How Do I File Probate in District of Columbia, District of Columbia?
A step-by-step guide to filing at the DC Superior Court - Probate Division—what documents you'll need, where to go, and what happens after you file.
If you're handling probate yourself in District of Columbia, District of Columbia, you can file at the DC Superior Court - Probate Division in person or by mail. E-filing is mandatory for attorneys but families filing without one are exempt and can use paper forms. The court sits in the DC Superior Court.
Filings here are routed through Large Estates (ADM), Small Estates (SEB), and Guardianship/Conservatorship (INT/IDD). Confirm with the office which intake handles the petition type you're filing.
Your Filing Options
How to File Your Documents
Paper Filing Available
You can file your probate documents in person or by mail. While attorneys are required to e-file in District of Columbia, families handling probate themselves are exempt and can file on paper.
E-Filing Also Available
If you prefer, you can file electronically through the state's online system. This is optional for families filing without an attorney.
View E-Filing InformationPaper Filing Required For
- •Wills and codicils
- •Bonds
- •Initial case-opening pleadings requiring variable court costs
- •Filings requiring deposits into the Estate Deposit Account
- •Confidential Information Form (Form 26)
- •Financial Information Form (Form 27)
- •Supporting documents (Inventories/Accounts) containing financial information
- •Subpoenas for medical records
- •Foreign subpoenas
- •Fee waivers
- •Petitions to re-open administration of estate prior to 2005
- •Requests for extension of personal representative appointment in closed cases where bond or waivers must be filed
Can You File Without an Attorney?
Not every estate requires an attorney. Factors like estate size, asset types, and whether beneficiaries agree can determine if self-filing at the DC Superior Court - Probate Division is realistic for your situation. District of Columbia has a self-help center that assists people filing without an attorney.
Self-represented parties may file probate matters. The Probate Self-Help Center provides online form completion, printing, and step-by-step guidance, plus guided interviews via ProBono.net. E-filing is optional (not required) for self-represented filers.
Get the District of Columbia probate forms →For a detailed cost comparison and filing checklist, see the full District of Columbia Self-Filing Assessment.
District of Columbia Filing Requirements
These are specific requirements for filing probate in this county. Following these guidelines will help avoid delays or rejected filings.
Before You File
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.
A waiver signed by one acting in a fiduciary capacity must be accompanied by a certified copy of a Court appointment (if any) or a certified statement.
Documents must be filed separately in each case unless cases are officially consolidated by court order. Paper documents filed are scanned and returned to filers after docketing; hard copies not retained for e-filed documents.
Records Access
Probate record searches require a Case Information Search Request Form submitted with a $10 check or money order payable to "Register of Wills" at Room 314. Decedent estate dockets are also available free online via Remote Public Access. Open or recently closed cases (under 10 years old) may be inspected in Room 314 during business hours; cases over 10 years old are stored at the Suitland Records Center or DC Archives and require a Case Information - Archive Case Request Form.
Other Requirements
Probate Division handles 14 case types: Large Estates (ADM), Small Estates (SEB), Foreign Decedent Estates (FEP), Will Filings (WIL), Guardianship/Conservatorships (INT/IDD), Foreign Intervention (FOI), Former Law Conservatorships (CON), Guardianship of Minors Estates (GDN), Trusts (TRP), Notice of Revocable Trusts (NRT), Disclaimers (DIS), Major Litigation (LIT), Probate Miscellaneous (PBM), and Wills (WIL).
Mediation services available for probate disputes. Spanish-language video guidance available. Live chat support available for procedural questions.
Getting to the DC Superior Court - Probate Division
Subway
Judiciary Square Metro Station (Red Line)
Parking
Metered street parking and nearby parking garages
Located in Court Building A, enter on Fifth Street NW
In-Person Filing
The DC Superior Court - Probate Division is located at 515 Fifth Street NW, Court Building A, Room 314, Washington, DC 20001. Phone: 202-879-9460. Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM.
Before You Go
Walk-ins accepted
You can file in person without an appointment. The Probate Clerk Office (Room 314) and Probate Self-Help Center (Room 318) accept walk-ins Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM. Online appointment scheduling is available for petition review with the Legal and Small Estates branches via the Probate Division Appointments page.
What to Bring
To file at the DC Superior Court - Probate Division you need: the original will (or proof there isn't one), a certified death certificate, contact information for all heirs and beneficiaries, and a summary of what the estate owns and owes.
Court Resources
The DC Superior Court - Probate Division runs a self-help center for filers without attorneys, open Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM. Call 202-508-1681. Staff can review paperwork for completeness and explain procedures, though they can't give legal advice on a specific case.
Additional resources, forms, and fee schedules are available on the DC Superior Court - Probate Division website.
Court information verified June 2, 2026 · Source
Frequently Asked Questions
You open probate by filing a petition with the DC Superior Court - Probate Division in District of Columbia, attaching the original will (if any), the death certificate, and the filing fee (about $575). Once the court issues letters, the personal representative can act.
At minimum: petition for probate, application for letters testamentary or of administration, notice to heirs, and an oath for the personal representative. District of Columbia uses the standard District of Columbia probate forms — the court's website lists the current versions.
District of Columbia permits self-representation, but formal probate procedures make it impractical for most families. The DC Superior Court - Probate Division staff can accept filings but cannot give legal advice. Check the District of Columbia self-filing assessment before deciding.
Yes. The DC Superior Court - Probate Division in District of Columbia accepts e-filing through the state portal. In-person filing at the courthouse is still available for those without digital access.
Assets stay locked, creditors can still pursue them, and beneficiaries cannot sell real property or close accounts. After a few years, interested parties can petition to open probate themselves. Waiting rarely helps. Families who set up a revocable living trust ahead of time bypass this problem entirely.
DC Superior Court - Probate Division
District of Columbia
515 Fifth Street NW, Court Building A, Room 314
Washington, DC 20001
Phone:
202-879-9460Hours:
Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Paper Filing Available
E-Filing Optional
Notify Banks & Financial Institutions
Each institution has a separate death claim process. Find yours below.
Is this your situation?
Get a complete guide for your specific circumstances.
Named as Executor
Being named executor means navigating probate, managing assets, and distributing the estate. What's expected, what you can charge, and how to start.
Learn more
Death of a Parent
Losing a parent is overwhelming. What needs to happen next — settling the estate, navigating probate, and the steps to move forward.
Learn more
