Becoming the PR for an Estate

To open an estate and become personal representative, a packet of forms must be filed at the Probate Division. One of the Probate Division Judges will consider these filings and decide whether an estate should be opened, whether the person who has signed the papers (the “petitioner”) should be appointed, whether bond is required (and, if so, in what amount), and whether any other special conditions apply to the estate. 

The forms are available on the Probate Division website at www.dccourts.gov and should be typed and printed out for filing. They have been developed in accordance with the law in the District of Columbia. It is important that the information requested be provided completely, neatly, and clearly.