Small Estate Affidavit in District of Columbia
How to collect a loved one's property in District of Columbia without full probate: the dollar limit, waiting period and official form.
Short answer: D.C. does not use a simple out-of-court affidavit. Instead, an estate of $80,000 or less may be handled as a small estate in the Probate Division: a person eligible to be personal representative files a verified petition listing the decedent's property, known creditors and claims, and… D.C. Code §§ 20-351, 20-352
| Small estate affidavit | D.C. does not use a simple out-of-court affidavit. Instead, an estate of $80,000 or less may be handled as a small estate in the Probate Division: a person eligible to be personal representative files a verified petition listing the decedent's property, known creditors and claims, and any pending lawsuits. The limit was raised from $40,000 to $80,000 by D.C. Law 25-302 (2025); check which limit applies to the date of death. These sections do not say whether a small estate may include real estate. Re-verified 2026-10-27. Source: D.C. Code §§ 20-351, 20-352 |
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| Simplified probate | Small estate administration ($80,000 or less): after the petition, the court appoints a personal representative, may order immediate payment of funeral expenses, and directs one published notice; claims and objections are due within 30 days after publication. Larger estates go through standard (usually unsupervised) administration. Re-verified 2026-10-27. Source: D.C. Code §§ 20-351, 20-353 |
| Deadline for creditor claims | 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. Liens and some insured claims are treated differently. Re-verified 2026-10-27. |
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FAQ
What is the small estate limit in District of Columbia?
D.C. does not use a simple out-of-court affidavit. Instead, an estate of $80,000 or less may be handled as a small estate in the Probate Division: a person eligible to be personal representative files a verified petition listing the decedent's property, known creditors and claims, and any pending lawsuits.
Is there a simplified probate process in District of Columbia?
Small estate administration ($80,000 or less): after the petition, the court appoints a personal representative, may order immediate payment of funeral expenses, and directs one published notice; claims and objections are due within 30 days after publication. Larger estates go through standard (usually unsupervised) administration.
How long do creditors have to file claims against an estate in District of Columbia?
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.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.