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Washington DC Estate Planning Attorneys

Comprehensive estate planning under DC law — wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and probate

Red Knot Law provides comprehensive estate planning services in Washington, DC. Our DC-admitted attorneys are deeply familiar with the District of Columbia Code Title 19, which governs DC wills, trusts, and estate administration.

Whether you're a DC resident, own property in the District, or have interests across multiple jurisdictions, we provide personalized, practical guidance. We also handle estate planning in New York and estate planning in Maryland — ideal for clients with multi-state needs.

Why Choose Red Knot Law for Your DC Estate Plan?

  • DC Bar Admission — Our attorneys are admitted in Washington, DC and deeply familiar with DC estate planning law.
  • Multi-Jurisdiction Expertise — We handle NY, DC, and MD estates — ideal for clients with properties or interests in multiple states.
  • Personalized Service — We take time to understand your family situation, goals, and concerns.
  • Transparent Fees — Flat fees for straightforward plans. No billing surprises.

Our DC Estate Planning Services

Wills
DC wills and last will and testament under DC Code Title 18. Guardianship designations and executor appointments.
Trusts
Revocable living trusts, irrevocable trusts, and special purpose trusts governed by the DC Uniform Trust Code.
Powers of Attorney
DC durable power of attorney and healthcare proxy under DC Code Title 21.
Healthcare Directives
DC advance directive and healthcare proxy — specify your medical wishes under DC's Health Care Decisions Act.
Probate & Estate Administration
DC probate in the DC Superior Court Probate Division. Estate administration, executor representation, and contested matters.

Your DC Estate Planning Attorney

Sunil Varghese, Partner is based in our Washington, DC office and is admitted in DC, New York, and Maryland. He provides estate planning guidance for clients throughout the DC metropolitan area. Schedule your estate plan today.

DC Estate Planning Specifics

Washington, DC has its own estate planning laws that differ from neighboring states:

  • DC Code Title 19 governs decedents' estates and fiduciary relations
  • DC Uniform Trust Code (adopted 2010) governs DC trusts
  • DC estate tax: DC has its own estate tax with an exemption of approximately $4 million, lower than both federal and New York exemptions — important for planning
  • DC Superior Court (Probate Division) handles DC probate matters

DC Estate Tax Planning: DC's estate tax exemption (~$4 million) is significantly lower than the federal exemption (~$13.6 million). DC residents with estates near or above this threshold should consider proactive planning to minimize DC estate taxes.

Common Questions

I own property in both DC and another state. Do I need two estate plans?
You generally need a plan that accounts for both jurisdictions. We frequently handle multi-state planning for clients with interests in NY, DC, and MD. A properly structured revocable trust can often manage assets across multiple states.
Does DC have an estate tax?
Yes. DC imposes an estate tax with an exemption of approximately $4 million (indexed for inflation). Estates above this threshold owe DC estate tax at rates ranging from 11.2% to 16%. This is notably lower than the federal exemption and requires careful planning for many DC residents.

More questions? Visit our full estate planning FAQ.

Protect Your DC Estate

Red Knot Law is admitted to practice in Washington, DC. Contact us to schedule your free estate planning consultation.

Schedule Your DC Estate Plan Consultation

Estate Planning Notice: Estate planning laws vary by state and change frequently. This website provides general information only and does not constitute legal advice. A consultation with an attorney licensed in your state is required for legal advice tailored to your situation. Wills and trusts must be executed in accordance with state law or they may be invalid. The information on this site does not create an attorney-client relationship.