District of Columbia guide

What to do when someone dies in Washington, DC

Settling an estate in Washington DC means navigating both the Probate Division of DC Superior Court and the District's own estate tax — one of the lowest thresholds in the country at $4.71 million. DC's rules are entirely separate from Maryland and Virginia, even for families who live nearby. A small estate procedure is available for estates under $40,000.

Content updated: July 2026

What's unique in District of Columbia

State-specific rules that affect how an estate is handled here.

DC Superior Court Probate Division

The Probate Division of DC Superior Court handles all estate administration for District residents. The process is distinct from the surrounding Maryland and Virginia courts.

DC estate tax

DC has its own estate tax with a threshold of $4.71 million — significantly lower than the federal threshold. If the estate is near or above this amount, review with a DC estate attorney.

Small estate procedure

For estates under $40,000 in personal property, a simplified small estate procedure may be available, avoiding the full probate process.

Elective share rights

A surviving spouse in DC has elective share rights to one-third of the net estate if no children exist, or one-fourth if children exist — even if the will provides less.

A glimpse at what Order covers in District of Columbia

These are just a few of the District of Columbia-specific tasks Order surfaces automatically when you select your state.

File for DC probate in Superior Court Probate DivisionLegal & Estate

DC requires supervised administration even for modest estates with a clear will — a level of formality that typically requires an attorney. Small estate procedure for personal property under $40,000 with no real estate.

Review DC elective share rightsLegal & Estate

Surviving spouse may claim one-third (no children) or one-fourth (with children) of the net estate — even if the will provides less.

Review DC estate tax obligationsFinancial Affairs

DC has its own estate tax with a threshold of $4.71 million — significantly lower than the federal threshold. File separately with the DC Office of Tax and Revenue.

Plus dozens more tasks across all 8 categories: funeral arrangements, digital accounts, dependents, and more.

Official resources for District of Columbia

DC Superior Court Probate DivisionOpen the estate and file required documents with the DC Probate Division DC Office of Tax & RevenueFile the DC estate tax return and the final local income tax return DC DMVTransfer vehicle titles to heirs using DC estate documentation DC Department of Human Resources (pension)Notify the pension and apply for any survivor benefit for DC employees DC Office of Veterans AffairsApply for the disabled veteran property tax exemption and coordinate burial eligibility at Arlington National Cemetery across the river in Virginia

What families commonly miss in District of Columbia

Many families handling a DC estate assume that one tax filing covers all state and local obligations — but DC has both a local income tax and a separate estate tax that must be filed independently, with the estate tax return going to the Office of Tax and Revenue, not the probate court.
Families who transfer DC real property without checking the specific requirements first often discover later that the deed wasn't recorded correctly — which can trigger additional fees or create title complications when the property is eventually sold.
Many families with straightforward DC estates assume the process will be quick — but the DC Probate Division requires supervised administration even for modest estates with a clear will, a level of formality that typically requires an attorney and surprises families who've settled estates in other jurisdictions.

Deeper reading

Probate: what families need to know

Probate rules vary significantly by state. Our full guide explains the process, timelines, and how to avoid common delays in District of Columbia.

Military families in District of Columbia

District of Columbia has additional veteran & survivor benefits

Contact DC Office of Tax and Revenue for veteran property tax programs
Contact Arlington National Cemetery for burial

District of Columbia-specific

Apply for DC disabled veteran property tax exemption (surviving spouse)DC provides a property tax exemption for qualifying disabled veterans and their surviving spouses. Contact the DC Office of Tax and Revenue (otr.cfo.dc.gov) or the DC Office of Veterans Affairs (ova.dc.gov) to confirm current eligibility and apply.
Contact Arlington National CemeteryArlington National Cemetery, just across the river in Virginia, is a primary burial option for DC veterans. Contact the National Cemetery Scheduling Office at 800-535-1117.

Start these District of Columbia-specific tasks in Order

These tasks appear automatically in your checklist when you select District of Columbia as your state.

File for DC probate in Superior Court (Probate Division)Legal & Estate

File in Superior Court, Probate Division.

Review DC spousal rightsLegal & Estate

Surviving spouse entitled to elective share of estate

Transfer vehicle at DC DMVLegal & Estate

Submit title transfer application with estate documentation

Plus dozens more tasks added automatically for District of Columbia families.

Order walks your family through every step, for District of Columbia and beyond.

One-time purchase. Lifetime access. Unlimited family members. Everything your family needs, organized in one place.

Covers all 50 states + DC · Jurisdiction-specific tasks added automatically

See guides for other states

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