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District of Columbia Estate Planning Laws

Created by FindLaw's team of legal writers and editors | Last reviewed November 28, 2016

This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw’s team of legal writers and attorneys and in accordance with our editorial standards.

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Welcome to FindLaw's section on the District of Columbia estate planning laws, which regulate the manner in which individuals and families secure their assets for future generations and express their end-of-life preferences. D.C. estate planning laws cover topics such as the manner in which a will must be written and made valid, the rules governing living wills and durable powers of attorney, and related matters. While estate planning laws typically come into play upon someone's death, estate planning is best done while you're young and healthy. Click on a link below to learn more about Washington, D.C. estate planning laws.

Learn About District of Columbia Estate Planning Laws

  • D.C. Durable Power of Attorney Laws

    A rundown of the rules for drafting a valid durable power of attorney in the District of Columbia, which allows a trusted individual to make important end-of-life decisions.

  • District of Columbia Living Wills Laws

    What you need to know about drafting a valid living will Washington, D.C., which is a legally binding document used to communicate one's medical and end-of-life preferences.

  • District of Columbia Trust Laws

    The basics of how the District of Columbia's laws work with respect to trusts, which are legal organizations that allow you to pool your family's assets and plan for the future.

  • District of Columbia Euthanasia Laws

    Explanation of how euthanasia (illegal in all states) differs from physician-assisted suicide, which is not legal in Washington, D.C., with additional information about refusal of artificial life support.

  • D.C. Probate and Estate Tax Laws

    Overview of the District of Columbia's rules for administering estates, such as how assets and debts are assessed, and other aspects of the probate court process, including estate taxes.

  • District of Columbia Wills Laws

    Basics of Washington, D.C.'s laws governing the writing and execution of a valid will, such as the age required to draft a will, the need for witnesses, and more.

District of Columbia Estate Planning Articles

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