District Of Columbia § 20-103 - Notice.
Full text of District Of Columbia D.C. Code § 20-103 — Notice., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 20-103. Notice.
20-103Unless personal service or notice by publication is expressly required by this title or by the Rules, the first notice required or permitted to be given to any person under this title shall be sufficient if deposited as registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested, addressed to the addressee at the address last known to the sender, with delivery restricted to the addressee.
Any subsequent notice to such person in accordance with this title shall be sufficient if deposited as ordinary mail, postage prepaid, addressed either to the same address at which the first notice was received, as evidence by return receipt from the post office or, if the sender has received written notice from the addressee of a change of address, to the new address.
If no return receipt is received apparently signed by the addressee, and there is no proof of actual notice, no action taken in any proceeding under this title shall prejudice the rights of the person entitled to notice unless the sender verifies, to the satisfaction of the Court, that reasonable efforts to locate and warn the addressee of the pendency of the action have been made.
A personal representative or special administrator is not required to give self notice.
If the interest of an heir or legatee is solely contingent on whether some other heir or legatee survives the decedent or some other event or period, any notice given before the contingent interest vests shall conclusively be deemed to have been given to the heir or legatee whose interest has been contingent.
Annotations
Source: official District Of Columbia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About District Of Columbia § 20-103
What does D.C. Code § 20-103 cover?
Section 20-103 ("Notice.") is part of the D.C. Code, the codified statutory law of District Of Columbia. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite District Of Columbia § 20-103?
A common citation format is "D.C. Code § 20-103" (District Of Columbia). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of District Of Columbia law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the District Of Columbia official source linked on this page or consult a licensed District Of Columbia attorney.
How does District Of Columbia § 20-103 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in District Of Columbia can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in District Of Columbia.