Rule A-5 - Proceedings in Contested Estate Cases(a) COMMENCEMENT OF ACTION. An action to (i) contest the validity of a will in accordance with D.C. Code § 18-513, (ii) contest a petition for the appointment of an administrator or executor or to remove an administrator or executor who has been appointed, (iii) institute a plenary proceeding in accordance with D.C. Code § 18-512, or (iv) construe a will prior to approval of the personal representative's final account, may be commenced by any party in interest by filing a verified complaint with the Register of Wills. Except as hereinafter provided the proceedings are governed by the Superior Court Rules of Civil Procedure.(b) SUMMONS. The Register of Wills must issue a summons upon the request of the plaintiff in the action. In an action brought in accordance with this rule, the summons must be directed to each heir at law and next of kin of the deceased, to the proponents of the will and to all legatees and devisees named in wills of the decedent filed in the Office of the Register of Wills.(c) SUBSTITUTED PERSONAL SERVICE; PUBLICATION. If any party summoned is a nonresident of the District of Columbia, or is a resident of the District of Columbia as to whom the summons has been returned "not to be found," or is an unknown heir at law and next of kin of the decedent, service may be made upon said party by publication once a week for 3 successive weeks in accordance with D.C. Code §§ 13-339 and -340. Substituted personal service may be made on a nonresident party out of the District of Columbia in accordance with D.C. Code § 13-337.(d) SCHEDULING AND SETTLEMENT CONFERENCE. Within 120 days after a complaint has been filed, the court must conduct an initial scheduling and settlement conference.Sup. Ct. R. D.C. app A R. R. A-5
Adopted by Order dated March 4, 2022, effective 8/22/2022.