested persons in accordance with section 20-731 shall be treated for all purposes as a change to unsupervised administration, but the filing of a subsequent demand for the filing of inventories and accounts by any such interested person shall be treated as a change back to supervised administration.
(b) A petition for supervised administration may be filed by any interested person or by a personal representative at any time before the termination of a probate proceeding; similarly, the Court may initiate such a proceeding upon good cause shown. In either event, after notice to interested persons and a hearing (unless the hearing is waived by both the petitioner and the personal representative, or by the interested persons if petitioner is the personal representative), the Court may order supervised administration, applying the same standards as under section 20-402. In no event, however, shall any Court Order be deemed to convert the proceeding to a supervised administration unless the Order expressly so provides. The filing of such petition does not affect any powers and duties of the personal representative unless they are expressly restricted by the Court pending the hearing or final Order.
(c) In the event of a change from one form of administration to another pursuant to this title, such change shall be prospective only. Except in the case of fraud, no action of the personal representative shall be set aside by the Court solely by reason of a change from one form of administration to another.
(Mar. 21, 1995, D.C. Law 10-241, § 3(t), 42 DCR 63; Apr. 18, 1996, D.C. Law 11-110, § 25(b), 43 DCR 530.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 20-403.
Editor's Notes
Application of Law 10-241: See Application of Law 10-241 and Emergency act amendment notes to § 20-401.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 20 - Probate and Administration of Decedents’ Estates. [Enacted title] › Chapter 4 - Supervised and Unsupervised Administration › § 20–404. Supervised administration; powers of personal representative

§ 20–404. Supervised administration; powers of personal representative.
Unless restricted by the Court for good cause shown, a supervised personal representative has, without any interim order approving exercise of a power, all powers of personal representatives under this title. Any restriction on the power of a personal representative ordered by the Court must be endorsed on the letters of appointment and, unless so endorsed, is ineffective as to persons dealing in good faith with the personal representative.
(Mar. 21, 1995, D.C. Law 10-241, § 3(t), 42 DCR 63.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 20-404.
Editor's Notes
Application of Law 10-241: See Application of Law 10-241 and Emergency act amendment notes to § 20-401.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 20 - Probate and Administration of Decedents’ Estates. [Enacted title] › Chapter 4 - Supervised and Unsupervised Administration › § 20–405. Supervised administration; interim orders; distribution and closing orders

§ 20–405. Supervised administration; interim orders; distribution and closing orders.
Unless otherwise ordered by the Court, supervised administration is terminated by order in accordance with the provisions of section 20-1301 . Interim orders granting other relief may be issued by the Court at any time during the pendency of a supervised administration on the application of the personal representative or any interested person.
(Mar. 21, 1995, D.C. Law 10-241, § 3(t), 42 DCR 63.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 20-405.
Editor's Notes
Application of Law 10-241: See Application of Law 10-241 and Emergency act amendment notes to § 20-401.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 20 - Probate and Administration of Decedents’ Estates. [Enacted title] › Chapter 4 - Supervised and Unsupervised Administration › § 20–406. Unsupervised personal representative

§ 20–406. Unsupervised personal representative.
A personal representative appointed without court supervision having been ordered, and any other personal representative except during any period for which court supervision has been ordered, is not subject to continuing court supervision except as provided in section 20-107 or otherwise in this title, and is not subject to sections of this title applicable only to supervised personal representatives or estates.
(Mar. 21, 1995, D.C. Law 10-241, § 3(t), 42 DCR 63.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 20-406.
Editor's Notes
Application of Law 10-241: See Application of Law 10-241 and Emergency act amendment notes to § 20-401.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 20 - Probate and Administration of Decedents’ Estates. [Enacted title] › Chapter 5 - The Personal Representative and Special Administrator; Appointment, Control and Termination of Authority › Subchapter I - Appointment and Issuance of Letters; Bond; Accrual of Duties and Powers › § 20–501. Conditions of appointment

§ 20–501. Conditions of appointment.
As a condition to appointment, a personal representative, whether in a supervised or unsupervised administration, shall file (a) a statement of acceptance of the duties of the office, (b) any required bond, and (c) a written consent to personal jurisdiction in any action brought in the District of Columbia against such personal representative, where service of process is effected pursuant to the rules of the Court at such representative’s address shown in the proceedings or, in the case of a nonresident personal representative, pursuant to the provisions of section 20-303(b)(7) .
(June 24, 1980, D.C. Law 3-72, § 101, 27 DCR 2155; Mar. 21, 1995, D.C. Law 10-241, § 3(u), 42 DCR 63.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 20-501.
Section References
This section is referenced in § 20-523.
Emergency Legislation
For temporary amendment of § 4 of D.C. Law 10-241, see § 2 of the Probate Reform Act of 1994 Emergency Amendment Act of 1995 (D.C. Act 11-79, June 28, 1995, 42 DCR 3452).
Editor's Notes
Application of Law 10-241:
10-241: Section 4 of D.C. Law 10-241, as amended by § 2 of D.C. Law 11-54, provided that the act shall be applicable to estates of decedents who died on or after July 1, 1995.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 20 - Probate and Administration of Decedents’ Estates. [Enacted title] › Chapter 5 - The Personal Representative and Special Administrator; Appointment, Control and Termination of Authority › Subchapter I - Appointment and Issuance of Letters; Bond; Accrual of Duties and Powers › § 20–503. Issuance and content of letters

§ 20–503. Issuance and content of letters.
After appointment, letters shall be issued to the personal representative by the Register. Letters shall contain:
(a) the name and address of the Court;
(b) the name of the decedent and the personal representative;
(c) the date of appointment of the personal representative;
(d) the date the will, if any, was admitted to probate;
(e) the signature of the Register and the seal of the Court;
(f) the date the letters were issued; and
(g) whether the administration is supervised or unsupervised and, if supervised, any limitations on the powers of the personal representative.
(June 24, 1980, D.C. Law 3-72, § 101, 27 DCR 2155; Mar. 21, 1995, D.C. Law 10-241, § 3(w), 42 DCR 63.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 20-503.
Editor's Notes
Application of Law 10-241: See Application of Law 10-241 and Emergency act amendment notes to § 20-501.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 20 - Probate and Administration of Decedents’ Estates. [Enacted title] › Chapter 5 - The Personal Representative and Special Administrator; Appointment, Control and Termination of Authority › Subchapter I - Appointment and Issuance of Letters; Bond; Accrual of Duties and Powers › § 20–504. Form of letters

§ 20–504. Form of letters.
Letters of administration shall be in substantially the following form:
LETTERS OF ADMINISTRATION
To all persons who may be interested in the estate of _______________, deceased:
Administration of the estate of the deceased has been granted on _________ to _________ (and the will of the deceased was probated on ______________________). This administration (is) (is not) (strike the inapplicable language) subject to continuing supervision of the Court. The powers of the personal representative (are not limited) (are limited as follows: _________ ). The appointment is in full force and effect as of this date.
(SEAL)
Witness:
Dated:
Register of Wills.
(June 24, 1980, D.C. Law 3-72, § 101, 27 DCR 2155; Mar. 21, 1995, D.C. Law 10-241, § 3(x), 42 DCR 63.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 20-504.
Section References
This section is referenced in § 20-744.
Editor's Notes
Application of Law 10-241: See Application of Law 10-241 and Emergency act amendment notes to § 20-501.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 20 - Probate and Administration of Decedents’ Estates. [Enacted title] › Chapter 5 - The Personal Representative and Special Administrator; Appointment, Control and Termination of Authority › Subchapter I - Appointment and Issuance of Letters; Bond; Accrual of Duties and Powers › § 20–505. Time of accrual of duties and powers

§ 20–505. Time of accrual of duties and powers.
The duties and powers of a personal representative commence upon the issuance of the letters. Good faith acts beneficial to the estate which in fact were committed by the personal representative prior to issuance of letters shall have the same effect as acts occurring after the issuance of letters. A personal representative may ratify acts done on behalf of the estate by others if the personal representative is authorized to perform such acts.
(June 24, 1980, D.C. Law 3-72, § 101, 27 DCR 2155; Mar. 21, 1995, D.C. Law 10-241, § 3(y), 42 DCR 63.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 20-505.
Editor's Notes
Application of Law 10-241: See Application of Law 10-241 and Emergency act amendment notes to § 20-501.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 20 - Probate and Administration of Decedents’ Estates. [Enacted title] › Chapter 5 - The Personal Representative and Special Administrator; Appointment, Control and Termination of Authority › Subchapter II - Several Personal Representatives › § 20–511. Powers and duties of successor personal representative

§ 20–511. Powers and duties of successor personal representative.
A successor personal representative shall have the same powers and duties as the original personal representative including the powers granted in the will but excluding any power that the will expressly made personal to the personal representative named in the will.
(June 24, 1980, D.C. Law 3-72, § 101, 27 DCR 2155.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 20-511.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 20 - Probate and Administration of Decedents’ Estates. [Enacted title] › Chapter 5 - The Personal Representative and Special Administrator; Appointment, Control and Termination of Authority › Subchapter II - Several Personal Representatives › § 20–512. Copersonal representatives; when joint action required; liability

§ 20–512. Copersonal representatives; when joint action required; liability.
(a) When two or more persons are appointed copersonal representatives, the concurrence of all is required on all acts connected with the administration and distribution of the estate; except, for: (1) giving receipts for or receiving property due the estate; (2) in emergency situations, when all personal representatives cannot reasonably be consulted in the time available; (3) when a personal representative has validly delegated power to act to a copersonal representative; and (4) when the will or a statute provides otherwise.
(b) Persons dealing with a copersonal representative without knowledge that such representative is not the sole personal representative shall be as fully protected as if the person with whom they dealt had been the sole personal representative.
(c) If a personal representative delegates power to act to a copersonal representative, such delegation shall not reduce such representative’s fiduciary responsibility.
(June 24, 1980, D.C. Law 3-72, § 101, 27 DCR 2155.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 20-512.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 20 - Probate and Administration of Decedents’ Estates. [Enacted title] › Chapter 5 - The Personal Representative and Special Administrator; Appointment, Control and Termination of Authority › Subchapter II - Several Personal Representatives › § 20–513. Powers of surviving copersonal representative

§ 20–513. Powers of surviving copersonal representative.
Unless the will otherwise provides: (a) when the appointment of a copersonal representative is terminated, the remaining copersonal representative or representatives may exercise all powers previously exercised by the copersonal representatives; and (b) when one of two or more persons nominated by the will as copersonal representatives is not appointed by the Court, those appointed may exercise all the powers of the office.
(June 24, 1980, D.C. Law 3-72, § 101, 27 DCR 2155.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 20-513.
Cross References
Estate administration, accountings required, see § 20-724.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 20 - Probate and Administration of Decedents’ Estates. [Enacted title] › Chapter 5 - The Personal Representative and Special Administrator; Appointment, Control and Termination of Authority › Subchapter III - Suspension and Termination of Powers › § 20–521. Restraining acts of personal representatives

§ 20–521. Restraining acts of personal representatives.
(a) On the petition of any interested person, the Court by temporary order and for good cause shown may restrain a supervised personal representative from performing specified acts of administration, disbursement, or distribution, or exercising any powers or discharging any duties of such office, or make any other order to secure proper performance of the supervised personal representative’s duty, if it appears to the Court that the supervised personal representative otherwise may take some action which would unreasonably jeopardize the interest of the petitioner. Persons with whom the supervised personal representative may transact business may be made parties.
(b) The matter shall be set for hearing within 10 days unless the parties otherwise agree. Notice as the Court directs shall be given to the supervised personal representative and his attorney of record, if any, and to any other parties named defendant in the petition.
(June 24, 1980, D.C. Law 3-72, § 101, 27 DCR 2155; Mar. 21, 1995, D.C. Law 10-241, § 3(aa), 42 DCR 63.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 20-521.
Cross References
Estate administration, accountings required, see § 20-724.
Editor's Notes
Application of Law 10-241: See Application of Law 10-241 and Emergency act amendment notes to § 20-501.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 20 - Probate and Administration of Decedents’ Estates. [Enacted title] › Chapter 5 - The Personal Representative and Special Administrator; Appointment, Control and Termination of Authority › Subchapter III - Suspension and Termination of Powers › § 20–522. Termination; general

§ 20–522. Termination; general.
The appointment of a personal representative shall be terminated in accordance with Chapter 13 of this title (Closing the Estate) or by the personal representative’s death, disability, resignation, or removal as provided in sections 20-524 through 20-527 .
(June 24, 1980, D.C. Law 3-72, § 101, 27 DCR 2155.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 20-522.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 20 - Probate and Administration of Decedents’ Estates. [Enacted title] › Chapter 5 - The Personal Representative and Special Administrator; Appointment, Control and Termination of Authority › Subchapter III - Suspension and Termination of Powers › § 20–523. Termination; effect

§ 20–523. Termination; effect.
(a) Powers and duties. — Termination ends the rights and powers of the personal representative as conferred by will or by this title. Except as provided in section 20-524, a personal representative whose appointment has been terminated shall: (1) unless otherwise ordered by the Court, perform acts necessary to protect property belonging to the estate; and (2) deliver such property to the special administrator or the successor personal representative, if any.
(b) Liability. — Termination does not discharge a personal representative from liability for transactions or omissions occurring before termination or reduce the personal representative’s duty to protect property subject to such representative’s control, to account for such property and to deliver such property to the special administrator or successor representative. Termination does not affect the personal jurisdiction consented to pursuant to section 20-501 in proceedings which may be commenced against such representative arising out of the performance of duties as personal representative. If the personal representative fails to account for and deliver the property belonging to the estate to the successor personal representative or special administrator, as required by subsection (a), the Court may enter judgment against the personal representative and the personal representative’s surety.
(c) Acts prior to termination. — All lawful acts of a personal representative prior to the termination of appointment shall remain valid and effective.
(June 24, 1980, D.C. Law 3-72, § 101, 27 DCR 2155.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 20-523.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 20 - Probate and Administration of Decedents’ Estates. [Enacted title] › Chapter 5 - The Personal Representative and Special Administrator; Appointment, Control and Termination of Authority › Subchapter III - Suspension and Termination of Powers › § 20–524. Termination; death or disability

§ 20–524. Termination; death or disability.
The appointment of a personal representative shall be terminated by his death or by a judicial determination of his disability. Upon the death or a judicial determination of disability of a personal representative, any interested person (including a person indicated in the decedent’s will as the successor personal representative to the personal representative who is deceased or has been determined to have a disability) may apply to the court for the appointment of a special administrator or successor personal representative. Unless there is a surviving copersonal representative, the personal representative of a deceased personal representative or the person appointed to protect the estate of a personal representative under legal disability shall: (a) have the duty to protect property belonging to the estate that was being administered by the personal representative who is deceased or has been determined to have a disability; (b) have the power to perform acts necessary for the protection of property of such estate; (c) immediately apply to the Court for the appointment of a special administrator or successor personal representative to carry on the administration of the estate which was being administered by the personal representative who is deceased or has been determined to have a disability; and (d) immediately account for and deliver the property of such estate to a successor personal representative or special administrator. If the personal representative of a deceased personal representative or the person appointed to protect the estate of a personal representative under legal disability fails to account to and deliver the property belonging to the estate as required by this section, the Court may enter judgment against the estate of the personal representative who is deceased or has been determined to have a disability and the surety of the personal representative who is deceased or has been determined to have a disability.
(June 24, 1980, D.C. Law 3-72, § 101, 27 DCR 2155; Apr. 24, 2007, D.C. Law 16-305, § 34(b), 53 DCR 6198.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 20-524.
Section References
This section is referenced in § 20-522 and § 20-523.
Effect of Amendments
D.C. Law 16-305 substituted “personal representative who is deceased or has been determined to have a disability” for “deceased or disabled personal representative” and “deceased or the disabled personal representative” and substituted “surety of the personal representative who is deceased or has been determined to have a disability” for “deceased or disabled personal representative’s surety”.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 20 - Probate and Administration of Decedents’ Estates. [Enacted title] › Chapter 5 - The Personal Representative and Special Administrator; Appointment, Control and Termination of Authority › Subchapter III - Suspension and Termination of Powers › § 20–525. Termination; resignation

§ 20–525. Termination; resignation.
A personal representative may resign by filing a written statement of resignation with the Register after giving at least 15 days written notice to all interested persons of intention to resign. If, within such 15 days, no one applies for the appointment of a successor personal representative or special administrator and no appointment is made, the resigning personal representative may apply to the Court for the appointment of a successor. Upon the appointment of such successor, the resigning personal representative shall immediately account for and deliver the property belonging to the estate to the successor personal representative or special administrator. The resignation of a personal representative shall be effective upon approval by the Court.
(June 24, 1980, D.C. Law 3-72, § 101, 27 DCR 2155.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 20-525.