Rule B-2 - Notice; Filing Requirements and Procedures(a) STANDARD PROBATE. (1)Form of Notice. The notice required for standard probate must be on the form maintained by the Register of Wills or a form that is substantially similar in content and format to that form.(2)Filing of Notice. Any person entitled to request standard probate must present to the Register of Wills an original of the form in Rule B-2(a)(1). The Register of Wills must forthwith forward copies thereof to the designated newspapers in accordance with D.C. Code § 20-323.(3) Within 14 days from the date of first publication, the person seeking standard probate must mail a copy of the notice to all interested persons by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, with delivery restricted to the addressee only.(4) The person seeking standard probate or such person's representative must file proofs of publication and a verified statement evidencing that a copy of the notice was timely mailed to all interested persons. If, after diligent effort, the person seeking standard probate has been unable to ascertain the address of any interested person, that fact must be made known in the verified statement filed. If unknown heirs at law are interested persons, the current status of their identity and/or whereabouts must be alleged in the verified statement.(5) In lieu of the notice prescribed by this rule, proof of actual notice or personal service will suffice.(b) NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT (ABBREVIATED AND STANDARD PROBATE). (1) The petitioner must file, at the time of filing the petition for probate, an original of the notice of appointment on the form maintained by the Register of Wills or a form that is substantially similar in content and format to that form, signed by each person seeking appointment and completed to the extent possible (excluding the date of first publication and the deadline for filing objections and claims). Upon appointment of the personal representative, the Register of Wills must complete the publication form and forward copies to the designated newspapers for publication.(2) No later than 20 days after appointment, the personal representative must send by certified or registered mail to all heirs and legatees copies of the text of the Notice of Appointment, Notice to Creditors and Notice to Unknown Heirs, and the general information statement on the form maintained by the Register of Wills or a form that is substantially similar in content and format to that form, unless the Notice of Appointment has already been given. The personal representative must file with the Register of Wills at the time of filing the inventory and appraisal proofs of publication and a certification specifying the date of mailing and the persons to whom mailed.(3) When discovery of a new or later will necessitates republication under D.C. Code § 20-704(c) (1981), the personal representative must file with the Register of Wills a notice of appointment or reappointment, typed or electronically printed on the form maintained by the Register of Wills or a form that is substantially similar in content and format to that form. The Register of Wills must promptly forward copies of the completed form to the designated newspapers for publication.Sup. Ct. R. D.C. app B R. R. B-2
Adopted by Order dated March 4, 2022, effective 8/22/2022.