Paying Claims, Bills and Expenses

Paying Claims and Bills: What Every Personal Representative in DC Needs to Know

Managing claims, bills, and debts is one of the most important responsibilities you’ll face as the Personal Representative of a DC estate. The process starts with publishing a Notice of Appointment, Notice to Creditors, and Notice to Unknown Heirs. This legal requirement alerts creditors and heirs, giving them six months to come forward with claims. Skipping this step could delay the probate process and create legal headaches you’ll want to avoid.

Once claims are filed, it’s your job to review them and determine if they’re valid. But don’t forget about known debts like mortgages or utility bills—these need to be handled whether creditors officially file a claim or not. Secured debts, like a mortgage tied to real estate, must be resolved before any property can be sold or transferred. Staying organized and proactive in managing these obligations is key to keeping the estate on track.

If this sounds overwhelming, don’t worry—you’re not alone. We’ve created a video that breaks down the entire process step-by-step to help you avoid costly mistakes and navigate your role with confidence. Click the link to watch now and make sure you’re fully prepared to handle the claims and bills portion of the probate process in Washington, DC.