FigureMyTax

DC Small Estate Checker

$40,000 — and unlike many states' quick affidavits, this is a real court petition with no pay for whoever runs it.

DC Probate Division FigureMyTax Editorial Team Free · no sign-up

By the FigureMyTax Editorial Team · Reviewed 2026 · How we calculate

Does this DC estate qualify?

Enter the total asset value to see whether the small estate process likely fits.

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Likely path for this DC estate
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How do I actually file? →
Facing probate in the District of Columbia?

A local probate attorney can review your estate — many offer a free consultation.

Talk to a the District of Columbia attorney

$40,000 — low, and tied to a specific date

Confirmed current: for people who died after April 26, 2001, and had assets with a total value of $40,000.00 or less, a small estate proceeding may be opened to appoint a personal representative, pay claims, and make distribution of estate assets. For deaths between July 1, 1995, and April 26, 2001, the older $15,000 threshold applies instead.

A real petition, not a quick affidavit

This isn't a bank-facing affidavit — it's a court petition that appoints an actual personal representative, generally taking no more than 120 days from filing to a final order.

No pay for the person who runs it

Persons, including attorneys, appointed to be personal representatives in small estates are not entitled to be paid for acting in that role — a genuinely distinctive rule specific to this track.

Real property routes the case elsewhere

Large Decedents' Estates are opened specifically for someone who owned DC real property and/or other assets of any value — effectively separating any estate with real property from the small estate track.

DC small estate — frequently asked questions

What is DC's small estate threshold?

$40,000 or less in total assets, for people who died after April 26, 2001 — a notably low threshold compared to many states' current figures.

Is DC's small estate process a simple affidavit?

No — it's a court petition that appoints an actual personal representative, taking no more than 120 days from filing to a final order, a real court process rather than a bank-facing affidavit.

Does the personal representative get paid for a small estate?

No — persons, including attorneys, appointed to be personal representatives in small estates are not entitled to be paid for acting in that role.

Does owning DC real property of any value block the small estate track?

Yes, effectively — Large Decedents' Estates are opened specifically for someone who owned DC real property and/or other assets of any value, a separate category from the small estate proceeding.

Where is the small estate petition filed?

At the Probate Division, Room 314, 515 5th Street NW, Washington, DC, where small estate specialists are available to help with filing.

DC small estate tools & guides

If full probate is needed instead, it's filed with the single DC Probate Division — the District has no counties to vary by.

DC Small Estate: How-ToFiling the petition, step by step Do I Need Probate in DC?Why the house always needs its own path Transferring a Car in DC Without ProbateUsing the small estate order at the DMV DC Probate Cost CalculatorIf this estate needs full probate DC Probate Real Estate Sale CalculatorSelling the house instead Estate Value CalculatorWhat actually counts toward the total

This calculator provides an estimate for general guidance only and is not legal advice. Figures are based on DC Probate Division small estate guidance. Actual eligibility depends on the estate's full facts. Confirm with the Probate Division or a licensed DC attorney before acting.