reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 18 - Wills. [Enacted title] › Chapter 7 - International Will; Information Registration › § 18–705. International will; certificate

§ 18–705. International will; certificate.
The authorized person shall attach to the will a certificate, to be signed by him or her, establishing that the requirements of this chapter for valid execution of an international will have been complied with. The authorized person shall keep a copy of the certificate and deliver another to the testator. The certificate shall be substantially in the following form:
“CERTIFICATE
“(Convention of October 26, 1973)
“1. I, ________ (name, address and capacity), a person authorized to act in connection with international wills
“2. Certify that on ________ (date) at ________ (place)
“3. (testator) ________
“(name, address, date and place of birth) in my presence and that of the witnesses
“4. (a) ________ (name, address, date and place of birth)
“(b) ________ (name, address, date and place of birth)
“has declared that the attached document is his or her will and that he knows the contents thereof.
“5. I furthermore certify that:
“6. (a) in my presence and in that of the witnesses
“(1) the testator has signed the will or has acknowledged his signature previously affixed.
“(2) [to be completed if appropriate] following a declaration of the testator stating that he or she was unable to sign his will for the following reason ________, I have mentioned this declaration on the will and the signature has been affixed by ________ (name and address)
“7. (b) the witnesses and I have signed the will;
“8. (c) [to be completed if appropriate] each page of the will has been signed by ________ and numbered;
“9. (d) I have satisfied myself as to the identity of the testator and of the witnesses as designated above;
“10. (e) the witnesses met the conditions requisite to act as such according to the law under which I am acting;
“11. (f) [to be completed if appropriate] the testator has requested me to include the following statement concerning the safekeeping of his will:
“12. PLACE OF EXECUTION
“13. DATE
“14. SIGNATURE and, if necessary, SEAL.”
(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 › § 18–706. International will; effect of certificate

§ 18–706. International will; effect of certificate.
In the absence of evidence to the contrary, the certificate of the authorized person shall be conclusive of the formal validity of the instrument as a will under this chapter. The absence or irregularity of a certificate shall not affect the formal validity of a will under this chapter.
(Apr. 27, 2001, D.C. Law 13-292, § 102(b), 48 DCR 2087.)
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 18 - Wills. [Enacted title] › Chapter 7 - International Will; Information Registration › § 18–707. International will; revocation

§ 18–707. International will; revocation.
The international will shall be subject to the ordinary rules of revocation of wills.
(Apr. 27, 2001, D.C. Law 13-292, § 102(b), 48 DCR 2087.)
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 18 - Wills. [Enacted title] › Chapter 7 - International Will; Information Registration › § 18–708. Source and construction

§ 18–708. Source and construction.
Sections 18-701 through 18-707 derive from Annex to Convention of October 26, 1973, Providing a Uniform Law on the Form of an International Will. In interpreting and applying this chapter, regard shall be had to its international origin and to the need for uniformity in its interpretation.
(Apr. 27, 2001, D.C. Law 13-292, § 102(b), 48 DCR 2087.)
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 18 - Wills. [Enacted title] › Chapter 7 - International Will; Information Registration › § 18–709. Persons authorized to act in relation to international will; eligibility; recognition by authorizing agency

§ 18–709. Persons authorized to act in relation to international will; eligibility; recognition by authorizing agency.
Individuals who have been admitted to practice law before the courts of the District of Columbia and who are in good standing as active law practitioners in the District, are hereby declared to be authorized persons in relation to international wills.
(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 › § 18–710. International will information registration

§ 18–710. International will information registration.
The Mayor of the District of Columbia shall establish a registry system by which authorized persons may register in a central information center, information regarding the execution of international wills, keeping that information in strictest confidence until the death of the maker and then making it available to any person desiring information about any will who presents a death certificate or other satisfactory evidence of the testator’s death to the center. Information that may be received, preserved in confidence until death, and reported as indicated is limited to the name, social security or any other individual-identifying number established by law, address, and date and place of birth of the testator, and the intended place of deposit or safekeeping of the instrument pending the death of the maker. The Mayor, at the request of the authorized person, may cause the information the Mayor receives about execution of any international will to be transmitted to the registry system of another jurisdiction, as identified by the testator, if that other system adheres to rules protecting the confidentiality of the information similar to those established in the District of Columbia.
(Apr. 27, 2001, D.C. Law 13-292, § 102(b), 48 DCR 2087.)
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 18 - Wills. [Enacted title] › Chapter 9 - Uniform Electronic Wills Act › § 18–901. Short title

§ 18–901. Short title.
This chapter may be cited as the Uniform Electronic Wills Act.
(Mar. 10, 2023, D.C. Law 24-296, § 2(c), 70 DCR 1012.)
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 18 - Wills. [Enacted title] › Chapter 9 - Uniform Electronic Wills Act › § 18–902. Definitions

§ 18–902. Definitions.
For the purposes of this chapter, the term:
(1) "Electronic" means relating to technology having electrical, digital, magnetic, wireless, optical, electromagnetic, or similar capabilities.
(2) "Electronic presence" means the relationship of two or more individuals in different locations communicating in real time to the same extent as if the individuals were physically present in the same location.
(3) "Electronic will" means a will executed electronically in compliance with § 18-905(a).
(4) "Record" means information that is inscribed on a tangible medium or that is stored in an electronic or other medium and is retrievable in perceivable form.
(5) "Sign" means, with present intent to authenticate or adopt a record:
(A) To execute or adopt a tangible symbol; or
(B) To affix to or logically associate with the record an electronic symbol or process.
(6) "State" means a state of the United States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the United States Virgin Islands, or any territory or insular possession subject to the jurisdiction of the United States. The term includes a federally recognized Indian tribe.
(7) "Will" includes a codicil and any testamentary instrument that merely appoints an executor, revokes or revises another will, nominates a guardian, or expressly excludes or limits the right of an individual or class to succeed to property of the decedent passing by intestate succession.
(Mar. 10, 2023, D.C. Law 24-296, § 2(c), 70 DCR 1012.)
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 18 - Wills. [Enacted title] › Chapter 9 - Uniform Electronic Wills Act › § 18–903. Law applicable to electronic will; principles of equity

§ 18–903. Law applicable to electronic will; principles of equity.
An electronic will is a will for all purposes of the law of the District of Columbia. The law of the District of Columbia applicable to wills and principles of equity apply to an electronic will, except as modified by this chapter.
(Mar. 10, 2023, D.C. Law 24-296, § 2(c), 70 DCR 1012.)
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 18 - Wills. [Enacted title] › Chapter 9 - Uniform Electronic Wills Act › § 18–904. Choice of law regarding execution

§ 18–904. Choice of law regarding execution.
A will executed electronically but not in compliance with § 18-905(a) is an electronic will under this chapter if executed in compliance with the law of the jurisdiction where the testator is:
(1) Physically located when the will is signed; or
(2) Domiciled or resides when the will is signed or when the testator dies.
(Mar. 10, 2023, D.C. Law 24-296, § 2(c), 70 DCR 1012.)
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 18 - Wills. [Enacted title] › Chapter 9 - Uniform Electronic Wills Act › § 18–905. Execution of electronic will

§ 18–905. Execution of electronic will.
(a) Subject to § 18-908(d) and except as provided in § 18-906, an electronic will shall be:
(1) A record that is readable as text at the time of signing under paragraph (2) of this subsection;
(2) Signed by:
(A) The testator; or
(B) Another individual in the testator's name, in the testator's physical presence and by the testator's direction; and
(3) Signed in the physical or electronic presence of the testator by at least 2 individuals, each of whom is a resident of a state and physically located in a state at the time of signing and within a reasonable time after witnessing:
(A) The signing of the will under paragraph (2) of this subsection; or
(B) The testator's acknowledgment of the signing of the will under paragraph (2) of this subsection or acknowledgment of the will.
(b) The intent of a testator that the record under subsection (a)(1) of this section be the testator's electronic will may be established by extrinsic evidence.
(Mar. 10, 2023, D.C. Law 24-296, § 2(c), 70 DCR 1012.)
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 18 - Wills. [Enacted title] › Chapter 9 - Uniform Electronic Wills Act › § 18–906. Harmless error

§ 18–906. Harmless error.
A record readable as text not executed in compliance with § 18-905(a) is deemed to comply with § 18-905(a) if the proponent of the record establishes by clear and convincing evidence that the decedent intended the record to be:
(1) The decedent's will;
(2) A partial or complete revocation of the decedent's will;
(3) An addition to or modification of the decedent's will; or
(4) A partial or complete revival of the decedent's formerly revoked will or part of the will.
(Mar. 10, 2023, D.C. Law 24-296, § 2(c), 70 DCR 1012.)
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 18 - Wills. [Enacted title] › Chapter 9 - Uniform Electronic Wills Act › § 18–907. Revocation

§ 18–907. Revocation.
(a) An electronic will may revoke all or part of a previous will.
(b) All or part of an electronic will is revoked by:
(1) A subsequent will that revokes all or part of the electronic will expressly or by inconsistency; or
(2) A physical act, if it is established by a preponderance of the evidence that the testator, with the intent of revoking all or part of the will, performed the act or directed another individual who performed the act in the testator's physical presence.
(Mar. 10, 2023, D.C. Law 24-296, § 2(c), 70 DCR 1012.)
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 18 - Wills. [Enacted title] › Chapter 9 - Uniform Electronic Wills Act › § 18–908. Electronic will attested and made self-proving at time of execution

§ 18–908. Electronic will attested and made self-proving at time of execution.
(a) An electronic will may be simultaneously executed, attested, and made self-proving by acknowledgment of the testator and affidavits of the witnesses.
(b) The acknowledgement and affidavits under subsection (a) of this section shall be:
(1) Made before an officer authorized to administer oaths under law of the state in which execution occurs or, if fewer than two attesting witnesses are physically present in the same location as the testator at the time of signing under § 18-905(a)(2), before an officer authorized under § 1-1231.13a.; and
(2) Evidence by the officer's certificate under official seal affixed to or logically associated with the electronic will.
(c) The acknowledgement and affidavits under subsection (a) of this section shall be in substantially the following form:
"I, ______________________________, the testator, and, being sworn, declare to the
"(Name)
"undersigned officer that I sign this instrument as my electronic will, I willingly sign it or willingly direct another individual to sign it for me, I execute it as my voluntary act for the purposes expressed in this instrument, and I am 18 years of age or older, of sound mind, and under no constraint or undue influence.
"_________________________________________________________________
"Testator
"We, ___________________________ and
"(Name)
"_______________________________,
"(Name)
"witnesses, being sworn, declare to the undersigned officer that the testator signed this instrument as the testator's electronic will, that the testator willingly signed it or willingly directed another individual to sign for the testator, and that each of us, in the physical or electronic presence of the testator, signs this instrument as witness to the testator's signing, and to the best of our knowledge the testator is 18 years of age or older, of sound mind, and under no constraint or undue influence.
"_________________________________________________________________
"Witness
"_________________________________________________________________
"Witness
"Certificate of officer:
"State of _________________________
"Subscribed, sworn to, and acknowledged before me by
"__________________________________________________________, the testator,
"(Name)
"and subscribed and sworn to before me by
"________________________________ and,
"(Name)
"____________________________________,
"(Name)
"witnesses, this _________ day of _____________________, ______________________________.
"_________________________
"(Signed)
"_________________________
"(Capacity of officer)"[.]
(d) A signature physically or electronically affixed to an affidavit that is affixed to or logically associated with an electronic will under this chapter is deemed a signature of the electronic will under § 18-905(a).
(Mar. 10, 2023, D.C. Law 24-296, § 2(c), 70 DCR 1012.)
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 18 - Wills. [Enacted title] › Chapter 9 - Uniform Electronic Wills Act › § 18–909. Certification of paper copy

§ 18–909. Certification of paper copy.
An individual may create a certified paper copy of an electronic will by affirming under penalty of perjury that a paper copy of the electronic will is a complete, true, and accurate copy of the electronic will. If the electronic will is made self-proving, the certified paper copy of the will shall include the self-proving affidavits.
(Mar. 10, 2023, D.C. Law 24-296, § 2(c), 70 DCR 1012.)
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 18 - Wills. [Enacted title] › Chapter 9 - Uniform Electronic Wills Act › § 18–910. Uniformity of application and construction

§ 18–910. Uniformity of application and construction.
In applying and construing this uniform act, 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 24-296, § 2(c), 70 DCR 1012.)
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 18 - Wills. [Enacted title] › Chapter 9 - Uniform Electronic Wills Act › § 18–911. Transitional provision

§ 18–911. Transitional provision.
This chapter applies to the will of a decedent who dies on or after May 27, 2020.
(Mar. 10, 2023, D.C. Law 24-296, § 2(c), 70 DCR 1012.)
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 19 - Descent, Distribution, and Trusts. [Enacted title] › Chapter 1 - Rights of Surviving Spouse or Domestic Partner, and Children › § 19–101. Family allowance; construction; penalties. [Repealed]

§ 19–101. Family allowance; construction; penalties. [Repealed]
Repealed.
(Sept. 14, 1965, 79 Stat. 693, Pub. L. 89-183, § 1; Aug. 11, 1971, 85 Stat. 314, Pub. L. 92-88, § 5; June 24, 1980, D.C. Law 3-72, § 204(a), 27 DCR 2155; Mar. 21, 1995, D.C. Law 10-241, § 2, 42 DCR 63; Apr. 27, 2001, D.C. Law 13-292, § 801(b), 48 DCR 2087.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 19-101.
1973 Ed., § 19-101.
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.
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.”
Section 31 of D.C. Law 15-354 provided that Title 19 is designated Title 19 of the District of Columbia Official Code.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 19 - Descent, Distribution, and Trusts. [Enacted title] › Chapter 1 - Rights of Surviving Spouse or Domestic Partner, and Children › § 19–101.01. Applicable law

§ 19–101.01. Applicable law.
Sections 19-101.01 to 19-101.06 apply to the estate of a decedent who dies domiciled in the District of Columbia. Rights to homestead allowance, exempt property, and family allowance for a decedent who dies not domiciled in the District of Columbia are governed by the law of the decedent’s domicile at death.
(Apr. 27, 2001, D.C. Law 13-292, § 801(c), 48 DCR 2087.)
Section References
This section is referenced in § 19-101.06.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 19 - Descent, Distribution, and Trusts. [Enacted title] › Chapter 1 - Rights of Surviving Spouse or Domestic Partner, and Children › § 19–101.02. Homestead allowance

§ 19–101.02. Homestead allowance.
A decedent’s surviving spouse or surviving domestic partner is entitled to a homestead allowance of $15,000. If there is no surviving spouse or surviving domestic partner, each surviving minor child and each surviving dependent child of the decedent is entitled to a homestead allowance amounting to $15,000 divided by the number of surviving minor and surviving dependent children of the decedent. The homestead allowance is exempt from and has priority over all claims against the estate, except as provided in section 20-906 . The homestead allowance is in addition to any share passing to the surviving spouse, surviving domestic partner, or surviving minor or surviving dependent child by the will of the decedent, unless otherwise provided by intestate succession, or by way of elective share.
(Apr. 27, 2001, D.C. Law 13-292, § 801(c), 48 DCR 2087; Apr. 4, 2006, D.C. Law 16-79, § 5(c), 53 DCR 1035.)
Section References
This section is referenced in § 19-1305.05 and § 20-906.
Effect of Amendments
D.C. Law 16-79, substituted “surviving spouse or surviving domestic partner” for “surviving spouse” and substituted “surviving spouse, surviving domestic partner, or surviving minor” for “surviving spouse or surviving minor”.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 19 - Descent, Distribution, and Trusts. [Enacted title] › Chapter 1 - Rights of Surviving Spouse or Domestic Partner, and Children › § 19–101.03. Exempt property

§ 19–101.03. Exempt property.
In addition to the homestead allowance, the decedent’s surviving spouse or surviving domestic partner is entitled from the estate to a value, not exceeding $10,000 in excess of any security interests therein, in household furniture, automobiles, furnishings, appliances, and personal effects. If there is no surviving spouse or surviving domestic partner, the decedent’s surviving children are entitled jointly to the same value. If encumbered chattels are selected and the value in excess of security interests, plus that of other exempt property, is less than $10,000, or if there is not $10,000 worth of exempt property in the estate, the spouse, domestic partner, or children are entitled to other assets of the estate, if any, except for real property, to the extent necessary to make up the $10,000 value. Rights to exempt property have priority over all claims against the estate, except the homestead allowance, the family allowance, and as provided in section 20-906 . These rights are in addition to any benefit or share passing to the surviving spouse, surviving domestic partner, or surviving children by the decedent’s will, unless otherwise provided by intestate succession or by way of elective share.
(Apr. 27, 2001, D.C. Law 13-292, § 801(c), 48 DCR 2087; Apr. 4, 2006, D.C. Law 16-79, § 5(d), 53 DCR 1035.)
Section References
This section is referenced in § 19-1305.05 and § 20-906.
Effect of Amendments
D.C. Law 16-79 rewrote section, which had read as follows: “In addition to the homestead allowance, the decedent’s surviving spouse is entitled from the estate to a value, not exceeding $10,000 in excess of any security interests therein, in household furniture, automobiles, furnishings, appliances, and personal effects. If there is no surviving spouse, the decedent’s surviving children are entitled jointly to the same value. If encumbered chattels are selected and the value in excess of security interests, plus that of other exempt property, is less than $10,000, or if there is not $10,000 worth of exempt property in the estate, the spouse or children are entitled to other assets of the estate, if any, except for real property, to the extent necessary to make up the $10,000 value. Rights to exempt property have priority over all claims against the estate, except the homestead allowance, the family allowance, and as provided in section 20-906. These rights are in addition to any benefit or share passing to the surviving spouse or surviving children by the decedent’s will, unless otherwise provided by intestate succession or by way of elective share.”
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 19 - Descent, Distribution, and Trusts. [Enacted title] › Chapter 1 - Rights of Surviving Spouse or Domestic Partner, and Children › § 19–101.04. Family allowance

§ 19–101.04. Family allowance.
(a) In addition to the right to homestead allowance and exempt property, the decedent’s surviving spouse or surviving domestic partner, and minor children whom the decedent was obligated to support and children who were in fact being supported by the decedent are entitled to a reasonable allowance in money out of the estate for their maintenance during the period of administration. It is payable to the surviving spouse or surviving domestic partner, if living, for the use of the surviving spouse or surviving domestic partner and the decedent’s surviving minor and dependent children; otherwise to the children, or persons having their care and custody. If a minor child or dependent child is not living with the surviving spouse or surviving domestic partner, the allowance may be made partially to the child or his or her guardian, or other person having the child’s care and custody, and partially to the spouse or domestic partner, as their needs may appear. The family allowance is exempt from and has priority over all claims, except the homestead allowance, and as provided in section 20-906.
(b) The family allowance is not chargeable against any benefit or share passing to the surviving spouse, surviving domestic partner, or children by the will of the decedent, unless otherwise provided, by intestate succession, or by way of elective share. The death of any person entitled to family allowance terminates the right to allowances not yet paid.
(Apr. 27, 2001, D.C. Law 13-292, § 801(c), 48 DCR 2087; Apr. 4, 2006, D.C. Law 16-79, § 5(e), 53 DCR 1035.)
Section References
This section is referenced in § 19-1305.05 and § 20-906.
Effect of Amendments
D.C. Law 16-79 rewrote the section.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 19 - Descent, Distribution, and Trusts. [Enacted title] › Chapter 1 - Rights of Surviving Spouse or Domestic Partner, and Children › § 19–101.05. Source, determination, and documentation; equitable apportionment when minor children are not in custody of the surviving spouse or surviving domestic partner

§ 19–101.05. Source, determination, and documentation; equitable apportionment when minor children are not in custody of the surviving spouse or surviving domestic partner.
(a) If the estate is otherwise sufficient, property specifically devised may not be used to satisfy rights to homestead allowance or exempt property. Subject to this restriction, the surviving spouse, surviving domestic partner, guardians of minor children, or children who are adults may select property of the estate as homestead allowance and exempt property. The personal representative may make those selections if the surviving spouse, the surviving domestic partner, the children, or the guardians of the minor children are unable or fail to do so within a reasonable time, or there is no guardian of a minor child. The personal representative may execute an instrument or deed of distribution to establish the ownership of property taken as homestead allowance or exempt property. The personal representative may disburse the family allowance in a lump sum not exceeding $15,000 in cash or in personalty at its fair value as the surviving spouse or surviving domestic partner may elect. The personal representative or an interested person aggrieved by any selection, determination, payment, proposed payment, or failure to act under this section may petition the court for appropriate relief, which may include a family allowance other than that which the personal representative determined or could have determined.
(b) If there are minor or other dependent children of the decedent who are not in the custody of the surviving spouse or surviving domestic partner, the personal representative shall equitably apportion the family allowance under this section between the surviving spouse or surviving domestic partner, minor and dependent children, and other children of the decedent.
(Apr. 27, 2001, D.C. Law 13-292, § 801(c), 48 DCR 2087; Apr. 4, 2006, D.C. Law 16-79, § 5(f), 53 DCR 1035.)
Effect of Amendments
D.C. Law 16-79 rewrote the section.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 19 - Descent, Distribution, and Trusts. [Enacted title] › Chapter 1 - Rights of Surviving Spouse or Domestic Partner, and Children › § 19–101.06. Penalties

§ 19–101.06. Penalties.
Whoever, with respect to the allowances or exemptions authorized by sections 19-101.01 to 19-101.05 , (1) makes a false affidavit, (2) willfully violates an order of the Probate Division, or (3) willfully violates a provision of this chapter, shall be fined not more than $2,500 for each offense.
(Apr. 27, 2001, D.C. Law 13-292, § 801(c), 48 DCR 2087.)
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 19 - Descent, Distribution, and Trusts. [Enacted title] › Chapter 1 - Rights of Surviving Spouse or Domestic Partner, and Children › § 19–102. Dower and curtesy abolished

§ 19–102. Dower and curtesy abolished.
The estates of dower and curtesy are abolished.
(Sept. 14, 1965, 79 Stat. 694, Pub. L. 89-183, § 1; Apr. 27, 2001, D.C. Law 13-292, § 801(d), 48 DCR 2087; Mar. 2, 2007, D.C. Law 16-191, § 92(a), 53 DCR 6794.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 19-102.
1973 Ed., § 19-102.
Effect of Amendments
D.C. Law 13-292 rewrote the section which had read:
“(a) The widow of a deceased man, with respect to parties who inter-married prior to November 29, 1957, or the widow or widower of a deceased person dying after March 15, 1962, is entitled to dower and its incidents as the rights thereto were known at common law with respect to widows, including the use, during her or his natural life, of one-third part of all the land on which the deceased spouse was seized of an estate of inheritance at any time during the marriage. The surviving spouse entitled to dower under this section may remain in the chief dwelling house of the decedent 40 days after the death, without being liable for rent therefor, within which period the dower of the surviving spouse, if not previously assigned to her or him, shall be so assigned. In the meantime, the surviving spouse may have reasonable sustenance out of the estate of the decedent.
“(b) The right of dower and its incidents provided for by subsection (a) of this section entitles the widow or widower to lands held by the deceased spouse at any time during the marriage, whether by legal or equitable title, and whether held by the decedent at the time of death, or not, but the right does not operate to the prejudice of a claim for the purchase money of the lands or other lien thereon.
“(c) The right of dower provided for by this section does not attach to lands held by two or more persons as joint tenants while the joint tenancy exists. A husband may not claim a right of dower in land which his wife, during the coverture, conveyed or transferred to another person by her sole deed prior to November 29, 1957.
“(d) With respect to the real estate of a wife dying after November 29, 1957, there is no estate by the curtesy.”
D.C. Law 16-191, in the section credit for D.C. Law 13-292, validated a previously made technical correction.
Cross References
Assignment of dower in partition proceedings, see § 16-2901 et seq.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 19 - Descent, Distribution, and Trusts. [Enacted title] › Chapter 1 - Rights of Surviving Spouse or Domestic Partner, and Children › § 19–103. Forfeiture of dower by desertion and adultery. [Repealed]

§ 19–103. Forfeiture of dower by desertion and adultery. [Repealed]
Repealed.
(Sept. 14, 1965, 79 Stat. 694, Pub. L. 89-183, § 1; Apr. 27, 2001, D.C. Law 13-292, § 801(e), 48 DCR 2087; Mar 2, 2007, D.C. Law 16-191, § 92(b), 53 DCR 6794.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 19-103.
1973 Ed., § 19-103.
Effect of Amendments
D.C. Law 16-191, in the section credit for D.C. Law 13-292, validated a previously made technical correction.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 19 - Descent, Distribution, and Trusts. [Enacted title] › Chapter 1 - Rights of Surviving Spouse or Domestic Partner, and Children › § 19–104. Absent or incompetent spouse. [Repealed]

§ 19–104. Absent or incompetent spouse. [Repealed]
Repealed.
(Sept. 14, 1965, 79 Stat. 694, Pub. L. 89-183, § 1; Apr. 27, 2001, D.C. Law 13-292, § 801(e), 48 DCR 2087; Mar 2, 2007, D.C. Law 16-191, § 92(b), 53 DCR 6794.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 19-104.
1973 Ed., § 19-104.
Effect of Amendments
D.C. Law 16-191, in the section credit for D.C. Law 13-292, validated a previously made technical correction.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 19 - Descent, Distribution, and Trusts. [Enacted title] › Chapter 1 - Rights of Surviving Spouse or Domestic Partner, and Children › § 19–105. Jointure before marriage as bar to dower. [Repealed]

§ 19–105. Jointure before marriage as bar to dower. [Repealed]
Repealed.
(Sept. 14, 1965, 79 Stat. 695, Pub. L. 89-183, § 1; Apr. 27, 2001, D.C. Law 13-292, § 801(e), 48 DCR 2087; Mar 2, 2007, D.C. Law 16-191, § 92(b), 53 DCR 6794.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 19-105.
1973 Ed., § 19-105.
Effect of Amendments
D.C. Law 16-191, in the section credit for D.C. Law 13-292, validated a previously made technical correction.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 19 - Descent, Distribution, and Trusts. [Enacted title] › Chapter 1 - Rights of Surviving Spouse or Domestic Partner, and Children › § 19–106. Jointure after marriage; election. [Repealed]

§ 19–106. Jointure after marriage; election. [Repealed]
Repealed.
(Sept. 14, 1965, 79 Stat. 695, Pub. L. 89-183, § 1; Apr. 27, 2001, D.C. Law 13-292, § 801(e), 48 DCR 2087; Mar 2, 2007, D.C. Law 16-191, § 92(b), 53 DCR 6794.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 19-106.
1973 Ed., § 19-106.
Effect of Amendments
D.C. Law 16-191, in the section credit for D.C. Law 13-292, validated a previously made technical correction.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 19 - Descent, Distribution, and Trusts. [Enacted title] › Chapter 1 - Rights of Surviving Spouse or Domestic Partner, and Children › § 19–107. Effect of acts of one spouse. [Repealed]

§ 19–107. Effect of acts of one spouse. [Repealed]
Repealed.
(Sept. 14, 1965, 79 Stat. 695, Pub. L. 89-183, § 1; Apr. 27, 2001, D.C. Law 13-292, § 801(e), 48 DCR 2087; Mar 2, 2007, D.C. Law 16-191, § 92(b), 53 DCR 6794.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 19-107.
1973 Ed., § 19-107.
Effect of Amendments
D.C. Law 16-191, in the section credit for D.C. Law 13-292, validated a previously made technical correction.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 19 - Descent, Distribution, and Trusts. [Enacted title] › Chapter 1 - Rights of Surviving Spouse or Domestic Partner, and Children › § 19–107a. Release of dower. [Repealed]

§ 19–107a. Release of dower. [Repealed]
Repealed.
(Mar. 3, 1901, 31 Stat. 1267, ch. 854, § 494; June 30, 1902, 32 Stat. 531, ch. 1329; Oct. 1, 1976, D.C. Law 1087, § 33(c), 23 DCR 2544; Apr. 30, 1988, D.C. Law 7-104, § 5(a), 35 DCR 147; Apr. 27, 2001, D.C. Law 13-292, § 801(e), 48 DCR 2087; Mar. 2, 2007, D.C. Law 16-191, § 92(b), 53 DCR 6794.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 19-107a.
1973 Ed., § 19-107a.
Effect of Amendments
D.C. Law 16-191, in the section credit for D.C. Law 13-292, validated a previously made technical correction.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 19 - Descent, Distribution, and Trusts. [Enacted title] › Chapter 1 - Rights of Surviving Spouse or Domestic Partner, and Children › § 19–108. Recovery of dower withheld; damages. [Repealed]

§ 19–108. Recovery of dower withheld; damages. [Repealed]
Repealed.
(Sept. 14, 1965, 79 Stat. 695, Pub. L. 89-183, § 1; Apr. 27, 2001, D.C. Law 13-292, § 801(e), 48 DCR 2087; Mar 2, 2007, D.C. Law 16-191, § 92(b), 53 DCR 6794.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 19-108.
1973 Ed., § 19-108.
Effect of Amendments
D.C. Law 16-191, in the section credit for D.C. Law 13-292, validated a previously made technical correction.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 19 - Descent, Distribution, and Trusts. [Enacted title] › Chapter 1 - Rights of Surviving Spouse or Domestic Partner, and Children › § 19–109. Recovery of dower obtained by default or collusion; damages. [Repealed]

§ 19–109. Recovery of dower obtained by default or collusion; damages. [Repealed]
Repealed.
(Sept. 14, 1965, 79 Stat. 695, Pub. L. 89-183, § 1; Apr. 27, 2001, D.C. Law 13-292, § 801(e), 48 DCR 2087; Mar 2, 2007, D.C. Law 16-191, § 92(b), 53 DCR 6794.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 19-109.
1973 Ed., § 19-109.
Effect of Amendments
D.C. Law 16-191, in the section credit for D.C. Law 13-292, validated a previously made technical correction.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 19 - Descent, Distribution, and Trusts. [Enacted title] › Chapter 1 - Rights of Surviving Spouse or Domestic Partner, and Children › § 19–110. Assignment by guardian; rights of heir. [Repealed]

§ 19–110. Assignment by guardian; rights of heir. [Repealed]
Repealed.
(Sept. 14, 1965, 79 Stat. 696, Pub. L. 89-183, § 1; Apr. 27, 2001, D.C. Law 13-292, § 801(e), 48 DCR 2087; Mar 2, 2007, D.C. Law 16-191, § 92(b), 53 DCR 6794.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 19-110.
1973 Ed., § 19-110.
Effect of Amendments
D.C. Law 16-191, in the section credit for D.C. Law 13-292, validated a previously made technical correction.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 19 - Descent, Distribution, and Trusts. [Enacted title] › Chapter 1 - Rights of Surviving Spouse or Domestic Partner, and Children › § 19–111. Reendowment upon eviction from jointure. [Repealed]

§ 19–111. Reendowment upon eviction from jointure. [Repealed]
Repealed.
(Sept. 14, 1965, 79 Stat. 696, Pub. L. 89-183, § 1; Apr. 27, 2001, D.C. Law 13-292, § 801(e), 48 DCR 2087; Mar 2, 2007, D.C. Law 16-191, § 92(b), 53 DCR 6794.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 19-111.
1973 Ed., § 19-111.
Effect of Amendments
D.C. Law 16-191, in the section credit for D.C. Law 13-292, validated a previously made technical correction.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 19 - Descent, Distribution, and Trusts. [Enacted title] › Chapter 1 - Rights of Surviving Spouse or Domestic Partner, and Children › § 19–112. Devise or bequest to a spouse or domestic partner

§ 19–112. Devise or bequest to a spouse or domestic partner.
Subject to section 19-114 , and unless it is otherwise expressed in the will, a devise of real estate or an interest therein, or a bequest of personal estate or an interest therein, to the surviving spouse or surviving domestic partner, bars his or her share in the decedent’s estate.
(Sept. 14, 1965, 79 Stat. 696, Pub. L. 89-183, § 1; Apr. 27, 2001, D.C. Law 13-292, § 801(f), 48 DCR 2087; Apr. 4, 2006, D.C. Law 16-79, § 5(g), 53 DCR 1035; Mar. 2, 2007, D.C. Law 16-191, § 92(c), 53 DCR 6794.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 19-112.
1973 Ed., § 19-112.
Section References
This section is referenced in § 19-113.
Effect of Amendments
D.C. Law 13-292 deleted “, and his or her dower rights” following “decedent’s estate”.
D.C. Law 16-79 rewrote section which had read as follows: “Subject to section 19-114, and unless it is otherwise expressed in the will, a devise of real estate or an interest therein, or a bequest of personal estate or an interest therein, to the surviving spouse, bars his or her share in the decedent’s estate.”
D.C. Law 16-191, in the section credit for D.C. Law 13-292, validated a previously made technical correction.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 19 - Descent, Distribution, and Trusts. [Enacted title] › Chapter 1 - Rights of Surviving Spouse or Domestic Partner, and Children › § 19–114. Right of surviving spouse or surviving domestic partner if there is no renunciation

§ 19–114. Right of surviving spouse or surviving domestic partner if there is no renunciation.
A surviving spouse or surviving domestic partner who does not renounce as provided by section 19-113 is entitled to the benefit of all provisions in his favor in the will of the deceased spouse or deceased domestic partner and shall share, in accordance with sections 19-301 and 19-302 in any estate of the deceased spouse or deceased domestic partner undisposed of by the will.
(Sept. 14, 1965, 79 Stat. 697, Pub. L. 89-183, § 1; Apr. 4, 2006, D.C. Law 16-79, § 5(i), 53 DCR 1035.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 19-114.
1973 Ed., § 19-114.
Section References
This section is referenced in § 19-112 and § 19-113.
Effect of Amendments
D.C. Law 16-79 rewrote section which had read as follows: “A surviving spouse who does not renounce as provided by section 19-113 is entitled to the benefit of all provisions in his favor in the will of the deceased spouse and shall share, in accordance with sections 19-301, 19-302, 19-303, 19-304, and 20-1901, in any estate of the deceased spouse undisposed of by the will.”
References in Text
The reference to section 20-1901, appearing near the end of this section, is no longer accurate in light of the revisions of Title 20 by the Act of June 24, 1980, D.C. Law 3-72 and by D.C. Law 10-241.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 19 - Descent, Distribution, and Trusts. [Enacted title] › Chapter 1 - Rights of Surviving Spouse or Domestic Partner, and Children › § 19–115. Definitions

§ 19–115. Definitions.
For the purposes of this chapter, the term:
(1) “Domestic partner” shall have the same meaning as provided in § 32-701(3).
(2) “Domestic partnership” shall have the same meaning as provided in § 32-701(4).
(3) “Probate Court” means the Superior Court of the District of Columbia.
(July 29, 1970, 84 Stat. 566, Pub. L. 91-358, title I, § 148 (2)(A); Apr. 4, 2006, D.C. Law 16-79, § 5(j), 53 DCR 1035.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 19-115.
1973 Ed., § 19-115.
Effect of Amendments
D.C. Law 16-79 rewrote section which had read as follows: “For purposes of this chapter ‘Probate Court’ means the Superior Court of the District of Columbia.”
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 19 - Descent, Distribution, and Trusts. [Enacted title] › Chapter 3 - Intestates’ Estates › § 19–301. Course of descents generally

§ 19–301. Course of descents generally.
The real estate in the District of Columbia, of a deceased person, male or female, if not devised, shall descend in fee simple, and the surplus of the personal estate of a deceased resident of the District, if not bequeathed, shall be distributed, to the surviving spouse or surviving domestic partner, children, and other persons in the manner provided by this chapter. The heirs specified by this section take the real estate as tenants in common in the same proportions as they take the surplus personal estate as provided by this chapter.
(Sept. 14, 1965, 79 Stat. 697, Pub. L. 89-183, § 1; June 24, 1980, D.C. Law 3-72, § 204(b), 27 DCR 2155; Apr. 30, 1988, D.C. Law 7-104, § 5(b), 35 DCR 147; Apr. 4, 2006, D.C. Law 16-79, § 5(l), 53 DCR 1035.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 19-301.
1973 Ed., § 19-301.
Section References
This section is referenced in § 14-504, § 19-114, and § 19-317.
Effect of Amendments
D.C. Law 16-79 substituted “surviving spouse or surviving domestic partner,” for “surviving spouse,”.
Cross References
Adopted children inheritance by, see § 16-312.
Fraternal benefit association, distribution of death benefits, see § 31-5701.
Insurance policy proceeds, distribution, see § 14-504.
Wrongful death actions, distribution of proceeds, see § 16-
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 19 - Descent, Distribution, and Trusts. [Enacted title] › Chapter 3 - Intestates’ Estates › § 19–302. Share of spouse or domestic partner

§ 19–302. Share of spouse or domestic partner.
The intestate share of a decedent’s surviving spouse or surviving domestic partner is:
(1) The entire intestate estate, if no descendant or parent of the decedent survives the decedent;
(2) Two-thirds of any balance of the intestate estate, if the decedent’s surviving descendants are also descendants of the surviving spouse or surviving domestic partner and there is no other descendant of the surviving spouse or surviving domestic partner who survives the decedent;
(3) Three-fourths of any balance of the intestate estate, if no descendant of the decedent survives the decedent, but a parent of the decedent survives the decedent;
(4) One-half of any balance of the intestate estate, if all of the decedent’s surviving descendants are also descendants of the surviving spouse or surviving domestic partner and the surviving spouse or surviving domestic partner has one or more surviving descendants who are not descendants of the decedent; or
(5) One-half of any balance of the intestate estate, if one or more of the decedent’s surviving descendants are not descendants of the surviving spouse or surviving domestic partner.
(Sept. 14, 1965, 79 Stat. 698, Pub. L. 89-183, § 1; Apr. 27, 2001, D.C. Law 13-292, § 805(b), 48 DCR 2087; Apr. 4, 2006, D.C. Law 16-79, § 5(m), 53 DCR 1035.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 19-302.
1973 Ed., § 19-302.
Section References
This section is referenced in § 19-114 and § 28:9-801.
Effect of Amendments
D.C. Law 13-292 rewrote the section which had read:
“When the intestate leaves a surviving spouse and no child, parent, grandchild, brother, or sister, or the child of a brother or sister of the intestate, the surviving spouse is entitled to the whole.”
D.C. Law 16-79, in the section heading, substituted “spouse or domestic partner” for “spouse”; in the lead-in language, substituted “surviving spouse or surviving domestic partner” for “surviving spouse”; and, in pars. (2), (4), and (5), substituted “surviving spouse or surviving domestic partner” for “surviving spouse”.
Editor's Notes
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 19 - Descent, Distribution, and Trusts. [Enacted title] › Chapter 3 - Intestates’ Estates › § 19–303. When surviving spouse entitled to one-third. [Repealed]

§ 19–303. When surviving spouse entitled to one-third. [Repealed]
Repealed.
(Sept. 14, 1965, 79 Stat. 698, Pub. L. 89-183, § 1; Apr. 27, 2001, D.C. Law 13-292, § 805(c), 48 DCR 2087.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 19-303.
1973 Ed., § 19-303.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 19 - Descent, Distribution, and Trusts. [Enacted title] › Chapter 3 - Intestates’ Estates › § 19–304. When surviving spouse entitled to one-half. [Repealed]

§ 19–304. When surviving spouse entitled to one-half. [Repealed]
Repealed.
(Sept. 14, 1965, 79 Stat. 698, Pub. L. 89-183, § 1; Apr. 27, 2001, D.C. Law 13-292, § 805(c), 48 DCR 2087.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 19-304.
1973 Ed., § 19-304.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 19 - Descent, Distribution, and Trusts. [Enacted title] › Chapter 3 - Intestates’ Estates › § 19–305. Distribution of surplus after payment to surviving spouse or surviving domestic partner

§ 19–305. Distribution of surplus after payment to surviving spouse or surviving domestic partner.
The surplus, above the share of the surviving spouse or surviving domestic partner, or the whole surplus, when there is no surviving spouse or surviving domestic partner, descends and is distributed as provided by this chapter and by section 19-701 .
(Sept. 14, 1965, 79 Stat. 698, Pub. L. 89-183, § 1; Apr. 4, 2006, D.C. Law 16-79, § 5(n), 53 DCR 1035.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 19-305.
1973 Ed., § 19-305.
Effect of Amendments
D.C. Law 16-79, in the section heading, substituted “surviving spouse or surviving domestic partner” for “surviving spouse”; and substituted “surviving spouse or surviving domestic partner” for “surviving spouse” throughout section.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 19 - Descent, Distribution, and Trusts. [Enacted title] › Chapter 3 - Intestates’ Estates › § 19–306. Children to share equally

§ 19–306. Children to share equally.
When the intestate leaves children and no other descendants, the surplus is divided equally among them.
(Sept. 14, 1965, 79 Stat. 698, Pub. L. 89-183, § 1.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 19-306.
1973 Ed., § 19-306.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 19 - Descent, Distribution, and Trusts. [Enacted title] › Chapter 3 - Intestates’ Estates › § 19–307. Grandchildren’s share

§ 19–307. Grandchildren’s share.
(a) Subject to subsection (b) of this section, and to section 19-319, when the intestate leaves a child and a child of a deceased child, the child of the deceased child takes such share as his deceased parent would, if living, be entitled to, and every other descendant in existence at the death of the intestate stands in the place of his deceased ancestor.
(b) Those in equal degree claiming in the place of an ancestor take equal shares.
(Sept. 14, 1965, 79 Stat. 698, Pub. L. 89-183, § 1.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 19-307.
1973 Ed., § 19-307.
Cross References
Advancement as satisfaction of devise or bequest, see § 18-307.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 19 - Descent, Distribution, and Trusts. [Enacted title] › Chapter 3 - Intestates’ Estates › § 19–308. Share of father and mother

§ 19–308. Share of father and mother.
When the intestate leaves no child, or descendant, the whole is divided equally between the father and mother or their survivor.
(Sept. 14, 1965, 79 Stat. 698, Pub. L. 89-183, § 1; Sept. 10, 1966, 80 Stat. 738, Pub. L. 89-567, § 1.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 19-308.
1973 Ed., § 19-308.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 19 - Descent, Distribution, and Trusts. [Enacted title] › Chapter 3 - Intestates’ Estates › § 19–309. Share of brother or sister or their descendants

§ 19–309. Share of brother or sister or their descendants.
When the intestate leaves a brother or sister, or child or descendant of a brother or sister, and no child, descendant, or father or mother, the brother, sister, or child or descendant of a brother or sister is entitled to the whole.
(Sept. 14, 1965, 79 Stat. 698, Pub. L. 89-183, § 1.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 19-309.
1973 Ed., § 19-309.