Executor Duties in District of Columbia

Within 20 days after appointment, the personal representative publishes notice of the appointment once a week for two successive weeks, stating whether administration is supervised or unsupervised and telling creditors to present claims (generally within six months). Within three months after appointment, the representative prepares a verified inventory listing each item of property with its date-of-death fair market value and any encumbrance (filed with the court in supervised estates). A supervised representative files verified accounts with the court, and approval of the final account closes the estate. An unsupervised estate is closed by filing a Certificate of Completion; otherwise the appointment ends automatically three years after appointment unless extended.

Letters are issued by the Probate Division of the D.C. Superior Court (Office of the Register of Wills). A petition for probate and appointment of a personal representative is filed with the will. As a condition of appointment, the personal representative files a statement accepting the duties of the office, any required bond, and a written consent to personal jurisdiction in D.C.; a non-resident must also file an irrevocable power of attorney naming the Register of Wills to receive legal papers. Bond is required unless the will excuses it or interested persons waive it in writing. The court then issues letters testamentary (with a will) or letters of administration (without one).

Claims are barred unless presented to the personal representative or filed with the Register of Wills within 6 months after the first publication of notice of the personal representative's appointment. In a small estate, claims are due within 30 days after the single publication.