Q: If you are the power of attorney for a family member and they pass away what should I do next in the Washington Dc area
In the state of Maryland they have a Will office in District Court but I can't find an office like that in Washington Dc
A:
Upon death, the power of attorney terminates and there is no authority to act on behalf of the decedent's assets. Only the Personal Representative of the Estate can act and access the estate assets, and then only for the purpose of administering the estate and distributing the assets to the heirs/legatees after satisfaction of any legitimate debts and administrative costs and duties. There is a Probate Division of the Superior Court for the District of Columbia.
Court Building A
515 Fifth Street, NW, Third Floor
Washington, DC 20001
202-879-9460
https://www.dccourts.gov/superior-court/probate-division
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