Estate Planning & Probate in District of Columbia, District of Columbia
Most District of Columbia estate questions come down to one fork: avoid probate before a death, or work through it after one. This page points you to the right path—planning ahead, or settling an estate at the DC Superior Court - Probate Division.
Someone died — settling an estate
Filing probate at the DC Superior Court - Probate Division, what it costs, transferring property, and local attorneys.
What to do when someone dies in District of Columbia→Planning ahead as a property owner
Keep a District of Columbia home out of probate with a transfer-on-death deed or a living trust.
Estate planning in District of Columbia→The Probate Process in District of Columbia
Probate is the court-supervised process of settling someone's estate after they die — validating the will, paying debts and taxes, and transferring what's left to the heirs. In District of Columbia, probate runs through the DC Superior Court - Probate Division at 515 Fifth Street NW, Court Building A, Room 314, Washington. The court sits in the DC Superior Court.
Full District of Columbiaprobate guide: cost, how to file & attorneys →Probate Court Record
DC Superior Court - Probate Division
District of Columbia · DC Superior Court
Address
Phone
Hours
Recording Deeds & Property Documents
Recording Office Record
Recorder of Deeds
District of Columbia · Recorder of Deeds
Address
Phone
Fax
Hours
E-recording
$25 flat, regardless of page count; a 2-page TOD deed records for $30; TOD deeds are exempt from transfer tax.
Full recording details →Verified September 4, 2026 · Source
Local Procedures at the DC Superior Court - Probate Division
The court offers a self-help center, open Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM, in Room 318, Court Building A, 515 Fifth Street NW. Staff can review paperwork for completeness and explain procedures, though they cannot provide legal advice. Call 202-508-1681 for details.
Wills must be filed within 90 days after death with a Certificate of Filing Will. Wills are filed at the Probate Clerk Office, Room 314, Court Building A. There is no cost to file a will. The Probate Division does not accept wills for safekeeping before death. Paper filings are submitted at the Duty Auditor station in Room 313, Court Building A. Accounts may also be filed by mail. Duty Auditor phone: 202-879-9447.
District of Columbia Estate Planning Articles
Articles about estate planning, probate, and trusts relevant to families in District of Columbia.
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