Small estates in the District of Columbia

Any person having possession of a small asset shall pay or deliver the small asset to the designated successor of the decedent upon being presented an affidavit made by all of the known successors stating:

The value of the decedent's entire probate estate, less liens and encumbrances, as of the date of the decedent's death, wherever located, exceeds the estate's known liabilities but does not exceed $40,000, and that such estate does not include an interest in real property;

At least 60 days have elapsed since the decedent's death as shown in a certified copy of the decedent's death certificate attached to the affidavit;

District of Columbia · general information · checked October 24, 2026 · D.C. Code §20-361(a) (D.C. Law 25-302)

If the property of a decedent subject to administration in the District of Columbia has a value of $80,000 or less, the property may be administered as a small estate in accordance with the provisions of this subchapter.

District of Columbia · general information · checked October 24, 2026 · D.C. Code §20-351 (D.C. Law 25-302)

For someone who had property worth $80,000 or less.

Petition for Administration of Small Estate

District of Columbia · general information · checked October 24, 2026 · D.C. Superior Court, Probate Division

Any person having possession of a small asset shall pay or deliver the small asset to the designated successor of the decedent upon being presented an affidavit made by all of the known successors stating:

The value of the decedent's entire probate estate, less liens and encumbrances, as of the date of the decedent's death, wherever located, exceeds the estate's known liabilities but does not exceed $40,000, and that such estate does not include an interest in real property;

At least 60 days have elapsed since the decedent's death as shown in a certified copy of the decedent's death certificate attached to the affidavit;

District of Columbia · general information · checked October 24, 2026 · D.C. Code §20-361(a) (D.C. Law 25-302)

Any person having possession of a small asset shall pay or deliver the small asset to the designated successor of the decedent upon being presented an affidavit made by all of the known successors stating:

The value of the decedent's entire probate estate, less liens and encumbrances, as of the date of the decedent's death, wherever located, exceeds the estate's known liabilities but does not exceed $40,000, and that such estate does not include an interest in real property;

At least 60 days have elapsed since the decedent's death as shown in a certified copy of the decedent's death certificate attached to the affidavit;

District of Columbia · general information · checked October 24, 2026 · D.C. Code §20-361(a) (D.C. Law 25-302)

Any person having possession of a small asset shall pay or deliver the small asset to the designated successor of the decedent upon being presented an affidavit made by all of the known successors stating:

The value of the decedent's entire probate estate, less liens and encumbrances, as of the date of the decedent's death, wherever located, exceeds the estate's known liabilities but does not exceed $40,000, and that such estate does not include an interest in real property;

At least 60 days have elapsed since the decedent's death as shown in a certified copy of the decedent's death certificate attached to the affidavit;

This section includes amendments by temporary legislation that will expire on March 27, 2027.

The funeral expenses of the decedent have been paid;

The person named as successor to the small asset under the affidavit swears or affirms that all statements in the affidavit are true and material, under penalty of perjury pursuant to § 22-2402.

District of Columbia · general information · checked October 24, 2026 · D.C. Code §20-361(a)

Any person eligible for appointment as the personal representative of an estate pursuant to section 20-303 may file a verified petition for administration of a small estate.

District of Columbia · general information · checked October 24, 2026 · D.C. Code §20-352

the period within which claims must be filed or objection must be made to contest the validity of the will or the small estates proceeding or the appointment of the personal representative shall be 30 days from the date of publication of notice.

District of Columbia · general information · checked October 24, 2026 · D.C. Code §20-353(b)