Probate is a legal process that is used to manage an estate when someone passes away. If you need to start a probate in the District of Columbia (DC), you will need to understand the basics of the process and the necessary steps.
Determine if Probate is Necessary
The first step in getting started with a DC probate is to determine if probate is necessary for the estate. Probate is only necessary if the deceased had assets in their name alone, such as real estate or bank accounts. If the deceased had a will, it will need to be probated to make sure the wishes of the deceased are carried out.
Probate paralegals in Washington provide specialized legal services to individuals and families that are going through the probate process. They provide assistance with the paperwork, filing, and court proceedings involved in settling the estate of a deceased person.
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File the Necessary Forms
The next step is to file the necessary forms with the DC probate court. The forms needed will depend on the size and complexity of the estate. The forms will include the petition for probate, the inventory of the estate’s assets, and the notice of probate.
Close the Estate
Once all of the assets have been distributed and the taxes and debts have been paid, the personal representative can close the estate. This involves filing a final accounting with the court and a petition to close the estate. Once the court approves the petition, the estate will be officially closed and the personal representative will be released from their duties.