What Happens If You Die Without a Will in District of Columbia?
Use our free intestacy calculator to see exactly who inherits your estate and how much they get under your state’s intestate succession laws.
Frequently Asked Questions
District of Columbia intestacy laws determine who inherits when there is no will.D.C. Code § 19-302Verified May 30, 2026 District of Columbia follows separate property rules. The surviving spouse's share depends on whether children survive and their relationship to the spouse. The order of priority is: surviving spouse, children, parents, siblings, then more distant relatives.
The surviving spouse's share in District of Columbia depends on family structure.D.C. Code § 19-302Verified May 30, 2026 With no children: If no parent survives: entire estate. If parent survives: 3/4 of the estate.. With shared children: If all descendants are shared AND spouse has no other descendants: 2/3 of the estate. If spouse has other descendants: 1/2 of the estate.. When children from a prior relationship survive: Half of the estate.
District of Columbia uses the "per stirpes" distribution method.D.C. Code § 19-307Verified May 30, 2026 Under this method, each branch of the family receives an equal share, and a deceased child's portion passes to their own descendants. Per stirpes
District of Columbia requires an heir to survive the decedent by 120 hours to inherit.D.C. Code § 19-302Verified May 30, 2026 If an heir dies within this period, they are treated as having predeceased the decedent, and their share passes to the next eligible heirs.
Under District of Columbia intestacy law, stepchildren and unmarried partners do not inherit unless legally adopted or otherwise recognized by statute.D.C. Code § 19-302Verified May 30, 2026 Only legally recognized spouses and blood or adopted relatives are included in the intestate succession order. A will or trust is the only way to provide for stepchildren or unmarried partners. The District of Columbia will signing requirements page outlines what is needed to execute a valid will.
Probate costs in District of Columbia depend on estate size and complexity. Estates valued at $80,000 or less may qualify for a simplified procedure that avoids formal probate. For larger estates, fees include court costs, attorney fees, and executor compensation. Use the District of Columbia probate cost calculator for a detailed estimate.
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District of Columbia Estate Planning Resources
In-depth guides covering District of Columbia probate laws, trust requirements, and estate planning strategies.
