District of Columbia Estate Planning
Get your own affairs in order in District of Columbia, for yourself or an aging parent. Compare the documents most adults need (a will, a power of attorney, and a healthcare directive), decide whether you need a trust, and see how to keep your estate out of probate.
Which document do I need?
The core documents at a glance. Each row links to its District of Columbia guide.
- Will
- D.C. will requirements: age 18, sound mind, a signed writing and two credible witnesses (D.C. Code § 18-103). No holographic wills; e-wills allowed. Read the guide
- Living trust
- How a D.C. revocable living trust works under the District's Uniform Trust Code: creating it, funding it, the pour-over will, and creditor rules. Read the guide
- Power of attorney
- District of Columbia power of attorney rules: durable by default, valid only with a notary acknowledgment, no witnesses, and the statutory form. Read the guide
- Healthcare directive
- How a D.C. advance directive works: the health care power of attorney, the living will declaration, who may witness each, and the MOST form. Read the guide
District of Columbia estate planning guides
District of Columbia Estate Planning Basics
D.C. estate planning basics: the will, durable power of attorney, health care documents and living trust adults need, plus the District's estate tax.
District of Columbia Will Requirements
D.C. will requirements: age 18, sound mind, a signed writing and two credible witnesses (D.C. Code § 18-103). No holographic wills; e-wills allowed.
District of Columbia Power of Attorney
District of Columbia power of attorney rules: durable by default, valid only with a notary acknowledgment, no witnesses, and the statutory form.
District of Columbia Advance Directive
How a D.C. advance directive works: the health care power of attorney, the living will declaration, who may witness each, and the MOST form.
District of Columbia Guardianship Planning
A D.C. guardianship plan starts with a durable power of attorney and a health care agent. See how the District appoints guardians and conservators.
District of Columbia Revocable Living Trust
How a D.C. revocable living trust works under the District's Uniform Trust Code: creating it, funding it, the pour-over will, and creditor rules.
District of Columbia Trust Administration
How a D.C. successor trustee settles a living trust: notify qualified beneficiaries within 60 days, report yearly, pay claims and distribute.
District of Columbia Transfer on Death Deed
A District of Columbia transfer on death deed passes D.C. real estate at death without probate, but only if the Recorder of Deeds records it first.
District of Columbia Pet Trusts
How a D.C. pet trust works under D.C. Code § 19-1304.08: name a caregiver and an enforcer, fund the trust, and choose who gets what is left.
District of Columbia Digital Assets
How D.C. Code §§ 21-2501 to 21-2518 lets a personal representative or agent reach a person's email, cloud files and other online accounts.
Not sure what you need in District of Columbia?
Answer a few questions and we'll tell you which estate planning documents to set up first.
Information current as of 2026-06-18
Settled Estate is not a law firm, and this content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Probate laws and procedures in your state can change. Consult with a qualified attorney for advice specific to your situation. Full disclaimer.
More District of Columbia Resources
Explore the rest of the District of Columbia estate planning hub.
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The core documents5 pages
Trusts and avoiding probate4 pages
Tools1 page
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