Powers and duties; restrictions.

The Register of Wills may — receive inventories and accounts of sales, examine vouchers, and state accounts of executors, administrators, collectors, and guardians, subject to final approval of the court; take the probate of claims against the estates of deceased persons that are properly brought before the Register of Wills, and approve or reject claims not exceeding $300; take the probate of wills and accept the bonds of executors, administrators, collectors, and guardians, subject to approval of the court; and audit and state fiduciary accounts. In matters over which the Superior Court has probate jurisdiction or powers, the Register of Wills shall — make full and fair entries, in separate records, of the proceedings of the court; record in electronic or other format all wills proved before the Register of Wills or the court and other matters required by law to be recorded in the court; lodge in places of safety designated by the court original papers filed with the Register of Wills; make out and issue every summons, process, and order of the court; prepare and submit to the Executive Officer of the District of Columbia courts such reports as may be required; and in every respect, act under the control and direction of the court. The Register of Wills may not — practice law in any court of the District of Columbia or of the United States; or demand or receive any fee, gratuity, gift, or reward for giving advice in any matter relating to the office.