After a parent dies · District of Columbia
Executor duties and deadlines in District of Columbia
In DC, the personal representative must prepare a verified inventory within 3 months of appointment. In DC, the personal representative must publish a notice of the appointment within 20 days after appointment. In DC, the personal representative must also send notice by registered or certified mail within 20 days after appointment.
Educational only. Not legal advice. Sources checked November 2, 2026.
What the official sources say
- In DC, the personal representative must prepare a verified inventory within 3 months of appointment. DC Code § 20-711. Checked November 2, 2026
- In DC, the personal representative must publish a notice of the appointment within 20 days after appointment. DC Code § 20-704. Checked November 2, 2026
- In DC, the personal representative must also send notice by registered or certified mail within 20 days after appointment. DC Code § 20-704. Checked November 2, 2026
How to keep these papers
Keep dated copies of the papers you already have in one place, and write the day something happened on the same day. KeepMyProof is a private phone app for that: folders with checklists, the day it happened next to the day you saved it, and one PDF of a folder when someone asks.
- Will or trust copies
- Death certificates
- Court papers naming the executor
- Accounts and property papers
- Bills and letters to close out
- Family land papers (heirs' property)
Download the free printable checklist (PDF)
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More for District of Columbia
- Creditor claim deadlines for an estate in District of Columbia
- How to order a death certificate in District of Columbia
- How probate works in District of Columbia after a parent dies
- Small estates in District of Columbia: collecting a parent's property without full probate
- Transfer-on-death deeds for a home in District of Columbia
- Executor checklist: papers after a parent dies: the full guide
- Executor duties and deadlines: all states
Neighbouring states
- Executor duties and deadlines in Maryland
- Executor duties and deadlines in Virginia
- Executor duties and deadlines in Florida
- Executor duties and deadlines in Connecticut
Questions
Where do these District of Columbia facts come from?
Each fact on this page is copied from an official source: DC Code § 20-711; DC Code § 20-704. We checked that each source still says it on November 2, 2026. Rules and forms change, so open the official link and read the current version before you rely on it.
Is this legal advice?
No. This page is educational only and is not legal advice. KeepMyProof is not a law firm. For advice about your situation, ask a lawyer licensed in District of Columbia or your court's self-help center.
Which papers should I keep for after a parent dies?
A good start: Will or trust copies; Death certificates; Court papers naming the executor; Accounts and property papers; Bills and letters to close out; Family land papers (heirs' property). Keep only papers you are allowed to have, write the date on each note, and keep originals somewhere safe.
How can I keep these papers private on my phone?
KeepMyProof keeps copies of the papers you already have in folders with checklists, encrypted on your phone, with no account and no ads. It is free for the first items you save. It is coming soon to Google Play.
Educational only. Not legal advice.