District of Columbia Code Division III. Decedents' Estates and Fiduciary Relations. § 20-302. Necessity for probate.

(a) A will is ineffective to transfer property or to nominate a personal representative unless it is admitted to probate or recorded as provided in section 20-341 (b).

(b) Except for foreign personal representatives, no person shall exercise the powers or assume the duties of a personal representative unless he has been appointed by the Court.