DC's timeline isn't set by one deadline — it's set by a recurring one: accountings filed with the Probate Division roughly every 9 to 12 months until the court approves closing.
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| Milestone | DC rule | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Small estate proceeding eligible | $80,000 or less (raised 2026) | D.C. Code § 20-351 |
| Periodic accountings filed | Roughly every 9–12 months, until closing | Probate Division practice |
| Personal representative fee | Reasonable, no set rate (often 2–4%) | § 20-751 |
| DC estate tax return (Form D-76), if applicable | Due 10 months after death | D.C. Office of Tax and Revenue |
| Typical total timeline | 12–18 months | Probate Division practice |
Most DC estates take about 12 to 18 months, shaped by the creditor claim period and the accountings the personal representative files with the Probate Division every 9 to 12 months until the estate closes.
$80,000, raised in 2026 under D.C. Code Section 20-351.
Because the personal representative must file periodic accountings with the Probate Division roughly every 9 to 12 months until the court approves the estate's closing, not just meet a one-time creditor deadline.
Yes. DC has its own estate tax with a 2026 exemption of $4,988,400, far below the federal $15 million, and the exemption is not portable between spouses.
This calculator provides an estimate for general guidance only and is not legal advice. Figures are based on D.C. Code § 20-351, 20-751, and DC estate tax rules (Form D-76). Actual timelines depend on the Probate Division and whether the estate is contested. Confirm current timelines with the Register of Wills or a licensed DC attorney before acting.