District of ColumbiaB26-0316Council Period 26 (2025-2026)House

Strengthening Probate Administration Temporary Amendment Act of 2025

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 3 mixed.

Faster abbreviated probate with fewer steps

The law speeds up abbreviated probate for D.C. estates. The Court or Register appoints a personal representative right away, and it is unsupervised unless the order says otherwise. Cases can move ahead without the usual prior notice step. A will can be admitted if it appears properly signed with a witness recital, or with a verified statement from someone who knows how it was signed. Final orders follow the standard probate finality rule. The Register of Wills can still require more verified proof and send the case to Court, which can add steps or costs.

One probate affidavit rule removed

The law removes subsection (a)(4) of D.C. Code § 20-361 on transfers by affidavit. Any rule in that paragraph no longer applies. This is a narrow cleanup that may change how some small estates use affidavits.

When these probate changes apply

The 2024 probate reforms apply only to people who died on or after March 21, 2025. This temporary law takes effect after mayoral approval and a 30-day congressional review. It expires 225 days after it takes effect. The timing rules decide which set of probate rules you use.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Brooke Pinto
Democratic • House

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 24 • No: 0

House vote • 7/28/2025

Final Reading, CC

Yes: 12 • No: 0

House vote • 7/14/2025

First Reading