{"data":{"id":"us-dc/d.c.-code-20-321","jurisdiction":"us-dc","citation":"D.C. Code § 20-321","heading":"Nature of proceeding.","body":"A formal probate proceeding is a proceeding for the probate of a will or a determination of the decedent’s intestacy, particularly when due execution of a will cannot be presumed under section 20-312  , and for the appointment of a personal representative. This proceeding is instituted when an interested person or creditor files a petition for a formal probate proceeding with the Court in accordance with the provisions of section 20-304  ; and the filing of a complaint shall not be required for these purposes. This proceeding is conducted after notice as provided in section 20-323  . If no petition for abbreviated or formal probate is filed within a reasonable time, the Register, with the approval of the Court, may file a petition for formal probate.","path":["Title 20. Probate and Administration of Decedents’ Estates. [Enacted title]","Chapter 3. Opening the Estate.","Subchapter III. Formal Probate Proceeding."],"source_url":"https://code.dccouncil.gov/us/dc/council/code/sections/20-321","current_through":"2026-08-20 (D.C. Law 26-175)","vintage":"","retrieved_at":"2026-08-29T05:44:07Z","sha256":"8487b41424183c30e8ff3a507a1034f4825578aa66b2db9c82f4cd7c4c77d4ce","source_id":"us-dc","stale":false,"prev":"us-dc/d.c.-code-20-312","next":"us-dc/d.c.-code-20-322"},"notice":"GroundRules: Original legal text. Not legal advice."}