The Register of Wills
The Register of Wills serves as clerk of the
Probate Division. In general, estates in the District of Columbia
are "unsupervised," that is, the court does not
have a role unless a concern is brought to its attention.
In estates supervised by the court, the Register of Wills
ensures that all transfers of property are made in accordance
with the District of Columbia Code and the Superior Court
Rules. The Register of Wills also maintains all original wills,
bonds, court orders, and other official documents pertaining
to probate matters.
In addition, the Register of Wills is responsible for reviewing
incoming court filings for completeness and correctness and
making recommendations to the Court on all uncontested matters
filed in the Division. The Register of Wills and staff of
the Probate Division cannot assist with the preparation of
necessary forms or provide legal advice, except as described
in the Small Estates Section below.
AUDITING AND APPRAISALS BRANCH
This branch provides auditing functions for the accounts
of estates under court supervision to ensure compliance with
the law and Court rules as well as reviews requests for compensation.
This branch also provides appraisals of personal property;
it does not appraise real estate.
PROBATE OPERATIONS BRANCH
Decedents Estates and Guardianships of Minors Section
This section provides administrative support services
for decedents estates and guardianships of minors proceedings,
including filing, indexing, docketing of court documents,
requests from the public, and the copying of wills and other
court documents. This section also monitors the administration
of estates and ensures that notices are issued advising of
required filings.
Small Estates Section
This section is responsible for the administration
of estates of decedents having assets of $40,000.00 or less.
A small estate proceeding is a streamlined process wherein
the court staff assists with the preparation of required forms.
INTERVENTIONS AND TRUSTS SECTION
This section provides administrative support for estates of incapacitated adults, trusts, and other fiduciary proceedings. |
