Will Contest Deadline in the District of Columbia
In the District of Columbia, a verified complaint to contest a will must be filed within 6 months after notice by publication of the appointment of a personal representative.
Last checked . General information, not legal advice.
District of Columbia at a glance
- Deadline to contest
- 6 months
- Clock starts
- Published notice of personal representative's appointment
The rules in the District of Columbia
How long do you have to contest a will in the District of Columbia?
Deadline to contest in the District of Columbia: 6 months.
When does the deadline to contest a will start in the District of Columbia?
Clock starts in the District of Columbia: Published notice of personal representative's appointment.
Where do the the District of Columbia will contest deadlines come from?
The rules above come from D.C. Code 20-305. Each source is linked on this page. We last checked them in October 2026.
What this means in practice
Deadlines for will contests are often short and strictly applied. Knowing exactly which event starts the clock in the state where the will is probated, such as the date of admission, the date notice was mailed, or the date of publication, matters as much as knowing the length of the period.
Only people with a legal stake in the estate can usually contest a will, such as heirs who would inherit without the will or beneficiaries named in an earlier will. A contest also needs a recognized legal ground. Being disappointed with the amount left to you is generally not enough on its own.
A no-contest clause (also called an in terrorem clause) says a beneficiary who challenges the will loses their gift. Whether such a clause is enforced, and whether there is an exception for challenges brought with probable cause or in good faith, depends on state law. Anyone weighing a challenge, and anyone drafting a will, can check the state statute and may want to talk to a probate attorney.
General information, not legal advice. Laws change, and cities can add their own rules, so check the current statute before you rely on it.
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