Powers and duties; restrictions

(a) The Register of Wills may — (1) receive inventories and accounts of sales, examine vouchers, and state accounts of executors, administrators, collectors, and guardians, subject to final approval of the court; (2) take the probate of claims against the estates of deceased persons that are properly brought before the Register of Wills, and approve or reject claims not exceeding $300; (3) take the probate of wills and accept the bonds of executors, administrators, collectors, and guardians, subject to approval of the court; and (4) audit and state fiduciary accounts. (b) In matters over which the Superior Court has probate jurisdiction or powers, the Register of Wills shall — (1) make full and fair entries, in separate records, of the proceedings of the court; (2) record in electronic or other format all wills proved before the Register of Wills or the court and other matters required by law to be recorded in the court; (3) lodge in places of safety designated by the court original papers filed with the Register of Wills; (4) make out and issue every summons, process, and order of the court; (5) prepare and submit to the Executive Officer of the District of Columbia courts such reports as may be required; and (6) in every respect, act under the control and direction of the court. (c) The Register of Wills may not — (1) practice law in any court of the District of Columbia or of the United States; or (2) demand or receive any fee, gratuity, gift, or reward for giving advice in any matter relating to the office.