What Do I Do When Someone Dies in District of Columbia?

A step-by-step checklist for the days, weeks, and months after a death, with the state's rules, deadlines, fees, and official forms noted on the steps they apply to. Free PDF.

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District of Columbia Executor Checklist

50 tasks to complete

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Notify immediate family members

Contact close family members who need to know. Coordinate funeral arrangements and gather contact information for extended family and friends.

Confirm who has authority over final arrangements

District of Columbia: State law sets the order of who controls disposition of remains. Order: Decedent’s own written directions, or the individual the decedent designated to make disposition decisions (§ 3-413(b)); then The competent surviving spouse, or domestic partner (§ 3-413(a)(1)); then The sole surviving competent adult child of the decedent, or if there is more than one, the majority of the surviving competent adult children (§ 3-413(a)(2)); then others in statutory order. A written pre-need designation by the deceased, if one exists, controls over this order.

Arrange burial, cremation, or other disposition

Work with a funeral home, crematory, or other provider to arrange disposition of the body. State rules govern cremation waiting periods, required authorizations, and burial or disposition permits. The funeral home typically provides certified death certificates and files the death certificate with vital records.

District of Columbia: Medical examiner authorization is required before cremation. A burial or disposition permit is required, issued by Registrar, DC Department of Health (Vital Records Division), per § 7-231.17. The funeral director must obtain the Registrar permit before final disposition. For cremation or resomation, additional authorization from the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner is also required.. The death certificate must be filed within 5 days. Typical state costs: direct cremation ~$2,000, direct burial ~$4,500, traditional funeral ~$10,500.

How many death certificates do I need?

Obtain certified death certificates

District of Columbia: Order from DC Health - Vital Records Division. Fee: $18/copy. Available: online, phone, in-person. Processing: 2-4 weeks for remote orders.

Unsure how many death certificates you need?

Secure the residence and valuables

Change locks if necessary, ensure the home is secured, and safeguard valuable items. Review who has keys and whether security measures are needed.

District of Columbia: Homestead exemption up to $30,000. Minor children also protected.

Locate estate planning documents

Find the original will, trust documents, and any amendments. Check the home, safe deposit box, and contact any attorney the deceased worked with.

Determine if probate is necessary

Evaluate whether the estate qualifies for small estate procedures or if full probate is required based on asset values and types.

District of Columbia: Small estate affidavit available for estates under $40,000. Independent administration reduces court oversight.

Do I need probate?Estimate probate costs in your state

Arrange mail forwarding or collection

Ensure mail is collected regularly to identify bills, accounts, and important correspondence. Forwarding mail to the executor/trustee is common practice.

USPS death notification procedures

Notify Social Security Administration

Report the death to Social Security. The funeral home often does this, but verify it was done. Surviving spouse may be eligible for benefits.

Federal: Timing: As soon as possible after death — payments for the month of death and later must be returned. The funeral home typically initiates the report. SSA: 1-800-772-1213.

SSA death notification procedures

Notify Medicare/Medicaid if applicable

Cancel Medicare coverage and return the Medicare card. If on Medicaid, notify the state agency to avoid benefit continuation.

District of Columbia: Medicare: No Medicare notification deadline — coverage ends with the death and CMS is notified through SSA. Deadlines that do bind the estate: a Medicare Secondary Payer demand must be repaid within 60 calendar days or interest accrues (42 CFR 411.24(h)), and any claim for services furnished before death must be filed within 12 months of the date of service.. If the deceased received Medicaid, District of Columbia's estate recovery program (DC Department of Health Care Finance (DHCF)) may file a claim against the estate for benefits paid. Exemptions and hardship waivers are state-specific.

Medicare/Medicaid death notification procedures District of Columbia Medicaid estate recovery program

Notify Veterans Affairs if applicable

If the deceased was a veteran, notify the VA to stop benefits and inquire about burial benefits and survivor benefits.

Federal: Timing: No fixed deadline to report the death, but report right away to stop payments and avoid overpayment debt; accrued-benefits and substitution requests are due within 1 year of death, and non-service-connected burial allowance claims within 2 years of burial. VA: 1-800-827-1000 (select 5 to report a death); 1-800-535-1117 (national cemetery scheduling).

VA death notification and survivor benefits

Notify employer or former employer

Contact employer about final paycheck, accrued PTO, life insurance, retirement benefits, and COBRA options for survivors.

Employer benefits and pension after a death

Notify banks and financial institutions

Contact each bank and financial institution. They will freeze accounts until proper documentation is provided.

Find your bank or credit union death claim process FDIC guidance on accounts after a death

Notify insurance companies

Contact life insurance companies to file claims. Also notify health, auto, and homeowner insurance to update or cancel policies.

District of Columbia: Divorce does not automatically revoke beneficiary designations — a former spouse named on a policy or account may still be the legal beneficiary.

Find your insurance company death claim process

Freeze credit at all three bureaus

Place a deceased alert or credit freeze with Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion to prevent identity theft. Over 2 million deceased identities are stolen annually.

FTC identity theft prevention for the deceased

Gather financial account statements

Collect recent statements for all bank accounts, investment accounts, retirement accounts, and any other financial accounts.

What are my personal items worth for probate?

Gather real estate documents

Locate deeds, mortgage statements, property tax bills, and homeowner insurance policies for all real property. Check the county recorder for any recorded Transfer on Death deeds.

District of Columbia: Homestead exemption up to $30,000. Minor children also protected. District of Columbia allows Transfer on Death (TOD) deeds. Check the county recorder's office to see if a TOD deed was recorded -- if so, the property transfers outside probate.

What is a Transfer on Death deed?

Gather recent tax returns

Locate the last 3-5 years of federal and state income tax returns. These help identify income sources, assets, and deductions.

Do I have to file tax returns for someone who died?IRS procedures when someone dies

Obtain an EIN for the estate

Apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS. The estate needs its own tax ID to open bank accounts and file tax returns.

Apply for an estate EIN IRS procedures when someone dies

File petition for probate with the court

Submit the original will (if any) and petition to open probate. You will need to pay filing fees and may need to post a bond.

District of Columbia: Statewide form: Petition for Probate (For decedents dying on or after July 1, 1995 to the present). File with the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, Probate Division (Office of the Register of Wills), 515 5th Street NW, Room 314, Washington, DC 20001. Filing fees vary by estate value. Independent administration reduces court supervision. Typical duration: 7-24 months.

Can I self-file probate?Petition for Probate (For decedents dying on or after July 1, 1995 to the present) (official form)Prepare a Petition for Probate and Letters

Obtain letters testamentary or administration

Once appointed by the court, obtain letters testamentary (with will) or letters of administration (without will). These prove your authority.

District of Columbia: Letters of Administration are issued by the Register of Wills (Probate Division), after the appointment of the personal representative by the Court or, in abbreviated probate, by the Register of Wills. The state's title for the role is Personal Representative. Typically filed with the petition: Original will and any codicils, with the Certificate of Filing Will (D.C. Code § 20-304(c): "exhibit the original of the will with the petition"; DC Courts ADM case-initiation checklist, "Will (if any) and Certificate of Filing Will"); Abbreviated Probate Order (abbreviated track) or Standard Probate Order (standard/formal track) — the proposed order lodged with the petition; Statement of acceptance of the duties of the office and written consent to D.C. personal jurisdiction (D.C. Code § 20-501; "Acceptance and Consent of Each Personal Representative" form); Bond, or waivers of bond, or some combination, unless excused (D.C. Code § 20-502); Personal Identification Information (Form 26); Notice of Appointment, Notice to Creditors and Notice to Unknown Heirs — lodged at case initiation. Statutory minimum (D.C. Code § 20-704(a)): "Within 20 days after appointment, the personal representative shall ... publish a notice of the appointment in a legal periodical or newspaper of general circulation in the District ... once a week for 2 successive weeks." In practice the Probate Division itself transmits the notice: "The Probate Division will send the document called Notice of Appointment, Notice to Creditors and Notice to Unknown Heirs to the two newspapers chosen by the personal representative for publication. The notice must be published once a week for three consecutive weeks concurrently in both of the publications."; List of interested persons — names and addresses of all interested persons and of any will witnesses (D.C. Code § 20-304(a)(6); stated in the petition); Irrevocable power of attorney designating the Register of Wills for service, if the petitioner is a nonresident (D.C. Code § 20-303(b)(7)); Standard/formal probate only: Notice of Standard Probate, plus the Verified Statement Regarding Service of Petition for Standard Probate and the Acknowledgement of Receipt of Service of Notice Regarding Petition for Standard Probate (prior notice is what distinguishes formal from abbreviated probate — D.C. Code §§ 20-311, 20-323; § 20-323(a) requires notice to all known interested persons plus publication "once a week for 2 successive weeks").

Letters of Administration (official form)Prepare a Petition for Probate and Letters

Post surety bond if required

If the court requires a bond, obtain a surety bond from an insurance company. The bond protects beneficiaries from executor misconduct.

District of Columbia: Bond required unless waived in will. Typical premium: 0.5% of estate value. Beneficiaries may waive bond in writing (D.C. Code § 20-502).

Open an estate bank account

Open a dedicated checking account for the estate using the EIN and letters testamentary. All estate income and expenses flow through this account.

Consider hiring a probate attorney

For complex estates or if unfamiliar with probate, hiring an attorney is common. Many states allow statutory attorney fees.

District of Columbia: Attorney fees typically 2-3.1% of estate.

Find a probate attorney in your state Can I self-file probate instead?

Publish notice to creditors

Publish a notice in a local newspaper to alert potential creditors. This starts the creditor claim period running.

District of Columbia: District of Columbia requires publication for 2 consecutive weeks. Typical cost: $200. The court or clerk arranges the newspaper publication after appointment; the executor does not place the notice directly. Creditors have 6 months from first publication to file claims. Known creditors must receive direct mailed notice within 20 days of appointment. Proof of publication must be filed with the court.

What are the creditor claim deadlines?Official notice form (Notice of Appointment, Notice to Creditors and Notice to Unknown Heirs (124.10.v4))

Inventory digital accounts and assets

Identify email accounts, social media, online banking, cryptocurrency, and other digital assets. Note any password managers used.

District of Columbia: District of Columbia has adopted digital asset access laws (2020). User authorization or court order may be required to access accounts. Online tool authorizations (like Google Inactive Account Manager) are valid.

Digital assets guide

Search for unclaimed property and lost assets

Search the state unclaimed property database for forgotten bank accounts, uncashed checks, insurance proceeds, and refunds owed to the deceased. Estates frequently recover assets the deceased never tracked.

District of Columbia: Search DC Office of the Chief Financial Officer — Office of Finance and Treasury, Unclaimed Property Unit for forgotten accounts, refunds, and uncashed checks owed to the deceased.

DC Office of the Chief Financial Officer — Office of Finance and Treasury, Unclaimed Property Unit unclaimed property search

Manage real estate

Maintain property, continue paying mortgage and taxes, arrange for property management if needed, and prepare for sale or transfer.

Estimate probate costs for real estate

Review and manage investments

Review investment accounts, decide whether to maintain or liquidate positions, and manage accounts prudently during administration.

Find your brokerage death claim process SEC guidance on accounts after a death

Handle retirement accounts

Contact retirement account custodians about beneficiary claims. IRAs and 401(k)s typically pass by beneficiary designation, not through the estate.

District of Columbia: Divorce does not automatically revoke beneficiary designations — a former spouse named on a policy or account may still be the legal beneficiary.

Find your retirement provider death claim process Are my beneficiary designations protected?

Identify and list all debts

Create a comprehensive list of all debts including credit cards, loans, mortgages, and any other obligations.

What are the creditor claim deadlines?CFPB guidance on debts after a death

Cancel subscriptions and memberships

Cancel recurring charges for subscriptions, memberships, and services no longer needed.

Managing digital accounts after a death

File inventory with the court

Prepare and file an inventory of all estate assets with their values. The filing deadline runs from your appointment as personal representative and is set by state law.

District of Columbia: Inventory due within 90 days of appointment — you may either file it with the court or send it to interested persons who request it. You set the fair-market values yourself; no independent appraiser is required. Supplemental inventory required for assets discovered after the initial filing. The filing of the inventory with the Court can be waived — by a written waiver signed by all heirs/legatees, or by the will itself — in which case the inventory is still prepared and delivered to interested persons but not filed with the Court.

What are my personal items worth for probate?

Review and respond to creditor claims

Review claims submitted by creditors. Reject invalid claims and pay valid debts from estate/trust assets.

District of Columbia: After a claim is rejected, the creditor has 60 days to sue on it. If the estate cannot pay every claim, payment order: Court costs, publication costs, bond premiums; then Funeral expenses (up to $5,000); then Fiduciary and attorney fees (up to $1,000); then remaining claims in statutory order.

What are the creditor claim deadlines?

Wait for creditor claim period to expire

Do not make final distributions until the creditor claim period has expired. This protects you from personal liability.

District of Columbia: Creditor claim period is 6 months from first publication.

What are the creditor claim deadlines?

Transfer vehicle titles

Transfer ownership of vehicles to beneficiaries or the estate. Contact the state DMV with a death certificate and title documents.

District of Columbia: District of Columbia titles can carry a Beneficiary designation to certificate of title (18 DCMR § 402.2(b)). Check the title for a TOD or beneficiary designation — a designated vehicle passes directly to the named beneficiary outside probate. Titles are processed by the District of Columbia Department of Motor Vehicles (DC DMV).

What are my personal items worth for probate?District of Columbia Department of Motor Vehicles (DC DMV) — TOD designation information

File final personal income tax return

File a final IRS Form 1040 for the deceased covering January 1 through date of death. Write "DECEASED," the decedent's name, and the date of death across the top of the return. If filing jointly with a surviving spouse, include both incomes. Attach Form 1310 to claim a refund, unless you are the surviving spouse filing a joint return or a court-appointed personal representative attaching a copy of the court certificate to the original return.

District of Columbia: File D-40 for January 1 through date of death. Due April 15 following year of death (6-month extension via FR-127). Mark the "deceased" oval on the D-40. Do not prorate the decedent's income, exemptions, or deductions to the date of death unless a D-41 is filed for the rest of the year. An executor or personal representative (anyone other than the surviving spouse) attaches letters of administration; if a refund is due, attach Form FR-147 and a copy of the death certificate. D.C. Code § 47-1805.02.

Do I have to file tax returns for someone who died?IRS procedures when someone dies IRS Form 1040 (Federal)IRS Free File D-40 (District of Columbia)District of Columbia Online Filing

File estate/trust income tax return

If the estate or trust earns income during administration ($600 in gross income), file IRS Form 1041. Required if estate gross income is $600 or more, or if any beneficiary is a nonresident alien. The estate can choose a fiscal year. Use Form 7004 for an automatic 5.5-month extension of time to file.

District of Columbia: File D-41 for estate/trust income. Required when Gross income of $1+ (estates) or $100+ (trusts) — D.C. Code § 47-1805.02(2). Due April 15 (calendar year); 6-month extension via FR-127F. Estimated payments via D-41ES for quarterly fiduciary tax. D-41P payment voucher for balance due.

Do I have to file tax returns for someone who died?IRS procedures when someone dies IRS Form 1041 (Federal)D-41 (District of Columbia)

Determine if estate tax return is required

For estates exceeding the federal exemption ($15,000,000), IRS Form 706 is required. Some states have lower thresholds. File Form 4768 for an automatic 6-month extension of time to file. The estate and GST tax is still due within 9 months of death; an extension of time to pay must be requested separately on the same form. Form 706 may also be filed to elect portability of the unused exemption to a surviving spouse.

District of Columbia: Has STATE ESTATE TAX with $4,988,400 exemption. File D-76, due 10 months after date of death (D.C. Code § 47-3705).

How much are estate and inheritance taxes?IRS procedures when someone dies IRS Form 706 (Federal)Form 4768 (Extension)D-76 (District of Columbia)

Obtain tax clearance if required

Some states require tax clearance or closing letters before final distribution. Distributing without clearance can create personal liability for the executor or trustee.

District of Columbia: Tax clearance IS REQUIRED before final distribution. Where the personal representative is required to file a federal estate tax return, the probate court cannot approve the final account unless it finds the DC estate tax (with interest) has been paid in full or that no tax is due (D.C. Code § 47-3716). Once the liability is discharged or provided for, the Mayor may certify that fact (D.C. Code § 47-3710). File the D-76 and pay any estate tax via MyTax.DC.gov, then submit evidence of payment to the DC Superior Court Probate Division.

Do I have to file tax returns for someone who died?District of Columbia Tax Clearance

Determine your executor commission

An executor or personal representative is entitled to compensation for administering the estate. Some states set commissions by statute; others allow reasonable compensation. Decide whether to take a commission and document the basis before final distribution.

District of Columbia: Executor compensation must be reasonable (no fixed statutory schedule). States that do set a schedule pay 2.2%–3.8% of an estate this size. Commissions are taxable income to the executor and are usually waived when the executor is also the main beneficiary.

How much can an executor charge?

Prepare distribution plan

Create a detailed plan for distributing assets according to the trust terms, will provisions, or intestate succession laws.

Who inherits without a will?

Notify beneficiaries of proposed distribution

Provide beneficiaries with a proposed distribution and accounting before making distributions.

I'm inheriting - what do I need to know?

Handle specific bequests

Distribute specific items (jewelry, heirlooms, etc.) to named beneficiaries as specified in the will or trust.

What are my personal items worth for probate?

Obtain receipts and releases from beneficiaries

Have beneficiaries sign receipts acknowledging distributions. Releases from liability are also commonly obtained.

Distribute assets to beneficiaries

Transfer assets to beneficiaries according to the distribution plan. Keep detailed records of all distributions.

Prepare final accounting

Create a detailed accounting showing all assets, income, expenses, and distributions. This may be required by the court or beneficiaries.

File final accounting with the court

Submit the final accounting to the probate court for approval. This is required before the estate can be formally closed.

Can I self-file probate?

Petition to close the estate

File a petition with the court to formally close the estate once all duties are complete.

Estate closing forms

Retain records for required period

Keep copies of all documents, accountings, receipts, and tax returns. Most professionals recommend keeping records for 7-10 years.

I understand this is general guidance only and requirements vary by state. I will verify all requirements with my state's probate court.I understand this checklist is not legal advice; a licensed attorney handles legal questions.Send me helpful estate planning resources and updates

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This checklist provides general guidance for estate settlement. Requirements vary by state and circumstance. Consult a licensed attorney for legal advice.Data verified 2026-09-15

Frequently Asked Questions

Request 10-15 certified copies from the funeral home or state vital records office. You will need these for banks, insurance companies, government agencies, and other institutions. Each institution typically requires an original certified copy. Order from DC Health - Vital Records Division. Fee: $18/copy. Available: online, phone, in-person. Processing: 2-4 weeks for remote orders.

State law sets the order of who has the legal right to decide burial, cremation, or other disposition. A written pre-need designation by the deceased, if one exists, controls. Confirm who holds this authority before arrangements are made. State law sets the order of who controls disposition of remains. Order: Decedent’s own written directions, or the individual the decedent designated to make disposition decisions (§ 3-413(b)); then The competent surviving spouse, or domestic partner (§ 3-413(a)(1)); then The sole surviving competent adult child of the decedent, or if there is more than one, the majority of the surviving competent adult children (§ 3-413(a)(2)); then others in statutory order. A written pre-need designation by the deceased, if one exists, controls over this order.

Evaluate whether the estate qualifies for small estate procedures or if full probate is required based on asset values and types. Small estate affidavit available for estates under $40,000. Independent administration reduces court oversight.

Submit the original will (if any) and petition to open probate. You will need to pay filing fees and may need to post a bond. Statewide form: Petition for Probate (For decedents dying on or after July 1, 1995 to the present). File with the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, Probate Division (Office of the Register of Wills), 515 5th Street NW, Room 314, Washington, DC 20001. Filing fees vary by estate value. Independent administration reduces court supervision. Typical duration: 7-24 months.

Once appointed by the court, obtain letters testamentary (with will) or letters of administration (without will). These prove your authority. Letters of Administration are issued by the Register of Wills (Probate Division), after the appointment of the personal representative by the Court or, in abbreviated probate, by the Register of Wills. The state's title for the role is Personal Representative. Typically filed with the petition: Original will and any codicils, with the Certificate of Filing Will (D.C. Code § 20-304(c): "exhibit the original of the will with the petition"; DC Courts ADM case-initiation checklist, "Will (if any) and Certificate of Filing Will"); Abbreviated Probate Order (abbreviated track) or Standard Probate Order (standard/formal track) — the proposed order lodged with the petition; Statement of acceptance of the duties of the office and written consent to D.C. personal jurisdiction (D.C. Code § 20-501; "Acceptance and Consent of Each Personal Representative" form); Bond, or waivers of bond, or some combination, unless excused (D.C. Code § 20-502); Personal Identification Information (Form 26); Notice of Appointment, Notice to Creditors and Notice to Unknown Heirs — lodged at case initiation. Statutory minimum (D.C. Code § 20-704(a)): "Within 20 days after appointment, the personal representative shall ... publish a notice of the appointment in a legal periodical or newspaper of general circulation in the District ... once a week for 2 successive weeks." In practice the Probate Division itself transmits the notice: "The Probate Division will send the document called Notice of Appointment, Notice to Creditors and Notice to Unknown Heirs to the two newspapers chosen by the personal representative for publication. The notice must be published once a week for three consecutive weeks concurrently in both of the publications."; List of interested persons — names and addresses of all interested persons and of any will witnesses (D.C. Code § 20-304(a)(6); stated in the petition); Irrevocable power of attorney designating the Register of Wills for service, if the petitioner is a nonresident (D.C. Code § 20-303(b)(7)); Standard/formal probate only: Notice of Standard Probate, plus the Verified Statement Regarding Service of Petition for Standard Probate and the Acknowledgement of Receipt of Service of Notice Regarding Petition for Standard Probate (prior notice is what distinguishes formal from abbreviated probate — D.C. Code §§ 20-311, 20-323; § 20-323(a) requires notice to all known interested persons plus publication "once a week for 2 successive weeks").

After a Death in District of Columbia

Estate settlement in District of Columbia begins with determining whether probate is required. Estates under $40,000 may qualify for simplified procedures that avoid formal court involvement. For larger estates, probate provides a structured process for resolving debts and distributing assets.

The 6 months creditor claim period in District of Columbia is a key factor in the settlement timeline. No final distribution should occur until this period expires. State procedure sets a practical floor of about 7 months before an estate can close (D.C. Code §§ 20-704(a), 20-724(a), 20-735(a), 20-903(a) (statutory milestones); typical/maximum are industry estimates). Simple estates close in 6 months to 12 months from the date of filing.

District of Columbia requires an executor bond by default. The bond can be waived through a provision in the will, reducing upfront costs. The executor is responsible for managing estate expenses, filing tax returns, and providing a final accounting to the court and beneficiaries. District of Columbia provides a family allowance for eligible survivors during administration, up to $30,000 (D.C. Code §§ 19-101.04, 19-101.05).

Estate settlement expenses in District of Columbia include attorney fees, executor fees, court costs, and creditor notice publication — about $26,493 on a $500,000 estate. Estates held in a revocable living trust avoid probate entirely and settle in weeks rather than months.

SimplyTrust Editorial·Updated September 8, 2026

Legal Sources

Data sourced from District of Columbia statutes and official state code. How we research.

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