D.C. Code § 20-906: Order of payment.

(a)

If the applicable assets of the estate are insufficient to pay all claims in full, the personal representative shall make payment in the following order:

(1)

Court costs, publication costs, and bond premiums;

(2)

Funeral expenses, not exceeding $5,000;

(3)

Fiduciary and attorney’s fees, not exceeding $1,000;

(4)

The homestead allowance pursuant to section 19-101.02 and the family allowance pursuant to section 19-101.04;

(5)

Exempt property pursuant to section 19-101.03;

(6)

Reasonable and necessary medical and hospital expenses of the last illness of the decedent, including compensation of persons attending the decedent;

(7)

Claims for rent in arrears for which an attachment might be levied by law;

(8)

Judgment and decrees of courts in the District of Columbia; and

(9)

All other just claims.

(b)

No preference shall be given in the payment of any claim over any other claim of the same class, and a claim due and payable shall not be entitled to preference over claims not due.