D.C. Code § 16-1054 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 10 / § 16-1054
§ 16-1054. Access to information.
Status: in_force

(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, immediately upon the request of the Board and as necessary to carry out the Board’s purpose and duties, the Board shall be provided, without cost and without authorization of the persons to whom the information or records relate, access to:
  (1) All information and records of any District of Columbia agency, or their contractors, including, but not limited to, birth and death certificates, law enforcement investigation data, unexpurgated juvenile and adult criminal records, intellectual and developmental disabilities records, autopsy reports, parole and probation information and records, school records, and information records of social services, housing, and health agencies that provided services to the victim, the victim’s family, or an alleged perpetrator of domestic violence which led to the death of the victim;
  (2) All information and records of any private health-care providers located in the District of Columbia, including providers of mental health services who provided services to the deceased victim, the deceased victim’s family, or the alleged perpetrator of domestic violence which led to the death of the victim;
  (3) All information and records of any private child welfare agency, educational facility or institution, or child care provider doing business in the District of Columbia who provided services to the victim, the victim’s immediate family, or the alleged perpetrator of domestic violence which led to the death of the victim; and
  (4) Information made confidential by §§ 4-1302.03 , 4-1303.06 , [§ 7-231.24] , 7-1203.02 , 7-1305.12 , 16-2331 , 16-2332 , 16-2333 , 16-2335 , and 31-3426 .
(b) The Board shall have the authority to seek information from entities and agencies outside the District of Columbia by any legal means.
(c) Notwithstanding subsection (a)(1) of this section, information and records concerning a current law enforcement investigation may be withheld, at the discretion of the investigating authority, if disclosure of the information would compromise a criminal investigation or prosecution.
(d) If information or records are withheld under subsection (c) of this section, a report on the status of the investigation shall be submitted to the Board by the investigating authority every 3 months until the earliest of the following events occurs:
  (1) The investigation is concluded;
  (2) The investigating authority determines that providing the information will no longer compromise the investigation; or
  (3) The information or records are provided to the Board.
(e) All records and information obtained by the Board pursuant to subsections (a) and (b) of this section pertaining to the deceased victim or any other individual shall be destroyed immediately following the preparation of the Board’s annual report. All additional information concerning a review, except statistical data, shall be destroyed by the Board one year after publication of the Board’s annual report.
D.C. Code § 16-4001 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 40 / § 16-4001
§ 16-4001. Short title.
Status: in_force

This chapter may be cited as the “Uniform Collaborative Law Act”.
D.C. Code § 16-707 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 7 / § 16-707
§ 16-707. Disposition of fines.
Status: in_force

(a) All fines payable and paid under judgment of the criminal division of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia shall, upon their payment, immediately become, in contemplation of law, the property of the United States or the District of Columbia, according to the charge upon which the fine may be adjudged. Every person receiving such a fine shall be deemed in law an agent of the United States or the District, as the case may be.
(b) This section does not affect the ultimate rights under existing law of the Washington Humane Society of the District of Columbia, in or to any fines paid in the criminal division of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia.
D.C. Code § 16-3108 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 31 / § 16-3108
§ 16-3108. Ordering investment of funds; revocation of letters for noncompliance.
Status: in_force

The Probate Court may order a personal representative, special administrator, or guardian, whom it has appointed, to bring into court or invest in securities, to be approved by the court, any funds received by the personal representative, special administrator, or guardian. If the party does not, within a reasonable time, to be fixed by the court, comply with the order, the court may revoke his letters.
D.C. Code § 16-5101 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 51 / § 16-5101
§ 16-5101. Definitions.
Status: in_force

For the purposes of this chapter, the term:
(1) “Court” means the Superior Court of the District of Columbia.
(2) “Identifying information” means any information which would reasonable lead someone to be able to communicate with or contact a citizen without his or her prior permission.
D.C. Code § 16-4022 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 40 / § 16-4022
§ 16-4022. Relation to Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act.
Status: in_force

This chapter modifies, limits, or supersedes the federal Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act, approved June 30, 2000 (114 Stat. 464; 15 U.S.C. § 7001   et seq.), but does not modify, limit, or supersede section 101(c) of that act (15 U.S.C. § 7001(c)  ), or authorize electronic delivery of any of the notices described in § 103(b) of that act (15 U.S.C. § 7003(b)  ).
D.C. Code § 16-916.02 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 9 / § 16-916.02
§ 16-916.02. Child Support Guideline Commission.
Status: in_force

(a) There is established a Child Support Guideline Commission (“Commission”). The Commission shall study and make recommendations on the child support guidelines to the Mayor.
(b) The Commission shall consist of a chairperson and 8 members who are District of Columbia residents. The Chief Judge of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia may appoint 2 members. The Mayor shall appoint the chairperson as well as 2 members, one of whom shall be a member of the District of Columbia Bar (“Bar”) and an expert in the fields of family law and child support. The Mayor shall also appoint one member to represent the Child Support Enforcement Division of the Office of the Corporation Counsel (“CSED”). The Council shall designate one Councilmember to serve on the Commission and shall appoint 2 additional members, one of whom shall be a member of the Bar and an expert in the fields of family law and child support.
(c) (1) Of the Commission members first appointed after the effective date of the Child Support Guideline Commission Restructuring Emergency Act of 2002 (“Commission Restructuring Act”) [July 23, 2002], one member appointed by the Chief Judge of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, the non-Bar member appointed by the Council, the Bar member appointed by the Mayor, and the CSED representative appointed by the Mayor shall serve 2-year terms. All of the other initial appointments after the effective date of the Commission Restructuring Act [July 23, 2002] shall serve 4-year terms. Thereafter, all Commission members shall serve for a term of 4 years from the date of appointment. A Commission member may be reappointed. A person appointed to fill a vacancy on the Commission occurring prior to the expiration of a term shall serve for the remainder of the term. A vacancy shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment.
  (2) A majority of the members shall constitute a quorum. A quorum shall be necessary for the Commission to conduct business.
(d) The functions of the Commission shall include:
  (1) To review and recommend updates of the child support guidelines not less than once every 4 years.
  (2) To review pertinent economic data, including poverty levels, and information on the functioning of the guidelines that the Commission gathers or that is brought to the attention of the Commission for the purpose of recommending changes to the guidelines.
  (3) To hold a public meeting at least annually to receive oral or written comments from members of the Bar or the public. Thirty days public notice shall be given for a public meeting.
  (4) To perform other tasks as necessary to develop, update, or monitor the guidelines and to ensure that the District of Columbia is in compliance with the federal mandates in section 467 of the Social Security Act, approved August 16, 1984 (98 Stat. 1321; 42 U.S.C. § 667).
(e) The Commission, as restructured pursuant to the Child Support Guideline Commission Restructuring Act [this section], shall convene no later than December 31, 2002, and shall issue initial recommendations no later than December 31, 2003.
(f) Members of the Commission shall serve without compensation but shall be reimbursed for any reasonable expense associated with service on the Commission.
(g) The Mayor shall provide sufficient space for the Commission to operate and may detail personnel to assist the Commission. The Mayor shall also direct any agency contacted by the Commission to give full cooperation to the Commission.
D.C. Code § 16-601 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 6 / § 16-601
§ 16-601. Undertaking in lieu of fiduciary’s bond.
Status: in_force

A bond required from an executor, administrator, administrator cum testamento annexo, administrator de bonis non, guardian, committee, collector, trustee, receiver, assignee for the benefit of creditors, or other fiduciary appointed or confirmed by the United States District Court for the District of Columbia or the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, or a bond required from a party to a cause or proceeding pending in that court, shall be in the form of an undertaking, under seal, in a maximum amount to be fixed by the court, conditioned as required by law, the surety or sureties therein submitting themselves to the jurisdiction of the court and undertaking for themselves and each of them, their and each of their heirs, executors, administrators, successors, and assigns to abide by and perform the judgment or decree of the court in the premises; and further agreeing that, upon default by the principal in any of the conditions thereof, the damages may be ascertained in such manner as the court directs and the court may give judgment thereon in favor of any person thereby aggrieved against the principal and sureties for the damages sustained by him, and that judgment may be rendered against all or any of the parties whose names are thereto signed.
The United States District Court for the District of Columbia (as specified in section 11-501  ) and the Superior Court of the District of Columbia (as specified in section 11-921  ) have jurisdiction to enter such judgments and decrees against the principal and surety or sureties, or any of them, upon the undertaking, as law and justice require. This section does not deprive a party having a claim or cause of action under or upon the undertaking from electing to pursue his ordinary remedy by civil suit.
The provisions of this Code relating to actions, remedies and proceedings upon bonds of fiduciaries apply to such undertakings to the same extent as if undertaking had been expressly mentioned and referred to therein.
D.C. Code § 16-4007 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 40 / § 16-4007
§ 16-4007. Emergency order.
Status: in_force

During a collaborative law process, the tribunal may issue emergency orders to protect the health, safety, welfare, or interest of a party, family member, or other person, in accordance with subchapter I of Chapter 10 of this title .
D.C. Code § 16-2826 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 28 / § 16-2826
§ 16-2826. Mediator’s report.
Status: in_force

A mediator’s report shall be filed with the court no later than 10 days after the mediation has terminated, informing the court regarding:
(1) Attendance;
(2) Whether a settlement was reached; or
(3) If a settlement was not reached, any agreements to narrow the scope of the dispute, limit discovery, facilitate future settlement, hold another mediation session, or otherwise reduce the cost and time of trial preparation.
D.C. Code § 16-4213 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 42 / § 16-4213
§ 16-4213. Application to existing agreements or referrals.
Status: in_force

On or after January 1, 2007, this chapter governs a mediation pursuant to a referral or an agreement to mediate, whenever made.
D.C. Code § 16-1021 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 10 / § 16-1021
§ 16-1021. Definitions.
Status: in_force

For the purposes of this subchapter, the term:
(1) “Child” means a person under the age of 16 years of age.
(2) “District” means the District of Columbia.
(3) “Lawful custodian” means a person who is authorized to have custody by an order of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia or a court of competent jurisdiction of any state, or a person designated by the lawful custodian temporarily to care for the child.
(4) “Relative” means a parent, other ancestor, brother, sister, uncle, or aunt, or one who has been lawful custodian at some prior time.
D.C. Code § 16-404 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 4 / § 16-404
§ 16-404. Surrogacy agreements authorized.
Status: in_force

A surrogacy agreement shall be enforceable; provided, that all parties to the agreement and the agreement itself meet the requirements of [§ 16-405] and [§ 16-406] .
D.C. Code § 16-2325 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 23 / § 16-2325
§ 16-2325. Support of committed child.
Status: in_force

Whenever legal custody of a child is vested in any agency or individual other than the child’s parent, after due notice to the parent or other persons legally obligated to care for and support the child and after hearing, the Division may, at the dispositional hearing or thereafter, order and decree that the parent or other legally obligated person shall pay, in such manner as the Division may direct, a reasonable sum that will cover in whole or in part the support and treatment of the child after the decree is entered. If the parent or other legally obligated person wilfully fails or refuses to pay such sum, the Division may proceed against him for contempt, or the order may be filed and shall have the effect of a civil judgment.
D.C. Code § 16-531 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 5 / § 16-531
§ 16-531. Attachment dockets; index of attachments.
Status: in_force

The clerk of the court shall keep an attachment docket, in which, as well as in the regular docket, shall be entered all attachments levied upon real estate, with a description, in brief, of the real estate so levied upon. The attachments shall be indexed in the names of the defendant and of any person in whose possession the estate may have been levied upon.
D.C. Code § 16-3738 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 37 / § 16-3738
§ 16-3738. Motion for return of property; procedure; objection to sufficiency of security.
Status: repealed

Repealed.
D.C. Code § 16-708 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 7 / § 16-708
§ 16-708. Penalties for wrongful conversion of forfeitures and fines.
Status: in_force

Whoever, being an agent as contemplated and defined by section 16-704(a)  , or by section 16-707(a)  , wrongfully converts to his own use any money received by him as provided therein, is guilty of theft, and shall be punished in the manner prescribed by law for such offense.
D.C. Code § 16-805 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 8 / § 16-805
§ 16-805. Automatic sealing of criminal records.
Status: in_force

(a) Except as otherwise provided in this chapter and in subsection (b) of this section, the Court shall order automatic sealing of all criminal records and court proceedings related to:
  (1) Citations, arrests, or charges for the commission of a criminal offense; provided, that the case was terminated by the prosecutor or otherwise reached a final disposition and did not result in a conviction or acquittal pursuant to § 24-501 ; and
  (2) Citations, arrests, charges, and convictions for the commission of a misdemeanor offense that resulted in a conviction; provided, that a waiting period of at least 10 years has elapsed since completion of the sentence.
(b) The Court shall not order automatic sealing pursuant to this section if the citation, arrest, charge, or conviction is for:
  (1) An intrafamily offense, as defined in § 16-1001(8) ;
  (2) Parental kidnapping, as described in § 16-1022 ;
  (3) Criminal abuse of a vulnerable adult or elderly person, as described in § 22-933 ;
  (4) Financial exploitation of a vulnerable adult or elderly person, as described in § 22-933.01 ;
  (5) Refusal or neglect of a guardian to provide for child under 14 years of age, as described in § 22-1102 ;
  (6) Incest, as defined in § 22-1901 ;
  (7) Misdemeanor sexual abuse, as defined in § 22-3006 ;
  (8) Violation of Chapter 30A of Title 22 ;
  (9) Violation of Chapter 31 of Title 22 ;
  (10) Violation of Chapter 31A of Title 22 ;
  (11) An offense for which sex offender registration is required pursuant to Chapter 40 of Title 22 , and the registration period has not expired;
  (12) Violation of Chapter 40 of Title 22 , as described in § 22-4015;
  (13) A dangerous crime, as defined in § 23-1331(3) ;
  (14) A crime of violence, as defined in § 23-1331(4) ;
  (15) Driving under the influence (known as DUI) of alcohol or a drug, as described in § 50-2206.11 ;
  (16) Driving under the influence of alcohol or a drug; commercial vehicle, as described in § 50-2206.12 ; or
  (17) Operating a vehicle while impaired, as described in § 50-2206.14 .
(c) Criminal records and court proceedings:
  (1) Related to citations, arrests, and charges sealed pursuant to subsection (a)(1) of this section:
    (A) For which the case was terminated by the prosecutor or otherwise reached a final disposition and did not result in a conviction or acquittal pursuant to § 24-501 on or before September 30, 2027, shall be sealed by October 1, 2027, or within 90 days after termination of the case by the prosecutor or final disposition, whichever is later; and
    (B) For which the case was terminated by the prosecutor or otherwise reached a final disposition and did not result in a conviction or acquittal pursuant to § 24-501 on or after October 1, 2027, shall be sealed by October 1, 2027, or within 90 days after termination of the case by the prosecutor or final disposition, whichever is later; and
  (2) Related to citations, arrests, charges, and convictions sealed pursuant to subsection (a)(2) of this section shall be sealed by October 1, 2027, or within 90 days after the expiration of the waiting period, whichever is later.
D.C. Code § 16-1383 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 13 / § 16-1383
§ 16-1383. Availability of appropriations for purchases of excess property.
Status: in_force

When real property is purchased pursuant to this subchapter in excess of that needed for a particular project or improvement, appropriations available for the payment of the purchase price, costs, and expenses incident to the project or improvement may be used in the payment of the purchase price, costs, and expenses of excess real property purchased in connection with the project or improvement, as provided by this subchapter.
D.C. Code § 16-4603.16 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 46 / § 16-4603.16
§ 16-4603.16. Role of law enforcement.
Status: in_force

At the request of a member of the Office of the Attorney General for the District of Columbia acting under section 16-4603.15  , a member of the Metropolitan Police Department or other law enforcement officer may take any lawful action reasonably necessary to locate a child or a party and assist the Office of the Attorney General for the District of Columbia with responsibilities under section 16-4603.15  .
D.C. Code § 16-1903 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 19 / § 16-1903
§ 16-1903. Suspected evasion or disobedience of writ; procedure.
Status: in_force

On an application for a writ of habeas corpus, if probable cause is shown for believing that the person charged with confining or detaining the person applying therefor, or on whose behalf the application is made:
(1) is about to remove the person so detained from the place where he is then detained, for the purpose of evading a writ of habeas corpus, or for other purposes; or
(2) he would evade or not obey a writ of habeas corpus —
the court or judge shall insert in the writ a clause commanding the United States marshal to serve the writ on the person to whom it is directed and cause him immediately to appear before the court or judge, together with the person so confined or detained. Thereupon, the marshal shall immediately carry those persons before the court or judge, and the court or judge shall proceed to inquire into the matter.
D.C. Code § 16-2325.02 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 23 / § 16-2325.02
§ 16-2325.02. Report on failure of respondents to appear in delinquency cases.
Status: in_force

The Chief Judge of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia shall submit to the Council a semiannual report detailing the number of respondents in delinquency cases who fail to appear before any court or judicial official as required and the percentage that represents of those adjudicated. For each failure to appear, the report shall include the age of the respondent, the underlying offense with which the respondent was charged, and whether the respondent had previously failed to appear.
D.C. Code § 16-308 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 3 / § 16-308
§ 16-308. Investigations when prospective adoptee is adult or petitioner is spouse or domestic partner of natural parent.
Status: in_force

(a) The court shall dispense with the investigation, report, and interlocutory decree provided for by this chapter when:
  (1) The prospective adoptee is an adult;
  (2) The petitioner is a spouse or domestic partner of the natural parent of the prospective adoptee and the natural parents consents to the adoption or joins in the petition for adoption; or
  (3) A petition for expedited adoption is filed pursuant to § 16-318 .
(b) [Repealed].
(c) For the purposes of this section, the term “domestic partner” shall have the same meaning as provided in § 32-701(3) , but shall exclude a domestic partner who is the parent, grandparent, sibling, child, grandchild, niece, nephew, aunt, or uncle of the natural parent.
(d) Nothing in this section shall be construed to waive the requirements of §§ 4-1305.01 through 4-1305.09 , including the requirement of a fingerprint-based criminal records check.
D.C. Code § 16-5604 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 56 / § 16-5604
§ 16-5604. Applicable law.
Status: in_force

(a) Except as otherwise provided in this chapter , the law applicable to arbitration is Chapter 44 of this title .
(b) In determining the merits of a family law dispute, an arbitrator shall apply the law of the District, including its choice of law rules.
D.C. Code § 16-831.12 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 8A / § 16-831.12
§ 16-831.12. Jurisdiction.
Status: in_force

The court shall retain jurisdiction to enforce, modify, or terminate a custody order issued under this chapter, subject to the provisions of Chapter 46 of this title , until the child reaches 18 years of age.
D.C. Code § 16-2320 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 23 / § 16-2320
§ 16-2320. Disposition of child who is neglected, delinquent, or in need of supervision.
Status: in_force

(a) If a child is found to be neglected, the Division exercising juvenile jurisdiction shall also have jurisdiction over any natural person who is a parent or caretaker of the child to secure the parent or caretaker’s full cooperation and assistance in the entire rehabilitative process and may order any of the following dispositions which will be in the best interest of the child:
  (1) Permit the child to remain with his or her parent, guardian, or other custodian, subject to such conditions and limitations as the Division may prescribe, including, but not limited to, the following services for the child and his or her parent, guardian, or other custodian:
    (A) medical, psychiatric, or other treatment at an appropriate facility under protective supervision;
    (B) parenting classes; and
    (C) family counseling.
  (2) Place the child under protective supervision.
  (3) Transfer legal custody to any of the following —
    (A) a public agency responsible for the care of neglected children;
    (B) a child placing agency or other private organization or facility which is licensed or otherwise authorized by law and is designated by the Mayor of the District of Columbia to receive and provide care for the child; or
    (C) a relative or other individual who is found by the Division to be qualified to receive and care for the child except that no child shall be ordered placed outside his or her home unless the Division finds the child cannot be protected in the home and there is an available placement likely to be less damaging to the child than the child’s own home.
  It shall be presumed that it is generally preferable to leave a child in his or her own home.
  (4) Commitment of the child for medical, psychiatric, or other treatment at an appropriate facility on an in-patient basis if, at the dispositional hearing provided for in section 16-2317, the Division finds that confinement is necessary to the treatment of the child. A child for whom medical, psychiatric, or other treatment is ordered may petition the Division for review of the order thirty days after treatment under the order has commenced, and, if, after a hearing for the purpose of such review, the original order is affirmed, the child may petition for review thereafter every six months.
  (5) The Division may make such other disposition as is not prohibited by law and as the Division deems to be in the best interests of the child. The Division shall have the authority to (i) order any public agency of the District of Columbia to provide any service the Division determines is needed and which is within such agency’s legal authority and (ii) order any private agency receiving public funds for services to families or children to provide any such services when the Division deems it is in the best interests of the child and within the scope of the legal obligations of the agency.
  (6) Terminate the parent and child relationship for the purpose of seeking an adoptive placement for the child pursuant to subchapter III of this chapter .
(b) Unless a child found neglected is also found to be delinquent, he shall not be committed to, or confined in, an institution for delinquent children.
(c) If a child is found to be delinquent or in need of supervision, the Division exercising juvenile jurisdiction shall also have jurisdiction over any natural person who is a parent or caretaker of the child to secure the parent or caretaker’s full cooperation and assistance in the entire rehabilitative process and may order any of the following dispositions which will be in the best interest of the child:
  (1) Any disposition authorized by subsection (a) of this section (other than paragraphs (3)(A) and (5) thereof).
  (2) Transfer of legal custody to a public agency for the care of delinquent children; provided, that legal custody shall not be transferred to a public agency for the care of delinquent children when the child in question is less than 10 years of age.
  (3) Probation under such conditions and limitations as the Division may prescribe, including but not limited to the completion of parenting classes or family counseling in cases where either or both was ordered by the Division.
(c-1) The Division shall order any child between the ages of 14 and 18 years who is found to be delinquent or in need of supervision to perform a minimum of 90 hours of community service with an agency of the District government or a non-profit or community service organization in accordance with section 24-904(a).
(c-2) When determining what disposition shall be ordered under subsection (c) of this section, the Division shall consider any victim impact statement submitted to the Division and the victim, or the immediate family members of the victim when the victim is a child or when the victim is deceased or incapacitated, shall have the right to make a statement at the disposition hearing. The absence of the victim at disposition shall not preclude the court from holding the hearing.
(c-3) When determining what disposition shall be ordered under subsection (a) of this section, the Division may consider a child’s failure to appear at a scheduled hearing.
(d) (1) No child found in need of supervision, unless also found delinquent, shall be committed to or placed in a secure juvenile residential facility, as defined in [§ 22-2603.01(7)] , or a secure residential treatment facility for delinquent juveniles.
  (2) Except as provided in paragraph (1) of this subsection, a child found in need of supervision shall be released to the child's parent, guardian, or custodian; provided, that the child may be committed to or placed in a foster home, group home, youth shelter, or other appropriate home for children in need of supervision if the return of the child will result in placement in, or return to, an abusive situation, or the child's parent, guardian, or custodian is unwilling or unable to care for or supervise the child. If the return of the child will result in placement in, or return to, an abusive situation, or if the child's parent, guardian, or custodian is unwilling or unable to care for or supervise the child, the Child and Family Services Agency shall open a neglect investigation.
(e) No child who is found to be delinquent, in need of supervision, or neglected shall be committed to a penal or correctional institution for adult offenders.
(f) In its dispositional order for a child adjudicated neglected, the Division shall:
  (1) Address the matters set forth in section 16-2319(c) by accepting, modifying, or rejecting the plan submitted pursuant thereto. If the plan is rejected or major modifications are made, the agency charged with service responsibility shall within 30 days submit to the Division and to all parties a plan which addresses the matters delineated in section 16-2319(b). The agency responsible for providing the services shall promptly report to the Division and all parties if it is unable for whatever reasons to provide the services delineated in the plan;
  (2) Include a determination of whether:
    (A) Reasonable efforts were made to prevent or eliminate the need for removal, or, in the alternative, that the child’s removal from the home is necessary regardless of any services that could be provided to the child or the child’s family; and
    (B) Continuation of the child in the child’s home would be contrary to the welfare of the child.
(g) The department or agency to whom the legal custody of a child has been transferred pursuant to subsection (a) of this section shall give notice, which may be oral, of any change in the placement of the child to the child’s parent, the child’s guardian ad litem and the child’s foster parent at least ten (10) days prior to the change in placement, except that in the case of an emergency notice shall be given no later than twenty-four (24) hours (excluding Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays) after the change. Notice of a change in placement need not be given to the parent when the judge has determined that visitation would be detrimental to the child or the judge has determined that the parent should not be apprised of the child’s location. Upon the request of any person entitled to notice under this subsection the department or agency having legal custody of the child shall afford an opportunity for an administrative hearing to review the proposed change in the placement of the child. Except in the case of an emergency, the hearing shall be held and a decision rendered prior to a change in the placement.
(h) Any child who is found to be delinquent for violation of the provisions of the District of Columbia Uniform Controlled Substances Act of 1981 may, in addition to any other disposition ordered by the court for his supervision, care, and rehabilitation, be ordered to attend classes conducted by the Mayor pursuant to section 48-905.04(c).
(i) For a child adjudicated delinquent and committed to the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services, the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services shall begin to develop a discharge and reentry plan within 60 days of the child's admittance into a hardware secure facility, residential treatment facility, psychiatric residential treatment facility, staff secure facility, therapeutic foster care placement through the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services, or any other placement outside the child's family's, guardian's, or custodian's residence through the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services.
D.C. Code § 16-518 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 5 / § 16-518
§ 16-518. Preservation of property; sale; receiver.
Status: in_force

The court may make all orders necessary for the preservation of the property attached during the pendency of the action. When the property is perishable, or for other reasons a sale of it appears expedient, the court may order that the property be sold and its proceeds paid into court and held subject to its order on the final decision of the case.
When it seems expedient, the court may appoint a receiver to take possession of the property. The receiver shall give bond for the due performance of his duties, and, under the direction of the court, shall have the same powers and perform the same duties as a receiver appointed according to the practice in civil actions.
D.C. Code § 16-2305.02 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 23 / § 16-2305.02
§ 16-2305.02. Preliminary probation conferences; adjustment process.
Status: in_force

(a) For the purposes of this section, the term:
  (1) “Adjustment process” means the process by which the Social Services Division and the Office of the Corporation Counsel may proceed where a determination is made that the filing of a delinquency or persons in need of supervision petition is not in the best interests of the child or public.
  (2) “Nonviolent offenses” means those offenses identified as such by the Office of the Corporation Counsel in an interagency agreement with the Social Services Division, but shall not include a “crime of violence” as defined in section 1(f) of An Act To control the possession, sale, transfer, and use of pistols and other dangerous weapons in the District of Columbia, to provide penalties to prescribe rules of evidence, and for other purposes, approved July 8, 1932 (47 Stat. 650; § 22-4501(f) ), or possessory firearm offenses.
(b) Where the Director of Social Services recommends, after a preliminary inquiry is conducted pursuant to D.C. Official Code § 16-2305(a) , that it is not in the best interests of the child or public to recommend the filing of a delinquency or persons in need of supervision petition, the Director of Social Services shall so recommend to the Office of the Corporation Counsel, and the Corporation Counsel shall make a determination of the suitability of the case for adjustment, which may include diversion. The Director of Social Services shall permit any participant who is represented by a lawyer to be accompanied by the lawyer at any preliminary conference.
(c) In order to determine whether the case is suitable for adjustment, the Director of Social Services, in consultation with the Office of the Corporation Counsel, shall consider the following circumstances, among others:
  (1) The age of the child;
  (2) Whether the conduct allegedly involved:
    (A) An act or acts causing or threatening to cause death, substantial pain, or serious physical injury to another;
    (B) The use or knowing possession of a dangerous instrument or deadly weapon;
    (C) The use or threatened use of violence to compel a person to engage in sexual intercourse, deviant sexual intercourse, or sexual contact;
    (D) The use or threatened use of violence to obtain property;
    (E) The use or threatened use of deadly physical force with the intent to restrain the liberty of another;
    (F) The intentional starting of a fire or the causing of an explosion which resulted in damage to a building;
    (G) A serious risk to the welfare and safety of the community; or
    (H) An act which seriously endangered the safety of the child or another person;
  (3) Whether there is a substantial likelihood that the child will not appear at scheduled conferences with the Social Services Division or with an agency to which he or she may be referred;
  (4) Whether there is a substantial likelihood that the child will not participate in the diversion programs or services developed and recommended by the Social Services Division or cooperate during the adjustment process;
  (5) Whether there is a substantial likelihood that in order to adjust the case successfully, the child would require services that could not be administered effectively in less than 6 months;
  (6) Whether there is a substantial likelihood that the child will, during the adjustment process:
    (A) Commit an act which, if committed by an adult, would be a crime; or
    (B) Engage in conduct that endangers the physical or emotional health of the child or a member of the child’s family or household; or
    (C) Harass the complainant, victim, or person seeking to have a delinquency petition filed, or a member of that person’s family or household, where demonstrated by prior conduct or threats;
  (7) Whether there is pending another proceeding to determine whether the child is a child in need of supervision or a delinquent;
  (8) Whether there have been prior adjustments or adjournments in contemplation of dismissal in other delinquency proceedings;
  (9) Whether there has been a prior adjudication of the child as a delinquent child or child in need of supervision;
  (10) Whether there is a substantial likelihood that the adjustment process would not be successful unless the child is temporarily removed from his or her home and that such removal could not be accomplished without invoking the court process;
  (11) Whether a proceeding has been or will be instituted against another person for acting jointly with the child; and
  (12) Whether the juvenile case would otherwise have been petitioned by the Office of the Corporation Counsel.
(d) At the preliminary inquiry, the Director of Social Services shall inform each person entitled to be present of the function and limitations of, and the alternatives to, the adjustment process, and that:
  (1) He or she has a right to participate in the adjustment process, which may include, but is not limited to, periodic drug testing, attendance at parenting classes, or participation in counseling, treatment, or educational programs;
  (2) The Social Services Division is not authorized to and cannot compel any person to appear at any conference, produce any papers, or visit any place absent court order;
  (3) The person seeking to have a delinquency petition filed is entitled to have access to the Office of the Corporation Counsel at any time for the purpose of requesting that a petition be filed;
  (4) The adjustment process may continue for a period of 6 months and may be extended for an additional six months upon written application to the Director of Social Services and the Office of the Corporation Counsel and approval thereof by both;
  (5) Statements made to the Social Services Division or the Office of the Corporation Counsel by the child or his or her parent shall not be admissible for any purpose during any subsequent court proceeding and are subject to the confidentiality provisions contained in this chapter; and
  (6) If the adjustment process is commenced and not successfully concluded, the persons participating therein may be notified orally or in writing of that fact by the Social Services Division, that the case will be referred to the Office of the Corporation Counsel and that oral notification must be confirmed in writing.
D.C. Code § 16-3704 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 37 / § 16-3704
§ 16-3704. Undertaking to abide judgment of the court.
Status: in_force

At the time of filing a complaint in replevin, the plaintiff shall enter into an undertaking by himself or his agent with surety, approved by the clerk, to abide by and perform the judgment of the court.
D.C. Code § 16-5619 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 56 / § 16-5619
§ 16-5619. Vacation or amendment by Superior Court of unconfirmed award.
Status: in_force

(a) On motion of a party, the Superior Court shall vacate an unconfirmed award if the moving party establishes that:
  (1) The award was procured by corruption, fraud, or other undue means;
  (2) There was:
    (A) Evident partiality by the arbitrator;
    (B) Corruption by the arbitrator; or
    (C) Misconduct by the arbitrator substantially prejudicing the rights of a party;
  (3) The arbitrator refused to postpone a hearing on showing of sufficient cause for postponement, refused to consider evidence material to the controversy, or otherwise conducted the hearing contrary to § 16-5613 , so as to prejudice substantially the rights of a party;
  (4) The arbitrator exceeded the arbitrator's powers;
  (5) No arbitration agreement exists, unless the moving party participated in the arbitration without making a motion under § 16-5607 not later than the beginning of the first arbitration hearing; or
  (6) The arbitration was conducted without proper notice under § 16-5606 of the initiation of arbitration, so as to prejudice substantially the rights of a party.
(b) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (c) of this section, on motion of a party, the Superior Court shall vacate an unconfirmed award that determines a child-related dispute if the moving party establishes that:
  (1) The award does not comply with § 16-5615 or law of the District other than this chapter governing a child-related dispute or is contrary to the best interests of the child;
  (2) The record of the hearing or the statement of reasons in the award is inadequate for the court to review the award; or
  (3) A ground for vacating the award under subsection (a) of this section exists.
(c) If an award is subject to vacation under subsection (b)(1) of this section, on motion of a party, the Superior Court may amend the award if amending rather than vacating is in the best interests of the child.
(d) The Superior Court shall determine a motion under subsection (b) or (c) of this section based on the record of the arbitration hearing and facts occurring after the hearing.
(e) A motion under this section to vacate or amend an award shall be filed not later than 90 days:
  (1) After an arbitrator gives the party filing the motion notice of the award or a corrected award; or
  (2) For a motion under subsection (a)(1) of this section, after the ground of corruption, fraud, or other undue means is known or by the exercise of reasonable care should have been known to the party filing the motion.
(f) If the Superior Court under this section vacates an award for a reason other than the absence of an enforceable arbitration agreement, the court may order a rehearing before an arbitrator.  If the reason for vacating the award is that the award was procured by corruption, fraud, or other undue means or there was evident partiality, corruption, or misconduct by the arbitrator, the rehearing shall be before another arbitrator.
(g) If the Superior Court under this section denies a motion to vacate or amend an award, the court may confirm the award under § 16-5616 unless a motion is pending under § 16-5618 .
D.C. Code § 16-1152 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 11 / § 16-1152
§ 16-1152. Order to produce life tenant; service of order.
Status: in_force

Upon the presentation of the petition and affidavit prescribed by section 16-1151  , the court shall issue an order to the person named in the petition to produce and show to the persons named in the order by the petitioner not exceeding two in number, at such time and place as the court directs, the person upon whose life the prior estate depends. A certified copy of the order shall be served upon the person required to produce the tenant for life in the manner provided by applicable rules of court.
D.C. Code § 16-1303 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 13 / § 16-1303
§ 16-1303. Jurisdiction of Superior Court.
Status: in_force

The Superior Court of the District of Columbia has jurisdiction of all proceedings for the condemnation of real property authorized by subchapters II and III of this chapter with full power to hear and determine all issues of law and fact that may arise in the proceedings.
D.C. Code § 16-2348 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 23 / § 16-2348
§ 16-2348. Parentage records; confidentiality; inspection and disclosure.
Status: in_force

(a) Except on order of the Family Division, no records in a case over which the Division has jurisdiction under section 11-1101(11) shall be open to inspection by anyone other than the plaintiff, respondent, their attorneys of record, the IV-D agency, or authorized professional staff of the Superior Court. Any inspection shall be subject to the safeguards provided by section 16-925. The Family Division, upon proper showing, may authorize the furnishing of certified copies of the records or portions thereof to the respondent, the other parent, or custodian of the child, a party in interest, or their duly authorized attorneys. Certified copies of the records or portions thereof may be furnished, upon request, to the IV-D agency and the Corporation Counsel for use as evidence in nonsupport proceedings and to the Registrar as provided by section 16-2346(a).
(b) No person shall disclose, receive, or use records in violation of this section. Whoever willfully discloses, receives, makes use of, or knowingly permits the use of information in violation of this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof, shall be fined not more than the amount set forth in [ § 22-3571.01 ] or imprisoned not more than ninety days, or both. Violations of this section shall be prosecuted by the Corporation Counsel in the name of the District of Columbia.
D.C. Code § 16-5607 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 56 / § 16-5607
§ 16-5607. Motion for judicial relief.
Status: in_force

(a) A motion for judicial relief under this chapter shall be made to the Superior Court.
(b) On motion of a party, the Superior Court may compel arbitration if the parties have entered into an arbitration agreement that complies with § 16-5605 unless the court determines under § 16-5612 that the arbitration should not proceed.
(c) On motion of a party, the Superior Court shall terminate arbitration if it determines that:
  (1) The agreement to arbitrate is unenforceable;
  (2) The family law dispute is not subject to arbitration; or
  (3) Under § 16-5612 , the arbitration should not proceed.
(d) Unless prohibited by an arbitration agreement, on motion of a party, the Superior Court may order consolidation of separate arbitrations involving the same parties and a common issue of law or fact if necessary for the fair and expeditious resolution of the family law dispute.
D.C. Code § 16-4315 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 43 / § 16-4315
§ 16-4315. Applications to Court.
Status: repealed

Repealed.
D.C. Code § 16-803 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 8 / § 16-803
§ 16-803. Expungement of criminal records by motion.
Status: in_force

(a) The Court shall order expungement of all criminal records and court proceedings related only to citations, arrests, or charges for the commission of a criminal offense on the grounds of actual innocence if:
  (1) The case was terminated by the prosecutor or otherwise reached a final disposition and did not result in a conviction or acquittal pursuant to § 24-501 ; and
  (2) The person cited, arrested, or charged files a written motion and demonstrates, by a preponderance of the evidence, that the offense for which the person was cited, arrested, or charged:
    (A) Did not occur; or
    (B) Was not committed by the person.
(b) A motion filed pursuant to subsection (a)(2) of this section:
  (1) Shall state:
    (A) The grounds upon which eligibility for expungement is based; and
    (B) Facts in support of the movant's claim; and
  (2) May be:
    (A) Accompanied by a statement of points and authorities in support of the motion, and any appropriate exhibits, affidavits, and supporting documents; and
    (B) Filed at any time.
(c) A copy of the motion and any amended motion shall be served upon the prosecutor.
(d) (1) If it plainly appears from the face of the motion, any accompanying exhibits, affidavits, and documents, and the record of any prior proceedings in the case, that the movant is not eligible for relief or not entitled to relief, the Court may dismiss or deny the motion.
  (2) If the motion is not dismissed or denied after initial review, the Court:
    (A) Shall determine whether a hearing on the motion is required; and
    (B) May:
      (i) Order the prosecutor to file a response to the motion; and
      (ii) Set a deadline by which the response shall be filed.
  (3) At any hearing on the motion, the movant and the prosecutor may present witnesses and information by proffer or otherwise. Hearsay evidence shall be admissible.
  (4) An order dismissing, granting, or denying the motion shall be:
    (A) In writing and include reasons for the decision;
    (B) A final order for purposes of appeal; and
    (C) Issued no later than 180 days after the motion is filed, unless there exists good cause for delay.
  (5) A motion made pursuant to this section may be dismissed without prejudice to permit the movant to renew the motion after further passage of time.
  (6) If the Court denies the motion, the Court shall entertain a second motion for the same relief no sooner than one year after the date on which the order on the initial motion was resolved, unless the second motion raises grounds different than the first motion, in which case, it shall be entertained at any time. If the Court denies the movant's second motion, the Court shall entertain a third and final motion no sooner than one year after the date on which the order on the second motion was resolved, unless the third motion raises grounds different than the first 2 motions, in which case, it shall be entertained at any time.
  (7) If the Court grants the motion, it shall summarize in the order the factual circumstances of the challenged citation, arrest, or charge and any post-arrest occurrences it deems relevant, and shall rule as a matter of law that the movant did not commit the offense for which the movant was arrested or that no offense had been committed.
(e) An acquittal or dismissal shall not establish a presumption that the movant is innocent or entitled to relief pursuant to this section.
(f) Eligible criminal records and court proceedings related to citations, arrests, and charges shall be expunged pursuant to subsection (a) of this section within 90 days after a motion is granted.
D.C. Code § 16-4419 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 44 / § 16-4419
§ 16-4419. Award.
Status: in_force

(a) An arbitrator shall make a record of an award. The record shall be signed or otherwise authenticated by any arbitrator who concurs with the award. The arbitrator or the arbitration organization shall give notice, as provided for in § 16-4409 , of the award, including a copy of the award, to each party to the arbitration proceeding.
(b) An award shall be made within the time specified by the agreement to arbitrate or, if not specified therein, within the time ordered by the court. The court may extend, or the parties to the arbitration proceeding may agree in a record to extend, the time. The court or the parties may do so within or after the time specified or ordered. A party waives any objection that an award was not timely made unless the party gives notice of the objection to the arbitrator before receiving notice of the award.
D.C. Code § 16-3732 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 37 / § 16-3732
§ 16-3732. Affidavit; contents.
Status: repealed

Repealed.
D.C. Code § 16-584 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 5 / § 16-584
§ 16-584. No discharge from employment for garnishment.
Status: in_force

No employer shall discharge an employee for the reason that a creditor of the employee has subjected or attempted to subject unpaid earnings of the employee to garnishment or like proceedings directed to the employer for the purpose of paying a judgment.
D.C. Code § 16-1703 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 17 / § 16-1703
§ 16-1703. Relief from further penalty upon discovery and repayment of losses.
Status: in_force

Upon the discovery and repayment of the money or other thing to be discovered and repaid as provided by section 16-1702  , the person who so discovers and repays shall be acquitted, indemnified, and discharged from any further or other punishment, forfeiture, or penalty, that he may have incurred by the playing for, or winning, the money or other thing so discovered and repaid.
D.C. Code § 16-5620 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 56 / § 16-5620
§ 16-5620. Clarification of confirmed award.
Status: in_force

(a) If the meaning or effect of an award confirmed under § 16-5616 is in dispute, the parties may:
  (1) Agree to arbitrate the dispute before the original arbitrator or another arbitrator; or
  (2) Proceed in the Superior Court under law of the District other than this chapter governing clarification of a judgment in a family law proceeding.
D.C. Code § 16-4021 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 40 / § 16-4021
§ 16-4021. Uniformity of application and construction.
Status: in_force

In applying and construing this chapter, consideration shall be given to the need to promote uniformity of the law with respect to its subject matter among states that enact it.
D.C. Code § 16-542 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 5 / § 16-542
§ 16-542. Issuance of attachment after judgment; costs.
Status: in_force

An attachment may be issued upon a judgment either before or after or at the same time with a fieri facias. If costs are unnecessarily multiplied thereby they shall be charged to the party causing the attachment to be issued.
D.C. Code § 16-4317 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 43 / § 16-4317
§ 16-4317. Appeals.
Status: repealed

Repealed.
D.C. Code § 16-314 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 3 / § 16-314
§ 16-314. Birth certificates.
Status: in_force

(a) Upon the issuance of a final decree of adoption, an adoption form shall be sent to the Registrar pursuant to Chapter 2A of Title 7 . Unless otherwise requested in the petition by the adopters, the Registrar shall cause to be made a new record of the birth in the new name with the names of the adopters and shall then cause the original birth certificate and the order of the Court to be sealed and filed. The sealed package may be opened only by order of the Court or by the Registrar to properly administer Chapter 2A of Title 7 .
(b) If the adoption occurred outside the District either before or after August 25, 1937, a new certificate of birth shall be made pursuant to § 7-231.21 . The Registrar shall seal the original birth certificate. The sealed original birth certificate may be opened only by order of a court of competent jurisdiction or by the Registrar to properly administer Chapter 2A of Title 7 .
(c) If the birth of the adoptee occurred outside the District the clerk of the court shall, upon petition by the adopter, furnish the adopter with a certified copy of the final decree of adoption.
(c-1) If the birth of the adoptee occurred outside of the United States, a new certificate of birth shall be made pursuant to § 7-231.21 .
(d) When an adoption in the District occurred prior to August 25, 1937, the court shall, upon presentation of a motion by a party to the proceedings, order the clerk of the court to seal the records in the proceeding. Upon presentation of a certified copy of the order the Mayor shall cause to be made a new record of the birth in the new name and with the names of the adopters and shall then cause to be sealed and filed the original birth certificate with the order of the court. The sealed package may be opened only by order of the court.
D.C. Code § 16-1007 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 10 / § 16-1007
§ 16-1007. Notice to parties.
Status: in_force

(a) Pursuant to the Rules of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, the respondent, and in cases where the respondent is a minor, the respondent's custodial parent, guardian, or custodian, shall be served with notice of the hearing, an order to appear, a copy of the petition, and a temporary protection order, if issued.
(b) (1) If a minor has petitioned for a civil protection order without a parent, guardian, or custodian, and if the minor is residing with a parent, guardian, or custodian, the court shall send a copy of any order issued pursuant to § 16-1004(d) and notice of the hearing to that parent, guardian, or custodian, unless, in the discretion of the court, notification of that parent, guardian, or custodian would be contrary to the best interests of the minor.
  (2) If the court does not send notice to the parent, guardian, or custodian with whom the minor resides, the court may, in its discretion, send notice to any other parent, guardian, custodian, or other appropriate adult.
(c) The notice of hearing shall notify the respondent that if the respondent does not attend the hearing, the court may issue an order against the respondent that may last up to 2 years.
(d) A respondent is deemed to have been personally served and no additional proof of service is required for enforcement of an order if the respondent is present before the court when the order is issued or if the respondent is served with the order in open court.
(e) (1) At the request of the petitioner or a person petitioning on the petitioner's behalf, or by order of the court, the Metropolitan Police Department shall attempt to serve civil process in any case filed under this subchapter that has an address for service in the District of Columbia.
  (2) There is established a special unit that consists of at least 6 officers for the purpose of performing these and similar duties, including the service of anti-stalking orders or extreme risk protection orders.
D.C. Code § 16-831.02 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 8A / § 16-831.02
§ 16-831.02. Action for custody of child by a third party.
Status: in_force

(a) (1) A third party may file a complaint for custody of a child or a motion to intervene in any existing action involving custody of the child under any of the following circumstances:
    (A) The parent who is or has been the primary caretaker of the child within the past 3 years consents to the complaint or motion for custody by the third party;
    (B) The third party has:
      (i) Lived in the same household as the child for at least 4 of the 6 months immediately preceding the filing of the complaint or motion for custody, or, if the child is under the age of 6 months, for at least half of the child’s life; and
      (ii) Primarily assumed the duties and obligations for which a parent is legally responsible, including providing the child with food, clothing, shelter, education, financial support, and other care to meet the child’s needs; or
    (C) The third party is living with the child and some exceptional circumstance exists such that relief under this chapter is necessary to prevent harm to the child; provided, that the complaint or motion shall specify in detail why the relief is necessary to prevent harm to the child.
  (2) A third party who is employed by the child’s parent to provide child care duties for that child may not file, under this chapter, a complaint for custody of that child or intervene in any existing action under this chapter involving custody of that child.
(b) (1) At any time after the filing of a third-party complaint for custody or a motion to intervene, a parent may move to dismiss an action filed by a third party on the grounds that the third party has committed an intrafamily offense against the child, the child’s parent, or any other member of the child’s family, or that the third party does not meet the characteristics set forth in subsection (a) of this section.
  (2) The court shall dismiss the action within 30 days of receiving proof that a court of competent jurisdiction has found that the third party has committed an intrafamily offense against the child, the child’s parent, or any other member of the child’s family.
  (3) Whenever the parent alleges that the plaintiff has committed an intrafamily offense against the child, the child’s parent, or any other member of the child’s family, but no previous adjudication has been issued, the court shall schedule a hearing on the motion to dismiss within 30 days of receiving the allegation.
(c) (1) The court may decide a third-party complaint or motion to intervene filed under this chapter notwithstanding any other matters pending before the court involving the child, except that any complaint or motion filed under this chapter involving a child who is the subject of a pending action brought under Chapter 23 of Title 16 shall be consolidated with that pending action for resolution by the judicial officer there presiding.
  (2) In a proceeding under this chapter consolidated with a neglect or termination of parental rights proceeding under Chapter 23 of Title 16 , the parent of the child is entitled to be represented by counsel at all critical stages of the proceeding, and, if financially unable to obtain adequate representation, to have counsel appointed in accordance with § 16-2304(b) and the rules established by the Superior Court of the District of Columbia.
  (3) The court, in its discretion, may appoint counsel for the third party.
D.C. Code § 16-5609 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 56 / § 16-5609
§ 16-5609. Disclosure by arbitrator; disqualification.
Status: in_force

(a) Before agreeing to serve as an arbitrator, an individual, after making reasonable inquiry, shall disclose to all parties any known fact that a reasonable person would believe is likely to affect:
  (1) The impartiality of the arbitrator in the arbitration, including bias, a financial or personal interest in the outcome of the arbitration, or an existing or past relationship with a party, attorney representing a party, or witness; or
  (2) The arbitrator's ability to make a timely award.
(b) An arbitrator, the parties, and the attorneys representing the parties have a continuing obligation to disclose to all parties any known fact a reasonable person would believe is likely to affect the impartiality of the arbitrator or the arbitrator's ability to make a timely award.
(c) An objection to the selection or continued service of an arbitrator and a motion for a stay of arbitration and disqualification of the arbitrator shall be made under the law and procedural rules of the District other than this chapter governing arbitrator disqualification.
(d) If a disclosure required by subsection (a)(1) or (b) of this section is not made, the Superior Court may:
  (1) On motion of a party not later than 30 days after the failure to disclose is known or by the exercise of reasonable care should have been known to the party, suspend the arbitration;
  (2) On timely motion of a party, vacate an award under § 16-5619(a)(2) ; or
  (3) If an award has been confirmed, grant other appropriate relief under law of the District other than this chapter .
(e) If the parties agree to discharge an arbitrator or the arbitrator is disqualified, the parties by agreement may select a new arbitrator or request the Superior Court to select another arbitrator as provided in § 16-5608 .
D.C. Code § 16-4203 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 42 / § 16-4203
§ 16-4203. Privilege against disclosure; admissibility; discovery.
Status: in_force

(a) Except as otherwise provided in § 16-4205 , a mediation communication is privileged as provided in subsection (b) of this section and is not subject to discovery or admissible in evidence in a proceeding unless waived or precluded as provided by § 16-4204 .
(b) In a proceeding, the following privileges apply:
  (1) A mediation party may refuse to disclose, and may prevent any other person from disclosing, a mediation communication.
  (2) A mediator may refuse to disclose a mediation communication, and may prevent any other person from disclosing a mediation communication of the mediator.
  (3) A nonparty participant may refuse to disclose, and may prevent any other person from disclosing, a mediation communication of the nonparty participant.
(c) Evidence or information that is otherwise admissible or subject to discovery does not become inadmissible or protected from discovery solely by reason of its disclosure or use in a mediation.
D.C. Code § 16-2333.01 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 23 / § 16-2333.01
§ 16-2333.01. Permitted disclosures of juvenile information.
Status: in_force

(a) An official of the Family Court, the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services, or the Metropolitan Police Department may disclose information (but not records) about a juvenile otherwise protected from disclosure under sections 16-2331, 16-2332, and 16-2333 in accordance with this section only if:
  (1) In the professional judgment of the official, disclosing the information will assist in the protection, welfare, treatment, or rehabilitation of the juvenile;
  (2) A professional relationship exists between the official and the juvenile; and
  (3) The general nature of the disclosure, and rationale for making the disclosure, is approved by the official’s supervisor or agency director.
(b) Information disclosed under this section may be disclosed only to:
  (1) A principal, teacher, or counselor at a school that the juvenile attends or has attended; or
  (2) A mental health professional as that term is defined in section 7-1201.01(11).
(c) The information that may be disclosed under this section shall be limited to:
  (1) The juvenile’s name;
  (2) Whether the juvenile is or has been on probation or in the custody of the Department;
  (3) Whether the juvenile has violated the terms of probation or absconded while in the custody of the Department;
  (4) Whether the juvenile has been arrested by the Metropolitan Police Department, or another law enforcement agency, and the charges brought against the juvenile; and
  (5) The disposition of the charges brought against the juvenile.
(d) Information disclosed pursuant to this section shall be:
  (1) Kept confidential and shall not be disclosed by the recipient to another individual or entity except in accordance with section 16-2331, 16-2332, or 16-2333; and
  (2) Limited to the greatest extent possible consistent with its express purpose.
(e) This section permits the limited disclosure of information contained in records and files otherwise protected from disclosure under sections 16-2331, 16-2332, and 16-2333, but does not authorize disclosure of the records and files.
D.C. Code § 16-1113 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 11 / § 16-1113
§ 16-1113. Defense of adverse possession; enclosure.
Status: in_force

In an action to recover vacant and unimproved lots of ground it is not necessary, in order to maintain the defense of adversary possession, to show that the premises in controversy had been enclosed; but if it appears that the property had been assessed for taxation to the defendant, or those under whom he claims, and that he or they had regularly paid the taxes on the property and were the only persons who had exercised control over the property for a period of fifteen years before the bringing of the action, the facts shall be the equivalent of possession by actual enclosure.
D.C. Code § 16-2901 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 29 / § 16-2901
§ 16-2901. Parties; accounting by tenant in common.
Status: in_force

(a) The Superior Court of the District of Columbia may decree a partition of lands, tenements, or hereditaments on the complaint of a tenant in common, claiming by descent or purchase, or of a joint tenant; or when it appears that the property can not be divided without loss or injury to the parties interested, the court may decree a sale thereof and a division of the money arising from the sale among the parties, according to their respective rights.
(b) This section applies to cases where:
  (1) all the parties are of full age;
  (2) all the parties are infants;
  (3) some of the parties are of full age and some are infants;
  (4) some or all of the parties are non compos mentis; and
  (5) all or any of the parties are non-residents — and a party, whether of full age, infant, or non compos mentis, may file a complaint pursuant to this section, an infant by his guardian or next friend, and a person non compos mentis by his committee.
(c) In a case of partition, when a tenant in common has received the rents and profits of the property to his own use, he may be required to account to his cotenants for their respective shares of the rents and profits. Amounts found to be due on the accounting may be charged against the share of the party owing them in the property, or its proceeds in case of sale.
(d) This section does not affect sections 21-146 and 21-704 [repealed].
D.C. Code § 16-1336 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 13 / § 16-1336
§ 16-1336. Condemnation of excess real property by Mayor; payment of awards, damages, and costs; no assessments for benefits.
Status: in_force

(a) When, pursuant to this subchapter, excess real property is condemned by the Mayor, the condemnation proceedings for the acquisition of the property shall be in accordance with subchapter II of this chapter .
(b) Appropriations available for the payment of awards, damages, and condemnation proceedings pursuant to subchapter II of this chapter may be used in the payment of awards, damages, and costs in condemnation proceedings for the acquisition of excess real property, as provided by this subchapter.
(c) Appropriations available for the payment of awards, damages, and costs in condemnation proceedings pursuant to subchapter II of this chapter may be used in the payment of awards, damages, and costs in condemnation proceedings thereunder for the acquisition of excess real property as provided by this subchapter.
(d) In all cases where excess real property is condemned, assessments for benefits may not be levied by the jury in respect to the acquisition of the property.
D.C. Code § 16-505 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 5 / § 16-505
§ 16-505. Sufficiency of plaintiff’s bond.
Status: in_force

The defendant or any other person interested in the proceedings who is not satisfied with the sufficiency of the surety or with the amount of the penalty named in the bond filed pursuant to section 16-501  , may apply to the court for an order requiring the plaintiff to give an additional bond in such sum and with such security as may be approved by the court. If the plaintiff fails to comply with any such order the court may order the attachment to be quashed and any property attached or its proceeds to be returned to the defendant or otherwise disposed of, as to the court may seem proper.
D.C. Code § 16-4601.06 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 46 / § 16-4601.06
§ 16-4601.06. Priority.
Status: in_force

If a question of existence or exercise of jurisdiction under this chapter is raised in a child-custody proceeding, the question, upon request of a party, must be given priority on the calendar and handled expeditiously.
D.C. Code § 16-511 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 5 / § 16-511
§ 16-511. Attachment of credits or partnership interest; retention of property or credits by garnishee.
Status: in_force

(a) An attachment shall be levied upon credits of the defendant, in the hands of a garnishee, by serving the garnishee with a copy of the writ of attachment and of the interrogatories accompanying the writ, and a notice that any property or credits of the defendant in his hands are seized by virtue of the attachment, besides the notice required by section 16-502. The undivided interest of the defendant in a partnership business may be levied upon by a similar service on the defendant’s partner or partners.
(b) Where the property or credits attached or sought to be attached are held by the garnishee in the name of or for the account of a person other than the defendant, the garnishee shall retain the property or credits during the period pending determination by the court of the propriety of the attachment or the rightful owner of the property or credits. During that period, the garnishee shall incur no liability for the retention.
D.C. Code § 16-3904 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 39 / § 16-3904
§ 16-3904. Set-off or counterclaim; pleading; retention of jurisdiction.
Status: in_force

If the defendant in an action pursuant to this chapter, asserts a set-off or counterclaim, the judge may require a formal plea of set-off to be filed, or may waive the requirement. If the plaintiff requires time to prepare his defense against the counterclaim or set-off, the judge may continue the case for that purpose. When the set-off or counterclaim is for more than the jurisdictional limit of the Small Claims and Conciliation Branch, as provided by section 11-1321  , but within the jurisdiction of the Superior Court, the action shall nevertheless remain in the Branch and be tried therein in its entirety.
D.C. Code § 16-1365 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 13 / § 16-1365
§ 16-1365. Appeal; deficiency judgment.
Status: in_force

A party aggrieved by a final judgment in a proceeding pursuant to this subchapter may appeal therefrom to the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. The appeal, or any bond or undertaking given therein, does not operate to prevent or delay the vesting of title to the property in the United States, but upon the filing of a declaration of taking, or, if a declaration of taking is not filed, upon payment to the party entitled, or deposit in the registry of the court, of the amount awarded by the judgment, title vests in the United States, saving to all parties their right to just compensation. If the compensation finally awarded and adjudged for the property exceeds the amount awarded and adjudged by the judgment appealed from, the court shall enter judgment for the deficiency with interest as provided by this subchapter.
D.C. Code § 16-2395 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 23 / § 16-2395
§ 16-2395. Modification, termination, or enforcement of the guardianship order.
Status: in_force

(a) Any party may move the court to modify, terminate, or enforce a guardianship order or an order of child support created under this subchapter.
(b) Notice of a motion to modify, terminate, or enforce a guardianship order or an order of child support shall be personally served on all parties. If personal service under this section cannot be effected, then notice shall be made constructively pursuant to rules of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia.
(c) The court may issue an order of reference directing the Mayor to file a report and recommendation regarding the proposed modification or termination of the guardianship order within 45 days of the filing date of the motion.
(d) A guardianship order may be modified or terminated if the court finds, by a preponderance of the evidence, that there has been a substantial and material change in the child’s circumstances subsequent to the entry of the guardianship order and that it is in the child’s best interests to modify or terminate the guardianship order.
(e) The court shall hold an adjudicatory hearing as provided for in section 16-2388 before modifying or terminating a guardianship order and shall, at the conclusion of the hearing, enter a written order reciting the findings upon which such order is based, including findings pertaining to the court’s jurisdiction.
(f) Upon entry of an order terminating the guardianship, the permanent guardian shall no longer be entitled to physical custody of the child, have any other parental rights and responsibilities concerning the child created under this subchapter, or have party status in any further proceeding brought under this subchapter.
(g) Upon entry of an order terminating the guardianship, the court shall hold a hearing pursuant to section 16-2323.
D.C. Code § 16-4603.12 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 46 / § 16-4603.12
§ 16-4603.12. Costs, fees, and expenses.
Status: in_force

(a) The court shall award the prevailing party, including a state, necessary and reasonable expenses incurred by or on behalf of the party, including costs, communication expenses, attorney’s fees, investigative fees, expenses for witnesses, travel expenses, and child care during the course of the proceedings, unless the party from whom fees or expenses are sought establishes that the award would be clearly inappropriate.
(b) The court may not assess fees, costs, or expenses against a state unless authorized by law other than this chapter.
D.C. Code § 16-1114 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 11 / § 16-1114
§ 16-1114. Verdict; judgment; costs; future actions.
Status: in_force

(a) In an action of ejectment, if the plaintiff’s title is established by proof, the verdict of the jury shall be generally for the plaintiff as to the whole or part of the property or interest claimed in the complaint, as the case may be. If the plaintiff fails to make satisfactory proof of title, the verdict shall be for the defendant as to the whole or part of the property, as the case may be. The verdict may be for the plaintiff as to part and for the defendant as to other part thereof. Except as provided by this chapter, judgment shall be rendered according to the verdict.
(b) When it appears on the trial that the defendant did not wrongfully enter into possession of the property sued for, or exercise acts of ownership over the same adversely to the plaintiff, the verdict of the jury shall be that the defendant is not guilty. Thereupon, judgment shall be rendered in favor of the defendant against the plaintiff for the costs of the action, but the judgment is not a bar to a future action by the plaintiff against the defendant for the recovery of the property.
D.C. Code § 16-2343.03 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 23 / § 16-2343.03
§ 16-2343.03. Default order.
Status: in_force

If a respondent fails to appear at a hearing in any case in which parentage is at issue, a default order shall be entered upon a showing that (1) the respondent was served with notice of the action by any method permitted pursuant to section 46-206(b)  , and (2) that the respondent received actual notice of the first, or any other hearing, where parentage is at issue which the respondent failed to attend. An ex parte hearing shall not be required before the entry of a default order.
D.C. Code § 16-4015 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 40 / § 16-4015
§ 16-4015. Coercive or violent relationship.
Status: in_force

(a) Before a prospective party signs a collaborative law participation agreement, a prospective collaborative lawyer shall make reasonable inquiry whether the prospective party has a history of a coercive or violent relationship with another prospective party.
(b) Throughout a collaborative law process, a collaborative lawyer reasonably and continuously shall assess whether the party the collaborative lawyer represents has a history of a coercive or violent relationship with another party.
(c) If a collaborative lawyer reasonably believes that the party the lawyer represents or the prospective party who consults the lawyer has a history of a coercive or violent relationship with another party or prospective party, the lawyer may not begin or continue a collaborative law process unless:
  (1) The party or the prospective party requests beginning or continuing the process; and
  (2) The collaborative lawyer reasonably believes that the safety of the party or prospective party can be protected adequately during the process.
D.C. Code § 16-3101 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 31 / § 16-3101
§ 16-3101. Definition.
Status: in_force

As used in this chapter, the term “Probate Court” means the Superior Court of the District of Columbia.
D.C. Code § 16-1001 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 10 / § 16-1001
§ 16-1001. Definitions.
Status: in_force

For the purposes of this subchapter, the term:
(1) “Attorney General” means the Attorney General for the District of Columbia.
(2) “Court” means the Superior Court of the District of Columbia.
(3) “Custodian” shall have the meaning as provided in § 16-2301(12) .
(4) “Domestic partnership” shall have the same meaning as provided in § 32-701(4) .
(5) “Domestic Violence Division” means any subdivision of the court designated by court rule, or by order of the Chief Judge of the court, to hear proceedings under this subchapter.
(5A) "Family member" means a person:
  (A) To whom the offender is related by blood, adoption, legal custody, marriage, or domestic partnership; or
  (B) Who is the child of an intimate partner.
(5B) (A) "Household member" means a person with whom, in the past year, the offender:
    (i) Shares or has shared a mutual residence; and
    (ii) Has maintained a close relationship, beyond mere acquaintances, rendering application of the statute appropriate.
  (B) For the purposes of this paragraph, the term "close relationship" does not include a relationship based solely on a landlord-tenant relationship.
(6) [Repealed].
(6A) "Intimate partner" means a person:
  (A) To whom the offender is or was married;
  (B) With whom the offender is or was in a domestic partnership;
  (C) With whom the offender has a child in common; or
  (D) With whom the offender is, was, or is seeking to be in a romantic, dating, or sexual relationship.
(7) [Repealed].
(8) "Intrafamily offense" means:
  (A) An offense punishable as a criminal offense against an intimate partner, a family member, or a household member; or
  (B) An offense punishable as cruelty to animals, under § 22-1001 or § 22-1002 , against an animal that an intimate partner, family member, or household member owns, possesses, or controls.
(9) [Repealed].
(10) “Judicial officer” means the Chief Judge, an Associate Judge, a Senior Judge, or a Magistrate Judge of the court.
(11) “Minor” means a person under 18 years of age.
(12) "Petitioner" means the person for whom a civil protection order is sought under this subchapter .
(13) “Respondent” means any person 13 years of age or older against whom a petition for civil protection is filed under this subchapter.
(14) "Sexual assault" shall have the same meaning as provided in § 23-1907(9) .
D.C. Code § 16-4605.03 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 46 / § 16-4605.03
§ 16-4605.03. Transitional provision.
Status: in_force

A motion or other request for relief made in a child-custody proceeding or to enforce a child-custody determination which was commenced before April 27, 2001, is governed by the law in effect at the time the motion or other request was made.
D.C. Code § 16-4311 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 43 / § 16-4311
§ 16-4311. Vacating an award.
Status: repealed

Repealed.
D.C. Code § 16-4515 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 45 / § 16-4515
§ 16-4515. Filing and enforcement of custody decree of another state.
Status: repealed

Repealed.
D.C. Code § 16-807 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 8 / § 16-807
§ 16-807. Effect of sealing of criminal records.
Status: in_force

(a) The effect of criminal record sealing shall be to remove all records related to a citation, arrest, charge, prosecution, disposition, or conviction from public view and to permit restricted, nonpublic access by specific parties for specific purposes.
(b) No person as to whom criminal record sealing relief has been granted shall be held thereafter under any provision of law to be guilty of perjury or otherwise giving a false statement by reason of failure to recite or acknowledge or disclose that citation, arrest, charge, prosecution, disposition, or conviction, in response to any inquiry made of them for any purpose.
(c) If the Court orders that a criminal record be sealed:
  (1) The Clerk and each prosecutor and law enforcement, corrections, pretrial, and community supervision agency shall:
    (A) Eliminate from all publicly available physical and computerized records any references that identify the person as having been cited, arrested, prosecuted, or convicted;
    (B) Be entitled to retain records relating to the person's citation, arrest, prosecution, and conviction in a nonpublic, restricted access file; and
    (C) Reply in response to public inquiries concerning the existence of the records that no records are available;
  (2) Each prosecutor and law enforcement, corrections, pretrial, and community supervision agency shall file a certification with the Court within 90 days after an order to seal is issued that, to the best of its knowledge and belief, all references that identify the person as having been cited, arrested, prosecuted, or convicted have been sealed;
  (3) The Clerk shall:
    (A) Retain a nonpublic record, appropriately and securely indexed to protect its confidentiality, containing records retrieved pursuant to this section and the certifications filed pursuant to paragraph (2) of this subsection; and
    (B) Make reasonable efforts to provide a copy of the order to seal and the certifications filed pursuant to paragraph (2) of this subsection to the person who was cited, arrested, charged, or convicted, or their counsel:
      (i) When the Court issues the order;
      (ii) When the certifications are filed pursuant to paragraph (2) of this subsection; and
      (iii) At any time, upon proper identification, without a showing of need;
  (4) In a case involving co-defendants in which the Court orders the person's criminal records be sealed, the Court shall order, to the extent practicable:
    (A) That only those records, or portions thereof, relating solely to the person be redacted;
    (B) That the person's name be redacted from records that are not sealed; and
    (C) The redaction of references to the person that appear in a transcript of court proceedings involving co-defendants; and
  (5) The Court shall not be required to order the redaction of the person's name from any published opinion of the trial or appellate courts that refer to the person.
(d) (1) Records retained in a nonpublic file pursuant to this section shall only be available to:
    (A) The person who was cited, arrested, charged, or convicted, or their counsel;
    (B) A prosecutor, defense attorney, law enforcement, corrections, pretrial, or community supervision agency, for any lawful purpose, including:
      (i) Investigating, prosecuting, or defending another criminal case;
      (ii) Complying with disclosure obligations in another criminal case;
      (iii) Determining the person's suitability for diversion, release, sentencing reduction, sealing, or expungement in another case;
      (iv) The determination of conditions of release for a subsequent arrest;
      (v) The determination of whether a person has committed a second or subsequent offense for charging or sentencing purposes;
      (vi) Determining an appropriate sentence if the person is subsequently convicted of another crime;
      (vii) Employment decisions;
      (viii) Sex offender registration and notification;
      (ix) Gun offender registration; or
      (x) In determining whether a person has been in possession of a firearm in violation of § 22-4503 ;
    (C) Except for records sealed pursuant to § 16-806(a)(2) , a person or entity identified in § 16-801(5) (D), (E), or (F), but only to the extent that such records would have been available to that person or entity before relief was granted. Such records may be used for any lawful purpose, including:
      (i) The determination of whether a person is eligible to be licensed in a particular trade or profession; or
      (ii) Employment decisions; and
    (D) Other persons or entities for the purpose of:
      (i) Use in civil litigation related to the citation, charge, arrest, or conviction; or
      (ii) Upon order of the Court for good cause shown, such as anonymized records for academic or journalistic purposes.
  (2) A request for access to or to disclose sealed records may be made ex parte and may be granted for good cause shown.
  (3) If the Court permits a requestor to access or disclose sealed records, the Court and the requestor shall take all reasonable measures to ensure that the records are secure and that the contents are not identifiably disclosed, published, or redistributed, such as by issuing a protective order or electronically limiting access to verified viewers.
  (4) A person, upon making inquiry of the Court concerning the existence of criminal records involving an individual, shall be entitled to rely, for any purpose under the law, upon the clerk's response that no records are available with respect to any issue about that person's knowledge of the individual's record.
D.C. Code § 16-4603.06 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 46 / § 16-4603.06
§ 16-4603.06. Enforcement of registered determination.
Status: in_force

(a) A court of the District may grant any relief normally available under the law of the District to enforce a registered child-custody determination made by a court of another state.
(b) A court of the District shall recognize and enforce, but may not modify, except in accordance with subchapter II of this chapter , a registered child-custody determination of a court of another state.
D.C. Code § 16-4604.04 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 46 / § 16-4604.04
§ 16-4604.04. Actions for abduction prevention measures.
Status: in_force

(a) A court on its own motion may order abduction prevention measures in a child-custody proceeding if the court finds that the evidence establishes a credible risk of abduction of the child.
(b) A party to a child-custody determination or another individual or entity having a right under the law of this state or any other state to seek a child-custody determination for the child may file a petition seeking abduction prevention measures to protect the child under this subchapter.
(c) The Attorney General for the District of Columbia may seek a warrant to take physical custody of a child under § 16-4604.09 or other appropriate prevention measures.
D.C. Code § 16-525 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 5 / § 16-525
§ 16-525. Condemnation and sale of property; proceeds of sale under interlocutory order.
Status: in_force

In any form of action, where specific property has been attached and remains under the control of the court, judgment of condemnation of the property shall be entered, and as much thereof as may be necessary to satisfy the demand of the plaintiff shall be sold under fieri facias. If the property was sold under interlocutory order of the court, the proceeds, or as much thereof as may be necessary, shall be applied to the plaintiff’s claim by order of the court.
D.C. Code § 16-303 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 3 / § 16-303
§ 16-303. Persons adopted.
Status: in_force

A person, whether a minor or an adult, may be adopted.
D.C. Code § 16-3702 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 37 / § 16-3702
§ 16-3702. Form of complaint.
Status: in_force

A complaint in replevin shall be in the following or equivalent form:
“The plaintiff sues the defendant for (wrongly taking and detaining) (unjustly detaining) the plaintiff’s goods and chattels, to wit: (describe them) of the value of ____ dollars. And the plaintiff claims that the same be taken from the defendant and delivered to him; or, if they are eloigned, that he may have judgment of their value and all mesne profits and damages, which he estimates at ____ dollars, besides costs.”
D.C. Code § 16-705 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 7 / § 16-705
§ 16-705. Jury trial; trial by court.
Status: in_force

(a) In a criminal case tried in the Superior Court in which, according to the Constitution of the United States, the defendant is entitled to a jury trial, the trial shall be by jury, unless the defendant in open court expressly waives trial by jury and requests trial by the court, and the court and the prosecuting officer consent thereto. In the case of a trial without a jury, the trial shall be by a single judge, whose verdict shall have the same force and effect as that of a jury.
(b) In any case where the defendant is not under the Constitution of the United States entitled to a trial by jury, the trial shall be by a single judge without a jury, except that if —
  (1) (A) The defendant is charged with an offense which is punishable by a fine or penalty of more than $1,000 or by imprisonment for more than 180 days (or for more than six months in the case of the offense of contempt of court);
    (B) The defendant is charged with 2 or more offenses which are punishable by a cumulative fine or penalty of more than $4,000 or a cumulative term of imprisonment of more than 2 years; or
    (C) (i) The defendant is charged with an offense under:
        (I) [Section 22-404(a)(1) ];
        (II) [Section 22-405.01 ]; or
        (III) [Section 22-407 ]; and
      (ii) The person who is alleged to have been the victim of the offense is a law enforcement officer, as that term is defined in [§ 22-405(a)] if the law enforcement officer was in uniform or acting in an official capacity at the time of the offense; and
  (2) The defendant demands a trial by jury, the trial shall be by jury, unless the defendant in open court expressly waives trial by jury and requests trial by the court, and the court and the prosecuting officer consent thereto. In the case of a trial by the court, the judge’s verdict shall have the same force and effect as that of a jury.
(b-1) If a defendant in a criminal case is charged with 2 or more offenses and the offenses include at least one jury demandable offense and one non-jury demandable offense, the trial for all offenses charged against that defendant shall be by jury unless the defendant in open court expressly waives trial by jury and requests trial by the court, and the court and the prosecuting officer consent thereto. In the case of a trial without a jury, the trial shall be by a single judge, whose verdict shall have the same force and effect as that of a jury.
(c) The jury shall consist of twelve persons, unless the parties, with the approval of the court and in the manner provided by rules of the court, agree to a number less than twelve. Even absent such agreement, if, due to extraordinary circumstances, the court finds it necessary to excuse a juror for just cause after the jury has retired to consider its verdict, in the discretion of the court, a valid verdict may be returned by the remaining eleven jurors.
D.C. Code § 16-4207 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 42 / § 16-4207
§ 16-4207. Confidentiality.
Status: in_force

Unless subject to § 1-207.42 , mediation communications are confidential to the extent agreed by the parties or provided by other law or rule of the District of Columbia.
D.C. Code § 16-571 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 5 / § 16-571
§ 16-571. Definitions.
Status: in_force

For purposes of this subchapter —
(1) The term “wages” means compensation paid or payable for personal services whether denominated as wages, salary, commission, bonus, or otherwise, and includes periodic payments pursuant to a pension or retirement program.
(2) The term “disposable wages” means that part of the earnings of any individual remaining after the deduction from those earnings of any amounts required by law to be withheld.
(3) The term “garnishment” means any legal or equitable procedure through which the wages of any individual are required to be withheld for payment of any debt.
(4) The term “domestic partner” shall have the same meaning as provided in § 32-701(3) .
D.C. Code § 16-306 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 3 / § 16-306
§ 16-306. Notice of adoption proceedings.
Status: in_force

(a) Except as provided by subsection (b) of this section, due notice of pending adoption proceedings shall be given to each person whose consent is necessary thereto, immediately upon the filing of a petition. The notice shall be given by summons, by registered letter sent to the addressee only, or otherwise as ordered by the court.
(b) A party who formally gives his consent to the proposed adoption, as provided by this chapter, thereby waives the requirement of notice to him pursuant to this section.
D.C. Code § 16-4010 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 40 / § 16-4010
§ 16-4010. Low-income parties.
Status: in_force

(a) The disqualification of § 16-4009(a) applies to a collaborative lawyer representing a party with or without fee.
(b) After a collaborative law process concludes, another lawyer in a law firm with which a collaborative lawyer disqualified under § 16-4009(a) is associated may represent a party without fee in the collaborative matter or a matter related to the collaborative matter if:
  (1) The party has an annual income that qualifies the party for free legal representation under the criteria established by the law firm for free legal representation;
  (2) The collaborative law participation agreement so provides; and
  (3) The collaborative lawyer is isolated from any participation in the collaborative matter or a matter related to the collaborative matter through procedures within the law firm that are reasonably calculated to isolate the collaborative lawyer from such participation.
D.C. Code § 16-831.09 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 8A / § 16-831.09
§ 16-831.09. Pendente lite relief.
Status: in_force

(a) (1) During the pendency of any proceeding under this chapter, the court may determine, in accordance with the provisions of this chapter, the custody of the child pending final determination of that issue.
  (2) The pendente lite hearing shall be held no later than 30 days after a party requests a pendente lite custody determination by the court.
  (3) The court may enter any appropriate pendente lite relief pursuant to the provisions of this chapter.
  (4) Except when all parties consent to the pendente lite order, the court shall issue written findings.
(b) (1) Unless the parties agree otherwise, any pendente lite order shall include a date certain for trial on the complaint or motion, not to exceed 120 days from issuance of the pendente lite order.
  (2) Extensions of the trial date will not be routinely granted. Only upon motion of a party or on the court’s own motion and a showing of good cause may the trial date be extended. Any order extending the trial date shall be accompanied by written findings.
D.C. Code § 16-4011 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 40 / § 16-4011
§ 16-4011. Governmental entity as party.
Status: in_force

(a) The disqualification of § 16-4009(a) applies to a collaborative lawyer representing a party that is a government or governmental subdivision, agency, or instrumentality.
(b) After a collaborative law process concludes, another lawyer in a law firm with which the collaborative lawyer is associated may represent a government or governmental subdivision, agency, or instrumentality in the collaborative matter or a matter related to the collaborative matter if:
  (1) The collaborative law participation agreement so provides; and
  (2) The collaborative lawyer is isolated from any participation in the collaborative matter or a matter related to the collaborative matter through procedures within the law firm that are reasonably calculated to isolate the collaborative lawyer from such-participation.
D.C. Code § 16-1043 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 10 / § 16-1043
§ 16-1043. Nonjudicial enforcement of order.
Status: in_force

(a) A law enforcement officer, upon determining that there is probable cause to believe that a valid foreign protection order exists and that the order has been violated, shall enforce the order as if it were the order of a tribunal of the District. Presentation of a protection order that identifies both the protected individual and the respondent and, on its face, is currently in effect constitutes probable cause to believe that a valid foreign protection order exists. For the purposes of this section, the protection order may be inscribed on a tangible medium or may have been stored in an electronic or other medium if it is retrievable in perceivable form. Presentation of a certified copy of a protection order is not required for enforcement.
(b) If a foreign protection order is not presented, a law enforcement officer may consider other information in determining whether there is probable cause to believe that a valid foreign protection order exists.
(c) Registration or filing of an order in the District is not required for the enforcement of a valid foreign protection order pursuant to this subchapter.
D.C. Code § 16-583 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 5 / § 16-583
§ 16-583. No garnishment before judgment.
Status: in_force

(a) Except as otherwise provided in the District of Columbia Child Support Enforcement Amendment Act of 1985 or as provided in the D.C. Official Code, section 16-916, before entry of a judgment in an action against a debtor, the creditor may not obtain an interest in any property of the debtor by attachment, garnishment, or like proceedings.
(b) The holder who is served an order of withholding under this subchapter may deduct and retain from the obligor’s earnings or other income an additional $2.00 over the withholding amount for expenses incurred as a result of the withholding.
D.C. Code § 16-1906 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 19 / § 16-1906
§ 16-1906. Inquiry into cause of detention; bail; bond.
Status: in_force

On the return of a writ of habeas corpus issued pursuant to this chapter and the production of the person detained, the court or judge shall immediately inquire into the legality and propriety of the confinement or detention. If it appears that the person is detained without legal warrant or authority, the court or judge shall immediately release or discharge him. If the court or judge deems his detention to be lawful and proper, the court or judge shall remand him to the same custody, or, in a proper case, admit him to bail, if he is confined on a charge of having committed a bailable criminal offense. If he is bailed, the court or judge shall require a sufficient bond or recognizance to answer in the proper court, and transmit it to that court.
D.C. Code § 16-3909 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 39 / § 16-3909
§ 16-3909. Award of costs.
Status: in_force

In the action pursuant to this chapter, the award of costs is in the discretion of the judge, who may include therein the reasonable cost of bonds and undertakings, and other reasonable expenses incident to the action, incurred by either party.
D.C. Code § 16-313 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 3 / § 16-313
§ 16-313. Child as including adopted person.
Status: in_force

In the District, “child” or its equivalent in a deed, grant, will, or other written instrument includes an adopted person, unless the contrary plainly appears by the terms thereof, whether the instrument was executed before or after the entry of the interlocutory decree of adoption, if any, or before or after the final decree of adoption became effective.
D.C. Code § 16-1045 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 10 / § 16-1045
§ 16-1045. Immunity.
Status: in_force

The District and its officers and employees, a law enforcement officer, prosecuting attorney, clerk of court, or any state or local governmental official acting in an official capacity, is immune from civil and criminal liability for conduct arising out of the registration or enforcement of a foreign protection order or the detention or arrest of an alleged violator of a foreign protection order if the conduct was done in good faith in an effort to comply with this subchapter.