D.C. Code § 16-4201 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 42 / § 16-4201
§ 16-4201. Definitions.
Status: in_force

For the purposes of this chapter, the term:
(1) “Mediation” means a process in which a mediator facilitates communication and negotiation between parties to assist them in reaching a voluntary agreement regarding their dispute.
(2) “Mediation communication” means a statement, whether oral or in a record or verbal or nonverbal, that occurs during a mediation or is made for purposes of considering, conducting, participating in, initiating, continuing, or reconvening a mediation or retaining a mediator.
(3) “Mediation party” means a person that participates in a mediation and whose agreement is necessary to resolve the dispute.
(4) “Mediator” means an individual who conducts a mediation.
(5) “Nonparty participant” means a person, other than a party or mediator, that participates in a mediation.
(6) “Person” means an individual, corporation, business trust, estate, trust, partnership, limited liability company, association, joint venture, government; governmental subdivision, agency, or instrumentality; public corporation, or any other legal or commercial entity.
(7) “Proceeding” means:
  (A) A judicial, administrative, arbitral, or other adjudicative process, including related pre-hearing and post-hearing motions, conferences, and discovery; or
  (B) A legislative hearing or similar process.
(8) “Record” means information that is inscribed on a tangible medium or that is stored in an electronic or other medium and is retrievable in perceivable form.
(9) “Sign” means:
  (A) To execute or adopt a tangible symbol with the present intent to authenticate a record; or
  (B) To attach or logically associate an electronic symbol, sound, or process to or with a record with the present intent to authenticate a record.
D.C. Code § 16-2822 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 28 / § 16-2822
§ 16-2822. Mediator costs.
Status: in_force

Unless otherwise agreed by the parties, the costs of mediation, if any, shall be equally shared by the parties.
D.C. Code § 16-4430 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 44 / § 16-4430
§ 16-4430. Regulation of arbitration organizations.
Status: in_force

(a) Any arbitration organization that administers or otherwise is involved in 50 or more consumer arbitrations a year shall collect, publish at least quarterly, and make available to the public in a computer-searchable database that permits searching with multiple search terms in the same search, and is accessible at the Internet website of the arbitration organization, if any, and on paper, upon request, all of the following information regarding each consumer arbitration it has administered or otherwise been involved in within the preceding 5 years:
  (1) The name of any corporation or other business entity that is party to the arbitration.
  (2) The type of dispute involved, including goods, banking, insurance, health care, debt collection, employment, and, if it involves employment, the amount of the employee’s annual wage divided into the following ranges:
    (A) Less than $100,000;
    (B) From $100,000 to $250,000, inclusive; and
    (C) More than $250,000;
  (3) Whether the consumer was the prevailing party;
  (4) The number of occasions, if any, a business entity that is a party to an arbitration has previously been a party in an arbitration or mediation administered by the arbitration organization;
  (5) Whether the consumer party was represented by an attorney and, if so, the identifying information for that attorney, including the attorney’s name, the name of the attorney’s firm, and the city in which the attorney’s office is located;
  (6) The date the arbitration organization received the demand for arbitration, the date the arbitrator was appointed, and the date of disposition by the arbitrator or arbitration organization;
  (7) The type of disposition of the dispute, if known, including withdrawal, abandonment, settlement, award after hearing, award without hearing, default, or dismissal without hearing;
  (8) The amount of the claim, the amount of the award, and any other relief granted, if any; and
  (9) The name of the arbitrator, the arbitrator’s fee for the case, and the percentage of the arbitrator’s fee allocated to each party.
(b) If the information required by subsection (a) of this section is provided by the arbitration organization in a computer-searchable format at the company’s Internet website and may be downloaded without any fee, the company may charge the actual cost of copying to any person who requests the information on paper. If the required information is not accessible by the Internet, the company shall provide that information without charge to any person who requests the information on paper.
(c) No arbitration organization shall have any liability for collecting, publishing, or distributing the information in accordance with this section.
(d) (1) All fees and costs charged to or assessed in the District of Columbia upon a consumer by an arbitration organization in a consumer arbitration shall be waived for any person having a gross monthly income that is less than 300% of the federal poverty guidelines issued annually by the United States Department of Health and Human Services.
  (2) Any consumer requesting a waiver of fees or costs may establish eligibility by making a declaration under oath on a form provided by the arbitration organization indicating the consumer’s monthly income and the number of persons living in the household. No arbitration organization may require a consumer to provide any further statement or evidence of indigence. The form, and the information contained therein, shall be confidential and shall not be disclosed to any adverse party or any nonparty to the arbitration.
  (3) An arbitration organization shall not keep confidential the number of waiver requests received or granted, or the total amount of fees waived.
(e) Nothing in the section shall affect the ability of an arbitration organization to shift fees that would otherwise be charged or assessed upon a consumer party to another party.
(f) Before requesting or obtaining any fee, an arbitration organization shall provide written notice of the right to obtain a waiver of fees in a manner calculated to bring the matter to the attention of a reasonable consumer, including, but not limited to, prominently placing a notice in its first written communication to a consumer and in any invoice, bill, submission form, fee schedule, rules, or code of procedure.
(g) No neutral arbitrator or arbitration organization shall administer a consumer arbitration under any agreement or rule requiring that a consumer who is a party to the arbitration pay the fees and costs incurred by any opposing party if the consumer does not prevail in the arbitration, including, but not limited to, the fees and costs of the arbitrator, provider organization, attorney, or witnesses.
(h) No arbitration organization may administer a consumer arbitration to be conducted in the District of Columbia, or provide any other services related to such a consumer arbitration, if:
  (1) The arbitration organization has, or within the preceding year has had, a financial interest in any party or attorney for a party; or
  (2) Any party or attorney for a party has, or within the preceding year has had, any type of financial interest in the arbitration organization.
(i) Where this section is violated, any affected person or entity, including the Attorney General of the District of Columbia, can request a court to enjoin the arbitration organization from violating the section and order such restitution as appropriate. The arbitration organization shall be liable for that person or entity’s reasonable attorney fees and costs where that person or entity prevails or where, after the action is commenced, the arbitration organization voluntarily complies with the section.
D.C. Code § 16-523 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 5 / § 16-523
§ 16-523. Claims to attached property.
Status: in_force

Any person may file his motion and affidavit in the cause, at any time before the final disposition of the property attached or its proceeds, except where it is real property, setting forth a claim thereto or an interest in or lien upon the same, acquired before the levy of the attachment. The court, without other pleading, shall try the issues raised by the claim, with a jury if either party so requests, and make all orders necessary to protect any rights of the claimant.
D.C. Code § 16-4603.07 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 46 / § 16-4603.07
§ 16-4603.07. Simultaneous proceedings.
Status: in_force

If a proceeding for enforcement under this subchapter is commenced in a court of the District and the court determines that a proceeding to modify the determination is pending in a court of another state having jurisdiction to modify the determination under subchapter II of this chapter , the enforcing court shall immediately communicate with the modifying court. The proceeding for enforcement continues unless the enforcing court, after consultation with the modifying court, stays or dismisses the proceeding.
D.C. Code § 16-921 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 9 / § 16-921
§ 16-921. Validity of marriage, action to determine.
Status: in_force

When the validity of an alleged marriage is denied by either of the parties thereto the other party may institute an action for affirming the marriage, and upon due proof of the validity thereof the court shall decree it to be valid. The decree shall be conclusive upon all parties concerned.
D.C. Code § 16-913 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 9 / § 16-913
§ 16-913. Alimony.
Status: in_force

(a) When a divorce or legal separation is granted, or when a termination of a domestic partnership becomes effective under § 32-702(d) or § 16-904(e) and one partner has filed a petition for relief available under this section, the Court may require either party to pay alimony to the other party if it seems just and proper.
(b) The award of alimony may be indefinite or term-limited and structured as appropriate to the facts. The Court shall determine the amount and the time period for the award of alimony.
(c) An award of alimony may be retroactive to the date of the filing of the pleading that requests alimony.
(d) In making an award of alimony, the Court shall consider all the relevant factors necessary for a fair and equitable award, including, but not limited to, the:
  (1) ability of the party seeking alimony to be wholly or partly self-supporting;
  (2) time necessary for the party seeking alimony to gain sufficient education or training to enable that party to secure suitable employment;
  (3) standard of living that the parties established during their marriage or domestic partnership, but giving consideration to the fact that there will be 2 households to maintain;
  (4) duration of the marriage or domestic partnership;
  (5) circumstances which contributed to the estrangement of the parties, including the history of physical, emotional or financial abuse by one party against the other;
  (6) age of each party;
  (7) physical and mental condition of each party;
  (8) ability of the party from whom alimony is sought to meet his or her needs while meeting the needs of the other party; and
  (9) financial needs and financial resources of each party, including:
    (A) income;
    (B) income from assets, both those that are the property of the marriage or domestic partnership and those that are not;
    (C) potential income which may be imputed to non-income producing assets of a party;
    (D) any previous award of child support in this case;
    (E) the financial obligations of each party;
    (F) the right of a party to receive retirement benefits; and
    (G) the taxability or non-taxability of income.
D.C. Code § 16-2394 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 23 / § 16-2394
§ 16-2394. Unlawful disclosure.
Status: in_force

Whoever willfully discloses, receives, makes use of, or knowingly permits the use of information concerning a child or other person in violation of section 16-2393   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 for not more than 90 days, or both. A violation of this section shall be prosecuted by the Corporation Counsel of the District of Columbia.
D.C. Code § 16-4009 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 40 / § 16-4009
§ 16-4009. Disqualification of collaborative lawyer and lawyers in associated law firm.
Status: in_force

(a) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (c) of this section, a collaborative lawyer is disqualified from appearing before the tribunal to represent a party in a proceeding related to the collaborative matter.
(b) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (c) of this section and §§ 16-4010 and 16-4011 , a lawyer in a law firm with which the collaborative lawyer is associated is disqualified from appearing before the tribunal to represent a party in a proceeding related to the collaborative matter if the collaborative lawyer is disqualified from doing so under subsection (a) of this section.
(c) A collaborative lawyer or a lawyer in a law firm with which the collaborative lawyer is associated may represent a party:
  (1) To ask the tribunal to approve an agreement resulting from the collaborative law process; or
  (2) To seek or defend an emergency order 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 , if a successor lawyer is not immediately available to represent that person.
(d) If subsection (c)(2) of this section applies, a collaborative lawyer, or lawyer in a law firm with which the collaborative lawyer is associated, may represent a party or family member only until that person is represented by a successor lawyer or reasonable measures are taken to protect the health, safety, welfare, or interest of the person.
D.C. Code § 16-1364 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 13 / § 16-1364
§ 16-1364. Force and effect of judgment; payment.
Status: in_force

A final judgment rendered against the United States pursuant to this subchapter has like force and effect as a money judgment rendered against the United States by the Court of Claims in a suit in respect of which the United States has expressly consented to be sued. The amount of the final judgment shall be paid out of any specific appropriation applicable to the case. If a specific appropriation does not exist, the judgment shall be paid in the same manner (except with respect to interest) as judgments rendered by the Court of Claims in cases under its general jurisdiction.
D.C. Code § 16-305 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 3 / § 16-305
§ 16-305. Petition for adoption.
Status: in_force

A petition filed for the adoption of a person shall be under oath or affirmation of the petitioner and the titling thereof shall be substantially as follows: “Ex parte in the matter of the petition of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . for adoption.” The petition or the exhibits annexed thereto shall contain the following information:
(1) the name, sex, date, and place of birth of the prospective adoptee, and the names, addresses and residences of the natural parents, if known to the petitioner, except that in an adoption proceeding that is consented to by the Mayor or a licensed child-placing agency, the names, addresses and residences of the natural parents may not be set forth;
(2) the name, address, age, business or employment of the petitioner, and the name of the employer, if any, of the petitioner;
(3) the relationship, if any, of the prospective adoptee to the petitioner;
(4) [Repealed].
(5) [Repealed].
(6) the date that the prospective adoptee commenced residing with petitioner; and
(7) any change of name which may be desired.
When any of the above facts is unknown to the petitioner, the petitioner shall state this fact. When any of the above facts is known to the Mayor, or a licensed child-placing agency that as a matter of social policy declines to disclose them to the petitioner, the facts may be disclosed to the court in an exhibit filed by the Mayor or the agency with the court. If more than one petitioner joins in a petition, the requirements of this section apply to each.
D.C. Code § 16-2335 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 23 / § 16-2335
§ 16-2335. Sealing of records.
Status: in_force

(a) On motion of a person who has been taken into custody pursuant to section 16-2309 or has been the subject of a petition filed pursuant to section 16-2305, or on the Division’s own motion, the Division shall vacate its order and findings and shall order the sealing of the case and social records referred to in sections 16-2331 and 16-2332 and the law enforcement records and files referred to in section 16-2333, or those of any other agency active in the case if it finds that —
  (1) (A) a neglected child has reached his majority; or
    (B) two years have elapsed since the final discharge of the person from legal custody or supervision, or since the entry of any other Division order not involving custody or supervision; and
  (2) he has not been subsequently convicted of a crime, or adjudicated delinquent or in need of supervision prior to the filing of the motion, and no proceeding is pending seeking such conviction or adjudication.
(b) Reasonable notice of a motion shall be given to —
  (1) the person who is the subject of the petition;
  (2) the Corporation Counsel;
  (3) the authority granting the discharge, if the final discharge was from an institution, parole, or probation; and
  (4) the law enforcement department having custody of the files and records specified in section 16-2333.
(c) Upon the entry of the order, the proceedings in the case shall be treated as if they never occurred. All facts relating to the action including arrest, the filing of a petition, and the adjudication, filing, and disposition of the Division shall no longer exist as a matter of law. The Division, the law enforcement department, or any other department or agency that received notice under subsection (b) and was named in the order shall reply, and the person who is the subject matter of the records may reply, to any inquiry that no record exists with respect to such person.
(d) Inspection of the files and records included in the order may thereafter be permitted by the Division only upon motion by the person who is the subject of such records, and may be made only by those persons named in the motion; but the Division in its discretion may, by special order in an individual case, permit inspection by or release of information in the records to Child Fatality Review Committee and the Violence Fatality Review Committee, where necessary for the discharge of its official duties, and persons having a professional interest in the protection, welfare, treatment, and rehabilitation of the person who is the subject of the petition or other members of his family.
(e) Any adjudication of delinquency or need of supervision or conviction of a felony subsequent to sealing shall have the effect of nullifying the vacating and sealing order.
(f) A person who has been the subject of a petition filed under this subchapter shall be notified of his rights under subsection (a) at the time a dispositional order is entered and again at the time of his final discharge from supervision, treatment, or custody.
(g) No person shall disclose, receive, or use records in violation of this section.
(h) Notwithstanding the availability of information pursuant to section 16-2333(e), a juvenile shall not be required to disclose and shall have the right to refuse disclosure of his or her juvenile delinquency history in an application for employment, education, or housing.
D.C. Code § 16-4601.09 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 46 / § 16-4601.09
§ 16-4601.09. Communication between courts.
Status: in_force

(a) A court of the District may communicate with a court in another state concerning a proceeding arising under this chapter.
(b) The court may allow the parties to participate in the communication. If the parties are not able to participate in the communication, they must be given the opportunity to present facts and legal arguments before a decision on jurisdiction is made.
(c) Communication between courts on schedules, calendars, court records, and similar matters may occur without informing the parties. A record need not be made of the communication.
(d) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (c) of this section, a record must be made of a communication under this section. The parties must be informed promptly of the communication and granted access to the record.
(e) For the purposes of this section, the term “record” means information that is inscribed on a tangible medium or that is stored in an electronic or other medium and is retrievable in perceivable form.
D.C. Code § 16-4403 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 44 / § 16-4403
§ 16-4403. When chapter applies.
Status: in_force

(a) This chapter governs an agreement to arbitrate made on or after [February 27, 2008].
(b) This chapter governs an agreement to arbitrate made before [February 27, 2008] if all the parties to the agreement or to the arbitration proceeding so agree in a record.
(c) (1) Any provision in an insurance policy with a consumer that requires binding arbitration is void and unenforceable.
  (2) An insurance policy with a consumer may permit the resolution of disputes through arbitration; provided, that:
    (A) The decision to arbitrate is made by the parties at the time a dispute arises; and
    (B) The decision whether to arbitrate is not a condition for continued policy coverage under the same terms that otherwise would apply.
  (3) If the parties to an insurance policy with a consumer elect to arbitrate, the provisions of this chapter shall apply.
(d) A provision for mandatory binding arbitration within a consumer arbitration agreement is void and unenforceable except to the extent federal law provides for its enforceability.
(e) On or after July 1, 2009, this chapter governs an agreement to arbitrate whenever made.
(f) (1) This chapter does not apply to any arbitrator or any arbitration organization in an arbitration proceeding governed by rules adopted by a securities self-regulatory organization; provided, that the rules are approved by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission under federal law.
  (2) For the purposes of this paragraph, the term “securities self-regulatory organization” means:
    (A) A securities exchange registered under the federal Securities Exchange Act of 1934, approved June 6, 1934 (48 Stat. 881; 15 U.S.C. § 78a et seq.) (“Securities Exchange Act”);
    (B) A national securities association of broker-dealers registered under the Securities Exchange Act;
    (C) A clearing agency registered under the Securities Exchange Act; or
    (D) The Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board established under the Securities Exchange Act.
D.C. Code § 16-530 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 5 / § 16-530
§ 16-530. Time for trial of issues.
Status: in_force

All issues raised by answers to the attachment, in any case, may be tried at the same time as the issues raised by the pleadings in the action, or separately, as may be just.
D.C. Code § 16-3901 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 39 / § 16-3901
§ 16-3901. Practice; applicability of other laws and rules of court.
Status: in_force

All provisions of law relating to the Superior Court of the District of Columbia and the rules of the court apply to the Small Claims and Conciliation Branch of the court as far as they may be applicable and are not in conflict with this chapter or Chapter 13 of Title 11 . In case of conflict, this chapter and chapter 13 of Title 11 control.
D.C. Code § 16-2923 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 29 / § 16-2923
§ 16-2923. Wife or husband as party to partition proceeding.
Status: repealed

Repealed.
D.C. Code § 16-4601.07 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 46 / § 16-4601.07
§ 16-4601.07. Notice to persons outside the District.
Status: in_force

(a) Notice required for the exercise of jurisdiction when a person is outside the District may be given in a manner prescribed by the law of the District for service of process or by the law of the state in which the service is made. Notice must be given in a manner reasonably calculated to give actual notice, but may be by publication if other means are not effective.
(b) Proof of service may be made in the manner prescribed by the law of the District or by the law of the state in which the service is made.
(c) Notice is not required for the exercise of jurisdiction with respect to a person who submits to the jurisdiction of the court.
D.C. Code § 16-1505 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 15 / § 16-1505
§ 16-1505. Conclusiveness of judgment.
Status: in_force

A judgment of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia in a proceeding pursuant to this chapter is not a bar to any afteraction brought by either party, and does not conclude any question of title between them, where title is not pleaded by the defendants.
D.C. Code § 16-318 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 3 / § 16-318
§ 16-318. Expedited adoption eligibility.
Status: in_force

(a) Intended parents that use assisted reproductive technology to produce a child of their union may petition the court for an expedited adoption pursuant to this section under either of the following circumstances:
  (1) One of the intended parents gave birth to the child; or
  (2) The child was born through a gestational surrogacy process brought about by one or both of the intended parents, and the parentage of only one intended parent was established pursuant to § 16-909(e) .
(b) (1) Each intended parent seeking an adoption pursuant to this section shall join in a petition for expedited adoption.
  (2) The petition for expedited adoption shall be made under oath or affirmation of the petitioners, and the title of the petition shall be: "Ex parte in the matter of the petition of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . for expedited adoption".
  (3) The petition shall contain:
    (A) The name, sex, date, and place of birth of the prospective adoptee;
    (B) The name, date of birth, and addresses of the petitioners;
    (C) The relationship of the prospective adoptee to the petitioners;
    (D) A statement of how the prospective adoptee was conceived;
    (E) The date that the prospective adoptee began residing with the petitioners;
    (F) Any change to the name of the prospective adoptee that may be desired by the petitioners;
    (G) Any change to how the prospective adoptee's birth certificate should identify the petitioners as parents of the prospective adoptee; and
    (H) Language indicating consent to the expedited adoption by the intended parent who gave birth to the prospective adoptee or had parentage established pursuant to § 16-909(e) .
  (4) In a proceeding under this section, the petitioners shall file, as exhibits to the petition for expedited adoption:
    (A) A certified copy of any document that evidences the petitioners' relationship, such as a marriage certificate or registered domestic partnership certificate, or intent to parent together, such as a consent to parent form pursuant to § 16-909(e)(1)(A) ;
    (B) A certified copy of the prospective adoptee's birth certificate; and
    (C) A sworn statement by the petitioners that a written agreement pursuant to § 16-909.01(a)(1) has not been executed.
(c) The court shall not require an investigation, report, and recommendation pursuant to § 16-307 or criminal records check pursuant to § 4-1305.02 prior to the issuance of a final decree of adoption under this section.
(d) (1) The court shall issue a final decree of adoption under this section if it appears from the face of the pleadings that:
    (A) The intended parents used assisted reproductive technology to produce a child of their union; and
    (B) No other person has a claim to parentage of the prospective adoptee.
  (2) Upon issuance of a final decree of adoption, the court shall provide 4 certified copies of the final decree of adoption to the petitioners at no additional cost.
(e) For the purposes of this section, the term:
  (1) "Assisted reproductive technology" means any noncoital method of conception used with donor or nondonor eggs or sperm, including in vitro fertilization, gamete intrafallopian transfer, and zygote intrafallopian transfer.
  (2) "Intended parents" means:
    (A) A married couple;
    (B) Domestic partners registered in the District pursuant to § 32-702(a) or recognized by the District pursuant to § 32-702(i) ;
    (C) Individuals who maintain a committed relationship, as that term is defined in § 32-701(1) ; or
    (D) Individuals who signed a consent to parent form pursuant to § 16-909(e)(1) .
D.C. Code § 16-915 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 9 / § 16-915
§ 16-915. Change of name on divorce.
Status: in_force

Upon divorce from the bond of marriage, the court shall, on request of a party who assumed a new name on marriage and desires to discontinue using it, state in the decree of divorce either the birth-given or other previous name which such person desires to use.
D.C. Code § 16-4602.06 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 46 / § 16-4602.06
§ 16-4602.06. Simultaneous proceedings.
Status: in_force

(a) Except as otherwise provided in § 16-4602.04 , a court of the District may not exercise its jurisdiction under this subchapter if, at the time of the commencement of the proceeding, a proceeding concerning the custody of the child has been commenced in a court of another state having jurisdiction substantially in conformity with this chapter, unless the proceeding has been terminated or is stayed by the court of the other state because a court of the District is a more convenient forum under § 16-4602.07 .
(b) Except as otherwise provided in § 16-4602.04 , a court of the District, before hearing a child-custody proceeding, shall examine the court documents and other information supplied by the parties pursuant to § 16-4602.09 . If the court determines that a child-custody proceeding has been commenced in a court in another state having jurisdiction substantially in accordance with this chapter, the court of the District shall stay its proceeding and communicate with the court of the other state. If the court of the state having jurisdiction substantially in accordance with this chapter does not determine that the court of the District is a more appropriate forum, the court of the District shall dismiss the proceeding.
(c) In a proceeding to modify a child-custody determination, a court of the District shall determine whether a proceeding to enforce the determination has been commenced in another state. If a proceeding to enforce a child-custody determination has been commenced in another state, the court may:
  (1) Stay the proceeding for modification pending the entry of an order of a court of the other state enforcing, staying, denying, or dismissing the proceeding for enforcement;
  (2) Enjoin the parties from continuing with the proceeding for enforcement; or
  (3) Proceed with the modification under conditions it considers appropriate.
D.C. Code § 16-3736 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 37 / § 16-3736
§ 16-3736. Default.
Status: repealed

Repealed.
D.C. Code § 16-2301.02 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 23 / § 16-2301.02
§ 16-2301.02. Purpose.
Status: in_force

The purpose of this subchapter is to create a juvenile justice system capable of dealing with the problem of juvenile delinquency, a system that will treat children as children in all phases of their involvement, while protecting the needs of communities and victims alike. In furtherance of this purpose, the following goals have been established for delinquency cases in the Family Court:
(1) To provide due process through which juveniles and all other interested parties are assured fair hearings, during which applicable constitutional and other legal rights are recognized and enforced;
(2) To promote youth development and prevent delinquency through early intervention, diversion, and community-based alternatives;
(3) To preserve and strengthen families whenever possible and to remove a child from the custody of the child’s parents, guardian, or other custodian only when it is determined by the appropriate authority to be in the child’s best interests or when necessary for the safety and protection of the public;
(4) To hold a child found to be delinquent accountable for his or her actions, taking into consideration the child’s age, education, mental and physical condition, background, and all other relevant factors;
(5) To place a premium on the rehabilitation of children with the goal of creating productive citizens and to recognize that rehabilitation of children is inextricably connected to the well-being and strength of their families;
(6) To serve children in their own neighborhood and communities whenever possible;
(7) To hold the government accountable for the provision of reasonable rehabilitative services;
(8) To provide for the safety of the public; and
(9) To achieve the foregoing goals in the least restrictive settings necessary, with a preference at all times for the preservation of the family and the integration of parental, guardian, or custodial accountability and participation in treatment and counseling programs.
D.C. Code § 16-1355 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 13 / § 16-1355
§ 16-1355. Time for surrender of possession under declaration of taking; adjustment of charges.
Status: in_force

Upon the filing of a declaration of taking provided for by section 16-1353  , the court may fix the time within which and the terms upon which the parties in possession shall be required to surrender possession to the plaintiff. The court may make such orders in respect of encumbrances, liens, rents, taxes, assessments, insurance, and other charges, if any, as it deems just and equitable.
D.C. Code § 16-4807 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 48 / § 16-4807
§ 16-4807. Effect of filing standby guardianship petition.
Status: in_force

(a) If the petition filed by the designator pursuant to § 16-4805 is approved by the Court before the occurrence of the triggering event, the standby guardian’s authority will commence automatically upon the occurrence of the triggering event. No further petition or confirmation is necessary.
(b) If the petition for approval of the designation has not been filed before the occurrence of a triggering event, the standby guardian shall have temporary legal authority to act as legal custodian or guardian of the child without authorization of the Court for a period of 90 days from the date of the triggering event.
  (1) Within the 90-day period following the occurrence of the triggering event, the standby guardian shall file a petition for approval of the standby guardian in accordance with § 16-4805 .
  (2) If a petition is not filed within the 90-day period, the standby guardian shall lose all authority to act as legal custodian or guardian. The authority of the standby guardian to act as legal custodian or guardian shall recommence upon the filing of the petition.
(c) If a petition for approval of a standby guardian is filed, but the court does not act upon it within the 90-day period following the occurrence of a triggering event, the standby guardian’s temporary legal authority to act as legal custodian or guardian shall continue until the court orders otherwise.
(d) The commencement of a standby guardian’s authority under this chapter may not divest a parent or legal guardian of any legal custodial, parental guardianship rights or custody.
D.C. Code § 16-2922 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 29 / § 16-2922
§ 16-2922. Widow or widower of tenant in common.
Status: repealed

Repealed.
D.C. Code § 16-529 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 5 / § 16-529
§ 16-529. Attachment in actions for fraudulent conveyances.
Status: in_force

(a) Where the ground upon which an attachment is applied for is that the defendant has assigned, conveyed, or disposed of his property with intent to hinder, delay, or defraud his creditors, the attachment may be levied upon the property alleged to be so assigned or conveyed in the hands of the alleged fraudulent assignee or transferee, as a garnishee.
(b) The garnishee may have the same benefit of section 16-506 as the defendant in the action. If the court is of the opinion, upon the hearing of the affidavits filed, that the attachment ought not to have issued or to have been levied on the property claimed by the garnishee, the attachment may be quashed as to the garnishee and the levy set aside.
(c) If the levy is not set aside, the garnishee may answer that he was a bona fide purchaser from the defendant for value without notice of any fraud on the part of the defendant, and the answer shall be held to make an issue, without any further pleading in reply thereto; and issue may be tried as directed by section 16-520.
(d) When the issue is found in favor of the garnishee, judgment shall be rendered in his favor for his costs and a reasonable attorney fee. When the issue is found against the garnishee, but judgment in the action is rendered in favor of the defendant, the attachment shall be dissolved, and garnishee shall recover his costs.
(e) When the issue is found against the garnishee and judgment in the action is rendered in favor of the plaintiff against the defendant, or the defendant, not being found, has failed to appear in obedience to the order of publication against him, and when it appears upon the verdict of a jury that the claim of the plaintiff against the defendant is well founded, a judgment of condemnation of the property attached shall be rendered, as directed by section 16-524(c).
D.C. Code § 16-2306 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 23 / § 16-2306
§ 16-2306. Service of summons and petition.
Status: in_force

(a) When a petition is filed, the Division shall set a time for initial appearance and shall direct the issuance of summonses. If delinquency or need of supervision is alleged, a summons, together with a copy of the petition, shall be served upon the child and upon his spouse (if any) and his parent, guardian, or other custodian. If neglect is alleged, the summons, together with a copy of the petition, shall be served on the parent, guardian, or other custodian of the child named in the petition. Where appropriate to the proper disposition of the case, the Division may direct service of summonses upon other persons. A summons issued pursuant to this section shall advise the parties of the right to counsel as provided in section 16-2304.
(b) Upon request of the Corporation Counsel, the Division may endorse upon the summons an order directing the parent, guardian, or other custodian of the child to appear personally at the hearing and directing the person having physical custody or control of the child to bring the child to the hearing.
(c) If it appears, from information presented to the Division, that there are grounds to take the child into custody as provided in section 16-2309, or that the child may leave or be removed from the jurisdiction of the Superior Court or will not be brought to the hearing, notwithstanding service of the summons, the Division may endorse upon the summons an order that the officer serving summons shall at once take the child into custody. If the child is taken into custody under this section, the provisions of sections 16-2309 to 16-2312 shall apply.
D.C. Code § 16-4605.02 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 46 / § 16-4605.02
§ 16-4605.02. Relation to Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act.
Status: in_force

This chapter modifies, limits, and supersedes the 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 section 103(b) of that act (15 U.S.C. § 7003(b)  ).
D.C. Code § 16-412 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 4 / § 16-412
§ 16-412. Rules.
Status: in_force

The Mayor, pursuant to [ [subchapter I of Chapter 5 of Title 2] ], may issue rules to carry out the purposes of [this chapter] .
D.C. Code § 16-5008 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 50 / § 16-5008
§ 16-5008. Rules.
Status: repealed

Repealed.
D.C. Code § 16-2327 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 23 / § 16-2327
§ 16-2327. Probation revocation; disposition.
Status: in_force

(a) If a child on probation incident to an adjudication of delinquency or need of supervision violates any term of his probation he may be proceeded against in a probation revocation hearing.
(b) A proceeding to revoke probation shall be commenced by the filing of a revocation petition by the Corporation Counsel. The petition to revoke probation shall be in such form as may be prescribed by rule of the Superior Court and shall be served together with a summons in the manner provided in section 16-2306.
(c) Probation revocation proceedings shall be heard without a jury and shall require establishment of the facts alleged by a preponderance of the evidence. As nearly as may be appropriate, probation revocation proceedings shall conform to the procedures established by this subchapter for delinquency and need of supervision cases.
(d) If a child is found to have violated the terms of his probation, the Division may modify the terms and conditions of the probation order, extend the period of probation, or enter any other order of disposition specified in section 16-2320 for a delinquent child.
(e) A positive test for use of marijuana, or a violation of § 48-1201 , shall not be considered a violation of an order of probation unless the Division expressly prohibits the use or possession of marijuana, as opposed to controlled substances generally, as a condition of probation.
D.C. Code § 16-4603.14 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 46 / § 16-4603.14
§ 16-4603.14. Appeals.
Status: in_force

An appeal may be taken from a final order in a proceeding under this subchapter. The appeal shall be considered on an expedited basis. Unless the court enters a temporary emergency order under section 16-4602.04  , the enforcing court may not stay an order enforcing a child-custody determination pending appeal.
D.C. Code § 16-4601.11 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 46 / § 16-4601.11
§ 16-4601.11. Cooperation between courts; preservation of records.
Status: in_force

(a) A court of the District may request the appropriate court of another state to:
  (1) Hold an evidentiary hearing;
  (2) Order a person to produce or give evidence pursuant to procedures of that state;
  (3) Order that an evaluation be made with respect to the custody of a child involved in a pending proceeding;
  (4) Forward to the court of the District a certified copy of the transcript of the record of the hearing, the evidence otherwise presented, and any evaluation prepared in compliance with the request; and
  (5) Order a party to a child-custody proceeding or any person having physical custody of the child to appear in the proceeding, with or without the child.
(b) Upon request of a court of another state, a court of the District may hold a hearing or enter an order described in subsection (a) of this section.
(c) Travel and other necessary and reasonable expenses incurred under subsections (a) and (b) of this section may be assessed against the parties according to the law of the District.
(d) A court of the District shall preserve the pleadings, orders, decrees, records of hearings, evaluations, and other pertinent records with respect to a child-custody proceeding until the child attains 18 years of age. Upon appropriate request by a court or law enforcement official of another state, the court shall forward a certified copy of those records.
D.C. Code § 16-406 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 4 / § 16-406
§ 16-406. Contents of surrogacy agreements.
Status: in_force

(a) An enforceable surrogacy agreement shall:
  (1) Be in writing and executed by the surrogate and the surrogate's spouse or domestic partner, if any, and the intended parent or parents;
  (2) Be executed prior to the embryo transfer or insemination;
  (3) Include an affirmation by all parties that they have independent legal counsel and have read the surrogacy agreement and this chapter and understand the requirements of both;
  (4) Include an affirmation by the surrogate and the surrogate's spouse or domestic partner, if any, that the surrogate and the surrogate's spouse or domestic partner:
    (A) Acknowledge and agree that the surrogate and the surrogate's spouse or domestic partner are not and shall not be the parents of the child;
    (B) Agree to surrender physical custody of the child to the intended parent or parents immediately after the child's birth;
    (C) Agree that at all times during the pregnancy and until delivery, regardless of whether the court has issued an order of parentage, the surrogate shall maintain control and decision-making authority over the surrogate's body;
    (D) Agree to cooperate in any necessary legal proceedings to recognize the intended parent or parents as the legal parent or parents or any other proceeding related to the surrogacy agreement; and
    (E) Agree to all other terms, consistent with this chapter and as negotiated and agreed upon by the surrogate, the surrogate's spouse or domestic partner, and the intended parent or parents;
  (5) Include an affirmation by the intended parent or parents that the parent or parents shall:
    (A) Accept physical custody of the child immediately after the child's birth, regardless of the child's gender or mental or physical condition or the number of children; and
    (B) Assume sole responsibility for the support of the child immediately after the child's birth, including paying for any funeral expenses if a stillbirth, preterm birth, or any other birth issue occurs that results in the child's death;
  (6) Provide that the intended parent or parents shall assume the costs of all agreed-upon reasonable medical and ancillary expenses;
  (7) Allocate responsibility for the assumption of costs in the event of termination of the pregnancy, termination of the contract, or breach of the contract by any party;
  (8) Provide procedures for dispute resolution; and
  (9) Be notarized or signed before a minimum of 2 witnesses who shall document their names, addresses, and phone numbers.
(b) The surrogate and the surrogate's spouse or domestic partner, if any, and the intended parent or parents shall be represented by independent legal counsel in the preparation, counseling, and negotiation of the surrogacy agreement. Nothing in this subsection shall prevent the intended parent or parents from assuming the costs of the surrogate's legal fees.
(c) A surrogacy agreement may not limit the right of the surrogate to make decisions to safeguard the surrogate's health or that of the embryo or fetus.
(d) Payment of reasonable medical and ancillary expenses shall be made by one or more of the following means:
  (1) Insurance:
  (2) Cash;
  (3) Escrow; or
  (4) Other arrangements satisfactory to the parties, pursuant to the terms of the surrogacy agreement.
(e) Any dispute related to a surrogacy agreement shall be resolved by the terms set forth in the surrogacy agreement.
D.C. Code § 16-1031 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 10 / § 16-1031
§ 16-1031. Arrests.
Status: in_force

(a) A law enforcement officer shall arrest a person if the law enforcement officer has probable cause to believe that the person:
  (1) Committed an intrafamily offense that resulted in physical injury, including physical pain or illness, regardless of whether or not the intrafamily offense was committed in the presence of the law enforcement officer; or
  (2) Committed an intrafamily offense that caused or was intended to cause reasonable fear of imminent serious physical injury or death.
(b) The law enforcement officer shall present the person arrested under subsection (a) of this section to the United States Attorney for charging.
(c) (1) Notwithstanding subsections (a) and (b) of this section, a law enforcement officer shall not be required to arrest a person who is under 18 years of age when there is probable cause to believe that the person has committed an intrafamily offense, where the victim of that offense is not an intimate partner, as that term is defined in § 16-1001(6A) .
  (2) If a person is not arrested under paragraph (1) of this section, the person shall be diverted to a program that provides behavioral health and community support services.
D.C. Code § 16-4303 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 43 / § 16-4303
§ 16-4303. Appointment of arbitrators by Court.
Status: repealed

Repealed.
D.C. Code § 16-4603.15 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 46 / § 16-4603.15
§ 16-4603.15. Role of Attorney General for the District of Columbia.
Status: in_force

(a) In a case arising under this chapter or involving the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction, the Attorney General for the District of Columbia may take any lawful action, including resort to a proceeding under this subchapter or any other available civil proceeding, to locate a child, obtain the return of a child, or enforce a child-custody determination if there is:
  (1) An existing child-custody determination;
  (2) A request to do so from a court in a pending child-custody proceeding;
  (3) A reasonable belief that a criminal statute has been violated; or
  (4) A reasonable belief that the child has been wrongfully removed or retained in violation of the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction.
(b) A member of the Office of the Attorney General for the District of Columbia acting under this section acts on behalf of the court and may not represent any party.
D.C. Code § 16-5616 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 56 / § 16-5616
§ 16-5616. Confirmation of award.
Status: in_force

(a) After an arbitrator gives notice under § 16-5615(a) of an award, including an award corrected under § 16-5617 , a party may move the Superior Court for an order confirming the award.
(b) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (c) of this section, the Superior Court shall confirm an award under this chapter if:
  (1) The parties agree in a record to confirmation; or
  (2) The time has expired for making a motion, and no motion is pending, under § 16-5618 or § 16-5619 .
(c) If an award determines a child-related dispute, the Superior Court shall confirm the award under subsection (b) of this section if the court finds, after a review of the record, if necessary, that the award on its face:
  (1) Complies with § 16-5615 and law of the District other than this chapter governing a child-related dispute; and
  (2) Is in the best interests of the child.
(d) On confirmation, an award under this chapter is enforceable as a judgment.
D.C. Code § 16-524 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 5 / § 16-524
§ 16-524. Judgment generally; condemnation of attached property.
Status: in_force

(a) If the defendant in the action has been served with process, final judgment may not be rendered against the garnishee until the action against the defendant is determined.
(b) If in such an action judgment is rendered for the defendant, the garnishee shall be discharged and shall recover his costs, and the property attached or its proceeds shall be restored to the garnishee or to the defendant, as the case may require.
(c) If in such an action judgment is rendered in favor of the plaintiff against the defendant, and it appears that the plaintiff is entitled to a judgment of condemnation of the property attached, the court shall proceed to enter such judgment in the attachment as is directed by sections 16-525 to 16-527.
D.C. Code § 16-572 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 5 / § 16-572
§ 16-572. Attachment of wages; percentage limitations; priority of attachments.
Status: in_force

Notwithstanding any other provision of subchapter II of this chapter:
(a) (1) (A) Where an attachment is levied upon wages due a judgment debtor from an employer-garnishee, the attachment shall become a lien and a continuing levy upon the gross wages due or to become due to the judgment debtor for the amount specified in the attachment to the extent of 25% of the amount by which the judgment debtor's disposable wages for that week exceed 40 times the minimum hourly wage, as prescribed in [§ 32-1003] ("minimum hourly wage"), in effect at the time the wages are payable.
    (B) In the case of wages for any pay period other than a week, the Mayor shall, by regulation, prescribe a multiple of the minimum hourly wage equivalent in effect to that set forth in subparagraph (A) of this paragraph.
  (2) The levy shall be a continuing levy until the judgment, interest, and costs thereof are fully satisfied and paid, and in no event may moneys be withheld, by the employer-garnishee from the judgment debtor, in amounts greater than those prescribed by this section.
  (3) Only one attachment upon the wages of a judgment debtor may be satisfied at one time.
  (4) Where more than one attachment is issued upon the wages of the same judgment debtor and served upon the same employer-garnishee, the attachment first delivered to the marshal shall have priority, and all subsequent attachments shall be satisfied in the order of priority set forth in § 16-507.
D.C. Code § 16-912 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 9 / § 16-912
§ 16-912. Permanent alimony; enforcement.
Status: repealed

Repealed.
D.C. Code § 16-1504 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 15 / § 16-1504
§ 16-1504. Certification to District Court upon plea of title; undertaking.
Status: repealed

Repealed.
D.C. Code § 16-4212 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 42 / § 16-4212
§ 16-4212. Uniformity of application and construction.
Status: in_force

In applying and construing this chapter, consideration should 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 § 16-3737 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 37 / § 16-3737
§ 16-3737. Retention of property by marshal; sufficiency of undertaking, quashing writ, and return of property.
Status: repealed

Repealed.
D.C. Code § 16-4806 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 48 / § 16-4806
§ 16-4806. Court approval of standby guardian and alternate standby guardian.
Status: in_force

(a) The Court shall enter an order approving the designation of the standby guardian if the Court determines that the appointment of the standby guardian is in the best interest of the child. Unless required to hold a hearing pursuant to subsection (i) of this section, the Court shall make its determination that the appointment of the standby guardian is in the best interest of the child based upon:
  (1) The facts set forth in the petition; and
  (2) A finding that the designator meets the definition of designator as that term is defined in § 16-4802(8) .
(b) If requested in the petition, the Court may also approve an alternate standby guardian, identified by the designator, to act as the standby guardian if the current or originally designated standby guardian repudiates the designation, becomes incapacitated, dies, or is subject to an adverse immigration action.
(c) The order shall provide that, subject to restoration of the designator’s ability to parent as provided in § 16-4804(b) , the authority of the standby guardian to act as legal custodian of the child shall be effective upon the Court’s receipt of, or immediately if the Court is in receipt of, one of the following documents:
  (1) The written consent of the designator to the commencement of the standby guardianship;
  (2) The determination of incapacity of the designator;
  (3) The designator’s death certificate; or
  (4) The documentation demonstrating that an adverse immigration action occurred against the designator.
(d) Unless it appears on the face of the petition that requirements of this chapter have not been met, the Court shall grant the petition within 120 days of the filing of the petition, or within 20 days of the filing of proof of notice having been served on parties required to be served pursuant to § 16-4808 , whichever occurs first. If the requirements of this chapter have not been met, the Court shall not dismiss the petition, but shall issue an order to the petitioner to appear in court within 30 days of issuance of the order to remedy the deficiencies in the petition or to show cause why the petition should be granted notwithstanding the deficiencies.
(e) There shall be a rebuttable presumption that Court approval of a standby guardian petition order is in the best interest of the child if:
  (1) The designator is the sole surviving parent;
  (2) The parental rights of any non-custodial parent have been terminated or relinquished; or
  (3) All parties consent to the designation.
(f) A designation of a standby guardian shall constitute a rebuttable presumption that the designated standby guardian is capable of serving as standby guardian.
(g) The designation shall constitute evidence of the designator’s wishes regarding the designator’s children in the same manner as under § 16-911(a)(5) .
(h) The Court may approve the designation without a hearing when:
  (1) The designator is the sole surviving parent;
  (2) The parental rights of any non-custodial parent have been terminated or relinquished;
  (3) All parties consent to entry of the approval order; or
  (4) The Court finds, after a review of a file, that the requirements of this chapter have been met.
(i) An order approving the standby guardianship shall not be entered without a hearing if:
  (1) A noncustodial parent requests a hearing within 20 days of the date the noncustodial parent receives notice of the filing of the petition; or
  (2) There is other litigation pending regarding custody of the child.
(j) If a hearing is held, it shall be conducted in accordance with the proceedings set forth in the District of Columbia statutes and rules relating to legal custody.
(k) Fees charged by the Court shall not exceed those fees assessed in a legal custody proceeding.
(l) Except upon motion for good cause shown, the designator is not required to appear in court if the designator is unable to appear for medical reasons or due to an adverse immigration action.
D.C. Code § 16-4422 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 44 / § 16-4422
§ 16-4422. Confirmation of award.
Status: in_force

After a party to an arbitration proceeding receives notice of an award, the party may make a motion to the court for an order confirming the award at which time the court shall issue a confirming order unless the award is modified or corrected pursuant to § 16-4420 or 16-4424 or is vacated pursuant to § 16-4423 .
D.C. Code § 16-4012 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 40 / § 16-4012
§ 16-4012. Disclosure of information.
Status: in_force

Except as provided by law other than this chapter, during the collaborative law process, upon the request of another party, a party shall make timely, full, candid, and informal disclosure of information related to the collaborative matter without formal discovery. A party also shall update promptly previously disclosed information that has materially changed. The parties may define the scope of disclosure during the collaborative law process.
D.C. Code § 16-1321 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 13 / § 16-1321
§ 16-1321. Abandonment of proceedings; liability.
Status: in_force

In a condemnation proceeding pursuant to this subchapter, it is optional with the Mayor to abide by the verdict of the jury and occupy the property appraised by them, or, within a reasonable time to be fixed by the court in its order confirming the verdict, to abandon the proceeding. If the proceeding is abandoned, the court shall award to the owner or owners of the property involved therein such sum or sums as will in the opinion of the court reimburse the owner or owners for all reasonable costs and expenses, including reasonable counsel fees, incurred by him or them in the proceeding. The sum or sums so awarded constitute a judgment or judgments against the District of Columbia. An owner is not entitled to the reimbursement in any case where the proceeding is abandoned at the request, or with the consent, of the owner of the property.
D.C. Code § 16-1124 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 11 / § 16-1124
§ 16-1124. Ejectment for non-payment of rent; time limitation on relief from judgment; set-off; dismissal upon payment.
Status: in_force

(a) In a case between landlord and tenant, where one-half year’s rent or more is in arrear and unpaid, and the landlord or lessor to whom the rent is due has the right by law, in default of a sufficiency of goods and chattels whereon to distrain for the satisfaction of the rent due, to re-enter for non-payment of the rent, he may, without any formal demand or re-entry, commence a civil action in ejectment for the recovery of the demised premises.
(b) When a judgment is given for the plaintiff in an action pursuant to this section, and execution is had on the judgment, before the rent in arrear and costs of suit are paid, the lease of the property shall cease and be determined, unless the judgment is reversed on appeal or certiorari or, within six months after execution on the judgment, the defendant or a person who has succeeded to his interest, or a mortgagee of the lease or of any party thereof who was not in possession when final judgment was rendered, applies to the court for an order granting equitable relief from the judgment, which is subsequently granted.
(c) When possession of the property recovered has been delivered to the plaintiff under execution issued upon a judgment in an action pursuant to this section, and, in connection with the application for equitable relief from the judgment, the defendant or other person referred to in subsection (b) of this section, has, prior to or at the time of his application, paid or tendered to the plaintiff or his legal representative or successor in interest, or paid into court for the use of the person entitled thereto, the amount of rent in arrear, as stated in the judgment and costs of suit and all damages sustained by the plaintiff, the order for restoration of possession of the property to the person who made the payment shall provide for setting off the sum that the plaintiff has made, or that he might, without fraud, deceit, or willful neglect, have made, of the property, during his possession, against the rent accruing after the judgment was rendered, and for reimbursement to the applicant of the balance, if any, of the sum paid into court by him, after making the set-off prescribed by this subsection.
(d) At any time before the trial of an action pursuant to this section, the defendant may pay or tender to the plaintiff, or pay into court, the amount of all the rent then in arrear, and costs of suit. Thereupon, the action shall be dismissed.
D.C. Code § 16-831.10 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 8A / § 16-831.10
§ 16-831.10. Effect of a third-party custody order.
Status: in_force

An order awarding physical or legal custody of a child to a third party shall not terminate the parent and child relationship, including:
(1) The right of the child to inherit from his or her parent;
(2) The parent’s right to visit or contact the child, except as limited by court order;
(3) The parent’s right to consent to the child’s adoption;
(4) The parent’s right to determine the child’s religious affiliation; and
(5) The parent’s responsibility to provide financial, medical, and other support for the child.
D.C. Code § 16-3502 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 35 / § 16-3502
§ 16-3502. Parties who may institute; ex rel. proceedings.
Status: in_force

The Attorney General of the United States or the United States attorney may institute a proceeding pursuant to this subchapter on his own motion or on the relation of a third person. The writ may not be issued on the relation of a third person except by leave of the court, to be applied for by the relator, by a petition duly verified setting forth the grounds of the application, or until the relator files a bond with sufficient surety, to be approved by the clerk of the court, in such penalty as the court prescribes, conditioned on the payment by him of all costs incurred in the prosecution of the writ if costs are not recovered from and paid by the defendant.
D.C. Code § 16-2921 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 29 / § 16-2921
§ 16-2921. Appointment of commissioners; cases of partition.
Status: repealed

Repealed.
D.C. Code § 16-310 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 3 / § 16-310
§ 16-310. Finality of decrees of adoption.
Status: in_force

An attempt to invalidate a final decree of adoption by reason of a jurisdictional or procedural defect may not be received by any court of the District, unless regularly filed with the court within one year following the date the final decree became effective.
D.C. Code § 16-2801 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 28 / § 16-2801
§ 16-2801. Definitions.
Status: in_force

For the purposes of this chapter, the term:
(1) “Court” means the Superior Court of the District of Columbia.
(2) “Healthcare provider” means an individual or entity licensed or otherwise authorized under District law to provide healthcare service, including a hospital, nursing facility, comprehensive outpatient rehabilitation facility, home health agency, hospice program, renal dialysis facility, ambulatory surgical center, pharmacy, physician or health care practitioner’s office, long-term care facility, behavior health residential treatment facility, health clinic, birth center, clinical laboratory, health center, physician, physician assistant, nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, certified registered nurse anesthetist, certified nurse midwife, psychologist, certified social worker, registered dietitian or nutrition professional, physical or occupational therapist, pharmacist, or other individual health care practitioner.
D.C. Code § 16-710 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 7 / § 16-710
§ 16-710. Suspension of imposition or execution of sentence.
Status: in_force

(a) Except as provided in subsection (b), in criminal cases in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, the court may, upon conviction, suspend the imposition of sentence or impose sentence and suspend the execution thereof, or impose sentence and suspend the execution of a portion thereof, for such time and upon such terms as it deems best, if it appears to the satisfaction of the court that the ends of justice and the best interest of the public and of the defendant would be served thereby. In each case of the imposition of sentence and the suspension of the execution thereof, or the imposition of sentence and the suspension of the execution of a portion thereof, the court may place the defendant on probation under the control and supervision of a probation officer. The probationer shall be provided by the clerk of the court with a written statement of the terms and conditions of his probation at the time when he is placed thereon. He shall observe the rules prescribed for his conduct by the court and report to the probation officer as directed. A person may not be put on probation without his consent.
(b) The period of probation referred to in subsection (a), together with any extension thereof, shall not exceed 5 years.
(b-1) The court may order as a condition of probation for any defendant convicted of a felony that the defendant remain in custody or in a community correctional center during nights, weekends, or other intervals totaling not more than one year during the term of probation.
(c) Nothing in this section shall be deemed to supersede the provisions of section 22-1804a.
D.C. Code § 16-1301 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 13 / § 16-1301
§ 16-1301. Jurisdiction of District Court.
Status: in_force

The United States District Court for the District of Columbia has exclusive jurisdiction of all proceedings for the condemnation of real property authorized by subchapters IV and V 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 § 16-1059 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 10 / § 16-1059
§ 16-1059. Sunset.
Status: repealed

Repealed.
D.C. Code § 16-4510 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 45 / § 16-4510
§ 16-4510. Additional parties.
Status: repealed

Repealed.
D.C. Code § 16-4413 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 44 / § 16-4413
§ 16-4413. Action by majority.
Status: in_force

If there is more than one arbitrator, the powers of an arbitrator shall be exercised by a majority of the arbitrators, but all of them shall conduct the hearing under § 16-4415(c) .
D.C. Code § 16-2391 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 23 / § 16-2391
§ 16-2391. Relocation.
Status: in_force

The permanent guardian shall not relocate with the child over 100 miles from his or her place of residence at the time the guardianship order is entered without filing a notice with the court, which is personally served on all parties, 15 business days before the relocation.
D.C. Code § 16-2351 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 23 / § 16-2351
§ 16-2351. Purpose of the subchapter; construction of provisions.
Status: in_force

(a) The general purposes of this subchapter are to:
  (1) encourage stability in the lives of certain children who have been adjudicated neglected and have been removed from the custody of their parent by providing judicial procedures for the permanent termination of the parent and child relationship in the circumstances set forth in this subchapter;
  (2) ensure that the constitutional rights of all parties are recognized and enforced in all proceedings conducted pursuant to this subchapter while ensuring that the fundamental needs of children are not subjugated to the interests of others; and
  (3) increase the opportunities for the prompt adoptive placement of children for whom parental rights have been terminated.
(b) This subchapter shall be liberally construed to promote the general purposes stated in this section.
D.C. Code § 16-709 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 7 / § 16-709
§ 16-709. Executions on forfeited recognizances and judgments.
Status: in_force

The Superior Court of the District of Columbia may issue execution on all recognizances forfeited in its criminal division, upon motion of the prosecuting officer; and all writs of fieri facias or other writs of execution on judgments issued by the criminal division shall be directed to and executed by the United States marshal.
D.C. Code § 16-4802 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 48 / § 16-4802
§ 16-4802. Definitions.
Status: in_force

For the purposes of this chapter, the term:
(1) "Adverse immigration action" includes any of the following events:
  (A) Arrest or apprehension by any local, state, or federal law enforcement officer for an alleged violation of federal immigration law;
  (B) Arrest, detention, or custody by the Department of Homeland Security or a federal, state, or local agency authorized or acting on behalf of the Department of Homeland Security;
  (C) Departure from the United States under an order of removal, deportation, exclusion, voluntary departure, or expedited removal, or a stipulation of voluntary departure;
  (D) The denial, revocation, or delay of the issuance of a visa or transportation letter by the Department of State;
  (E) The denial, revocation, or delay of the issuance of a parole document or reentry permit by the Department of Homeland Security; or
  (F) The denial of admission or entry into the United States by the Department of Homeland Security or other local or state officer acting on behalf of the Department of Homeland Security.
(1A) “Alternate standby guardian” means a person with all the rights, responsibilities, and qualifications of a standby guardian who acts as the standby guardian if the current or originally designated standby guardian repudiates the designation, becomes incapacitated, or dies.
(2) “Attending clinician” means a licensed physician or licensed nurse practitioner who:
  (A) Has primary responsibility for the treatment and care of a designator;
  (B) Shares the responsibility for the treatment and care of a designator, or is acting on behalf of the licensed physician or licensed nurse practitioner who has primary responsibility for the treatment and care of the designator; or
  (C) Is familiar with the designator’s medical condition in cases where no licensed physician or licensed nurse practitioner has the responsibility for the treatment and care of a designator.
(3) “Child” means a person under 18 years of age.
(4) “Consent” means a written authorization signed by the designator.
(5) “Court” means the Domestic Relations Branch of the Family Division [Family Court] of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia.
(5A) "COVID-19" means the disease caused by the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2.
(6) "Debilitation" means those periods when a person cannot care for that person's minor child as a result of:
  (A) A chronic condition caused by physical illness, disease, or injury from which, to a reasonable degree of probability, the designator may not recover; or
  (B) A serious medical condition caused by COVID-19.
(7) “Designation” means the written naming of a standby guardian by the designator.
(8) “Designator” means a custodial parent, including a person other than a parent who has physical custody of a child and who has been awarded legal custody or guardianship by a court.
(9) “Determination of incapacity” means a written determination made by the attending clinician that, to a reasonable degree of certainty, a designator is chronically and substantially unable to understand the nature and consequences of decisions concerning the care of a minor child as a result of a mental or organic impairment and is consequently unable to care for the minor child.
(10) "Incapacity" means:
  (A) A chronic and substantial inability, as a result of a mental or organic impairment, to understand the nature and consequences of decisions concerning the care of a minor child, and a consequent inability to care for the minor child; or
  (B) A substantial inability, as a result of COVID-19, to understand the nature and consequences of decisions concerning the care of a minor child, and a consequent inability to care for the minor child.
(11) “Parent” means the biological parent or adoptive mother or father of a child.
(12) “Standby guardian” means a person named by the designator to assume the duties of a legal custodian of a child upon the occurrence of a triggering event.
(13) "Triggering event" means any of the following events:
  (A) The designator is subject to an adverse immigration action; or
  (B) The designator has been diagnosed, in writing, by a licensed clinician to suffer from a chronic condition caused by injury, disease, or illness from which, to a reasonable degree of probability, the designator may not recover and the designator:
    (i) Becomes debilitated, with the designator's written acknowledgement of debilitation and consent to commencement of the standby guardianship;
    (ii) Becomes incapacitated as determined by an attending clinician; or
    (iii) Dies; or
  (C) The designator has been diagnosed, in writing, by a licensed clinician to suffer from COVID-19 and the designator:
    (i) Becomes debilitated, with the designator's written acknowledgement of debilitation and consent to commencement of the standby guardianship;
    (ii) Becomes incapacitated as determined by an attending clinician; or
    (iii) Dies.
D.C. Code § 16-2314 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 23 / § 16-2314
§ 16-2314. Consent decree.
Status: in_force

(a) At any time after the filing of a delinquency or need of supervision petition and prior to adjudication at a factfinding hearing, the Division may, on motion of the Corporation Counsel or counsel for the child, suspend the proceedings and continue the child under supervision, without commitment, under terms and conditions established by rules of the Superior Court. Such a consent decree shall not be entered unless the child is represented by counsel and has been informed of the consequences of the decree; nor shall it be entered over the objection of the child or of the Corporation Counsel.
(b) A consent decree shall remain in force for six months unless the child is sooner discharged by the Director of Social Services. Upon application of the Director of Social Services or an agency supervising the child made prior to the expiration of the decree, a consent decree may, after notice and hearing, be extended for not more than six additional months by order of the Division.
(c) If prior to the expiration of the decree or discharge by the Director of Social Services, the child fails to fulfill the express conditions of the decree or a new delinquency or need of supervision petition is filed concerning the child, the original petition under which the decree was filed may, in the discretion of the Corporation Counsel following consultation with the Director of Social Services, be reinstated. The child shall thereafter be held accountable on the original petition as if the consent decree had never been entered.
(d) If a child completes the period of continuance under supervision in accordance with the consent decree or is sooner discharged by the Director of Social Services, the Division shall dismiss the original petition.
D.C. Code § 16-2399.08 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 23 / § 16-2399.08
§ 16-2399.08. Effect of guardianship order.
Status: in_force

(a) Unless the court specifies other rights and responsibilities, the guardian shall have the following rights and responsibilities concerning the vulnerable youth:
  (1) The guardian shall ensure that the legal rights of the vulnerable youth are not violated;
  (2) The guardian shall provide care and support to the vulnerable youth to promote the youth's stability and wellness; and
  (3) The guardianship will promote the physical, mental, and emotional health of the vulnerable youth.
(b) The guardian shall not be liable to third persons by reason of the relationship for acts of the vulnerable youth.
D.C. Code § 16-2399.07 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 23 / § 16-2399.07
§ 16-2399.07. Order appointing a guardian of a vulnerable youth.
Status: in_force

(a) After consideration of all the relevant, material, and competent evidence, the court, which shall be acting as a juvenile court, shall issue an order establishing a guardianship if the court finds that the guardianship is in the vulnerable youth's best interests.
(b) After the guardianship is established, upon request by the proposed guardian or the vulnerable youth, the court shall, if the court finds that the allegations in the petition pursuant to §16-2399.02(a) are supported by a preponderance of the evidence, enter a guardianship order containing the following judicial determinations supported by relevant statutory citations and findings of fact:
  (1) Where the identity is known, the specific identity of the parent or parents;
  (2) That the vulnerable youth is dependent on the court and has been placed under the care and custody of an individual or entity appointed by the court through the appointment of a guardian;
  (3) That reunification of the vulnerable youth with one or both parents is not viable due to abuse, abandonment, neglect or similar basis under District law; and
  (4) That it is not in the best interest of the vulnerable youth to be returned to the vulnerable youth or vulnerable youth's parents' country of nationality or last habitual residence.
(c) The court may, upon motion of a party, modify or terminate a guardianship order when the modification or termination of the guardianship order is in the vulnerable youth's best interests.
(d) The entry of a guardianship order under this subchapter shall not impinge on the vulnerable youth's fundamental rights to make their own medical, educational, financial, or other such decisions.
(e) A guardianship order entered under this subchapter shall automatically terminate when the youth reaches age 21.
D.C. Code § 16-503 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 5 / § 16-503
§ 16-503. Attachment for debts not due.
Status: in_force

A creditor may maintain an action and have an attachment against his debtor’s property and credits, where his debt is not yet due and payable, if the plaintiff, his agent, or attorney files in the clerk’s office, at the commencement of the action, an affidavit, supported by testimony of one or more witnesses, showing the amount and justice of the claim and the time when it will be payable, and also setting forth that the defendant has removed or is removing or intends to remove a material part of his property from the District with the intent or to the effect of defeating just claims against him if only the ordinary process of law is used to obtain judgment against him, and if he also complies with the condition as to filing a bond prescribed by section 16-501  . The plaintiff may not have judgment before his claim becomes due. If the attachment is quashed the action shall be dismissed, but without prejudice to a future action.
D.C. Code § 16-516 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 5 / § 16-516
§ 16-516. Attachment of money or property in hands of executor or administrator.
Status: in_force

An attachment may be levied upon money or property of the defendant in the hands of an executor or administrator, and binds the same from the time of service. If the executor or administrator makes return to the writ that he can not certainly answer whether the defendant’s share of the money or property in his hands will prove sufficient to pay the plaintiff’s debt, a judgment of condemnation may not be rendered as against the executor or administrator until the passage by the Superior Court of his final or other account showing money or property in his hands to which the defendant is entitled.
D.C. Code § 16-1051 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 10 / § 16-1051
§ 16-1051. Definitions.
Status: in_force

For purposes of this subchapter, the term:
(1) “Board” means the Domestic Violence Fatality Review Board.
(2) “District” means the District of Columbia.
(3) “Domestic violence fatality” means:
  (A) A homicide under any of the following circumstances:
    (i) The alleged perpetrator and victim resided together at any time;
    (ii) The alleged perpetrator and victim have a child in common;
    (iii) The alleged perpetrator and victim were married, divorced, separated, or had a romantic relationship, not necessarily including a sexual relationship;
    (iv) The alleged perpetrator is or was married to, divorced, or separated from, or in a romantic relationship, not necessarily including a sexual relationship, with a person who is or was married to, divorced, or separated from, or in a romantic relationship, not necessarily including a sexual relationship, with the victim;
    (v) The alleged perpetrator had been stalking the victim;
    (vi) The victim filed a petition for a protective order against the alleged perpetrator at any time;
    (vii) The victim resided in the same household, was present at the workplace of, was in proximity of, or was related by blood or affinity to a person who experienced or was threatened with domestic violence by the alleged perpetrator; or
    (viii) The victim or the perpetrator was or is a child, parent, sibling, grandparent, aunt, uncle, or cousin of a person in a relationship that is described within this subsection.
  (B) A suicide of an individual where there were implications that the individual was the victim of domestic violence prior to his or her suicide, including the following circumstances:
    (i) The victim had applied for or received a protection order within the 2-year period preceding the suicide;
    (ii) The victim had undergone counseling or treatment as a result of being the victim of domestic violence within the 2-year period preceding the suicide; or
    (iii) The victim had reported to the police that he or she had been the victim of domestic violence within the 2-year period preceding the suicide.
(4) “Protection order” means an injunction or other order, whether temporary or final, issued by a tribunal for the purpose of preventing violent or threatening acts or harassment against, contact or communication with, or physical proximity to, another individual.
D.C. Code § 16-2315 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 23 / § 16-2315
§ 16-2315. Physical and mental examinations.
Status: in_force

(a) (1) At any time following the filing of a petition, on motion of the Corporation Counsel or counsel for the child, or on its own motion, the Division may order a child to be examined to aid in determining his physical or mental condition.
  (2) An order for examination under this subsection shall include:
    (A) A copy of the petition;
    (B) The names and addresses of the attorney for the District of Columbia and the attorney for the respondent; and
    (C) A summary of the reasons for the examination request.
  (3) The court may issue such orders as may be necessary to procure any available mental health and educational records and other information that is deemed relevant for purposes of the examination.
(b) (1) Wherever possible a physical or mental health examination shall be conducted on an outpatient basis, but the Division may, if it deems necessary, order the child admitted as an inpatient to a suitable medical facility for the purpose of examination.
  (2) The Division may order a child admitted as an inpatient to a suitable medical facility for the purpose of a mental health examination only after a psychiatrist or qualified psychologist examines the child and makes a written finding that the child is in need of a mental health examination which cannot be effectively provided on an outpatient basis. The written finding of the psychiatrist or qualified psychologist shall be a part of the Division’s order. These procedures for the inpatient mental health examination of a child shall not apply if the child is subject to the emergency hospitalization provisions of section 21-521.
  (3) (A) Hospitalization for an examination shall be for a period of not more than 21 days, except that the Division may grant extensions which may not exceed 21 days in the aggregate if a psychiatrist or qualified psychologist certifies that a mental health examination has not been completed and cannot be effectively provided on an outpatient basis.
    (B) If the examination is to determine whether the child is incompetent to proceed, an extension of time may not be granted unless the psychiatrist or qualified psychologist also certifies that the psychiatrist or qualified psychologist is unable to determine whether the child is incompetent to proceed and needs an additional period of time to complete the examination.
(b-1) A report of a mental health examination ordered under this section to determine whether a child is incompetent to proceed shall be made in writing and served on the court and the attorneys of record. The report shall include:
  (1) An assessment of the child’s capacity to understand the proceedings against him, including the nature of the charges and range of potential options available to the court at disposition;
  (2) An assessment of the child’s ability to assist his attorney; and
  (3) If the report concludes the child is incompetent to proceed:
    (A) The reasons and bases for the conclusion;
    (B) The suspected cause of the incompetence;
    (C) An assessment of the likelihood of the child attaining competence in the reasonably foreseeable future; and
    (D) If the child is assessed to be likely to attain competence in the reasonably foreseeable future:
      (i) Any recommended treatment and services that may render the child competent in the reasonably foreseeable future; and
      (ii) A certification as to the least restrictive setting for providing such treatment and services.
(c) (1) If as a result of mental examination the Division determines that a child alleged to be delinquent is incompetent to proceed under the petition and is unlikely to attain competence in the reasonably foreseeable future, it shall suspend further proceedings and the Corporation Counsel shall, where appropriate, initiate commitment proceedings pursuant to Chapter 5 or 11 of Title 21.
  (2) (A) If as a result of mental examination the Division determines that a child alleged to be delinquent is incompetent to proceed under the petition and is likely to attain competence in the reasonably foreseeable future, the Division shall order that the child receive such treatment on an outpatient basis, unless a psychiatrist or qualified psychologist certifies and the Division finds that inpatient hospitalization is the least restrictive setting for providing treatment and services that may render the child competent in the reasonably foreseeable future.
    (B) If the Division determines that hospitalization is not appropriate, the child may be ordered into detention or shelter care if detention or shelter care would otherwise be warranted pursuant to section 16-2310 while receiving treatment and services that may render the child competent in the reasonably foreseeable future.
  (3) If an order for inpatient hospitalization is made under paragraph (2) of this subsection, the Division may order the child sent to a hospital or mental health facility or unit designated by the Mayor as appropriate for treatment of juveniles alleged to be delinquent.
  (4) If, at any time after the child is ordered to undergo treatment under paragraph (2) of this subsection, the psychiatrist or qualified psychologist responsible for the treatment believes the child is competent, or, in the case of a child hospitalized under paragraph (3) of this subsection, determines that inpatient hospitalization is no longer the least restrictive setting for providing treatment and services that may render the child competent, the psychiatrist or qualified psychologist shall immediately send a report to the Division and attorneys of record stating the basis for the conclusion that the child has attained competency or that inpatient hospitalization is no longer the least restrictive setting.
  (5) (A) The Division shall hold a prompt hearing upon receipt of a report under paragraph (4) of this subsection, and no more than once in a 45-day period, the Division, on motion of the child or the Corporation Counsel, may hold a hearing to determine the child’s progress toward attaining competence.
    (B) At any hearing conducted pursuant to this paragraph, the Division shall determine whether continued treatment and services are supported by a finding that the child is likely to attain competence in the reasonably foreseeable future. Where the psychiatrist or qualified psychologist has reported that inpatient hospitalization is no longer the least restrictive setting for providing treatment and services that may render the child competent, the Division shall order that any further treatment and services be rendered on an outpatient basis. In such case, the Division may order the child into detention or shelter care if detention or shelter care would otherwise be warranted pursuant to section 16-2310 while receiving continued treatment and services.
  (6) The psychiatrist or qualified psychologist responsible for the treatment of the child shall ensure that a report is prepared and submitted to the Division and attorneys of record every 2 months, or at such shorter intervals as ordered by the court, from the date the treatment order is issued under paragraph (2) of this subsection. The report shall contain information regarding the child’s progress toward attaining competency, the treatment being provided, and any recommendations regarding changes to the treatment that would be likely to aid in achieving the goal of the order. If the child is hospitalized, the report shall also include a statement indicating whether inpatient hospitalization continues to be the least restrictive setting for providing treatment and services that may render the child competent in the reasonably foreseeable future.
  (7) (A) No child ordered into a hospital, detention, or shelter care while receiving treatment and services under this section shall be so confined for more than 180 days, except the Division may order such confinement to continue for up to 180 more days if it finds that:
      (i) The child remains incompetent to proceed;
      (ii) There is a substantial probability the child will attain competence within the period of continued confinement; and
      (iii) In the case of a hospitalized child, that inpatient hospitalization continues to be the least restrictive setting for providing treatment and services that may render the child competent to proceed.
    (B) If at the end of 360 days a child so confined remains incompetent to proceed, and remains likely to attain competence in the reasonably foreseeable future, the Division shall lift the hospitalization, detention, or shelter care order and may order that the child receive on an outpatient basis such further treatment and services as may render the child competent in the reasonably foreseeable future.
  (8) If the Division at any time determines that the child receiving treatment and services under this subsection is unlikely to attain competence in the reasonably foreseeable future, the Division shall suspend further proceedings and the Corporation Counsel shall, where appropriate, initiate commitment proceedings pursuant to Chapter 5 or 11 of Title 21.
  (9) Nothing in this subsection shall prevent the Corporation Counsel from initiating commitment proceedings pursuant to Chapter 5 or 11 of Title 21 at any time.
(d) The results of an examination under this section shall be admissible in a transfer hearing pursuant to section 16-2307, in a dispositional hearing under this subchapter, or in a commitment proceeding under Chapter 5 or 11 of Title 21. The results of examination may be admitted into evidence at a factfinding hearing to aid the Division in determining a material allegation of the petition relating to the child’s mental or physical condition, but not for the purpose of establishing a defense of insanity.
(e) (1) At any time following the filing of a petition which alleges a neglected child as defined by D.C. Official Code, section 16-2301(9)(C) the Division may, on its own motion or the motion of any party, for good cause shown, order the mental or physical examination of the parent, guardian, or custodian of the child whose ability to care for the child is at issue.
  (2) Following an adjudication that a child is neglected, the Division may, on its own motion or the motion of any party, order a mental or physical examination of the parent, guardian, or custodian of the child whose ability to care for the child is at issue.
  (3) The Division may order additional mental examinations to be performed by independent experts upon a showing by any party that a prior examination is inadequate.
  (4) The results of the mental or physical examination shall not be admissible evidence in the factfinding hearing unless the allegations contained in the petition set forth facts which support a petition pursuant to D.C. Official Code § 16-2301(9)(C) .
  (5) The results of the mental or physical examination shall be admissible at a dispositional hearing.
  (6) The results of the mental or physical examination shall not be admissible as evidence in any criminal proceedings.
(f) Upon request of the Corporation Counsel, or his or her designee, the Division shall hold a hearing to determine whether there is probable cause to believe that a victim or eyewitness to a delinquent act alleged to have been committed by the respondent may have been put at risk for the HIV/AIDS virus. If the Division finds there is probable cause that a victim or eyewitness has been put at risk for the HIV/AIDS virus as a result of witnessing or being the victim of the delinquent act alleged to have been committed by the respondent, the Division shall order that the respondent be tested for the HIV/AIDS virus. The results of the child’s HIV/AIDS testing shall be presented to the Corporation Counsel, or his or her designee, who shall provide the information to the respondent and to the victim or eyewitness to a delinquent act. The victim or eyewitness may only disclose the respondent’s identity to a doctor or counselor.
D.C. Code § 16-1042 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 10 / § 16-1042
§ 16-1042. Judicial enforcement of order.
Status: in_force

(a) A person authorized by the law of the District to seek enforcement of a protection order may seek enforcement of a valid foreign protection order in a tribunal of the District. The tribunal shall enforce the terms of the order, including terms that provide relief that a tribunal of the District would lack power to provide but for this section. The tribunal shall enforce the order, whether the order was obtained by independent action or in another proceeding, if it is an order issued in response to a complaint, petition, or motion filed by or on behalf of or for the benefit of an individual seeking protection. In a proceeding to enforce a foreign protection order, the tribunal shall follow the procedures of the District for the enforcement of protection orders.
(b) Except for cases brought under § 16-1005(f) or (g), a tribunal of the District may not enforce a foreign protection order issued by a tribunal of a State that does not recognize the standing of a protected individual to seek enforcement of the order.
(c) A tribunal of the District shall enforce the provisions of a valid foreign protection order that governs custody and visitation, if the order was issued in accordance with the jurisdictional requirements governing the issuance of custody and visitation orders in the issuing State.
(d) A foreign protection order is valid if it:
  (1) Identifies the protected individual and the respondent;
  (2) Is currently in effect or was in effect at the time of the violation;
  (3) Was issued by a tribunal that had jurisdiction over the parties and subject matter under the law of the issuing State; and
  (4) Was issued after the respondent was given reasonable notice and had an opportunity to be heard before the tribunal issued the order or, in the case of an ex parte order, the respondent was given notice and has had or will have an opportunity to be heard within a reasonable time after the order was issued, in a manner consistent with the rights of the respondent to due process.
(e) A foreign protection order valid on its face is prima facie evidence of its validity.
(f) Absence of any of the criteria for validity of a foreign protection order is an affirmative defense in an action seeking enforcement of the order.
(g) A tribunal of the District may enforce provisions of a mutual foreign protection order which favor a respondent only if:
  (1) The respondent filed a written pleading seeking a protection order from the tribunal of the issuing State; and
  (2) The tribunal of the issuing State made specific findings in favor of the respondent.
D.C. Code § 16-4604.03 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 46 / § 16-4604.03
§ 16-4604.03. Cooperation and communication among courts.
Status: in_force

Sections 16-4601.10  , 16-4601.11  , and 16-4601.12   apply to cooperation and communications among courts in proceedings under this subchapter.
D.C. Code § 16-4511 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 45 / § 16-4511
§ 16-4511. Appearance of parties and the child.
Status: repealed

Repealed.
D.C. Code § 16-577 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 5 / § 16-577
§ 16-577. Applicability of per centum limitations to judgment for support.
Status: in_force

The per centum limitations prescribed by section 16-572   do not apply in the case of execution upon a judgment, order, or decree of any court of the District of Columbia for the payment of any sum for the support or maintenance of a person’s spouse or former spouse, domestic partner or former domestic partner, or children, and any such execution, judgment, order, or decree shall, in the discretion of the court, have priority over any other execution which is subject to the provisions of this subchapter. In the case of execution upon such a judgment, order, or decree for the payment of such sum for support or maintenance, the limitation shall be 50 per centum of the gross wages due or to become due to any such person for the pay period or periods ending in any calendar month, except that a notice or order to withhold issued pursuant to subchapter I of Chapter 2 of Title 46 shall have priority over any other legal process and shall be subject to the limitations stated in section 303(b) of the Consumer Credit Protection Act, approved May 29, 1968 (82 Stat. 163; 15 U.S.C. § 1673(b)  .
D.C. Code § 16-5303 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 53 / § 16-5303
§ 16-5303. Applicability.
Status: in_force

This chapter applies to an unsworn declaration by a declarant who at the time of making the declaration is physically located outside the boundaries of the United States, whether or not the location is subject to the jurisdiction of the United States. This chapter does not apply to a declaration by a declarant who is physically located on property that is within the boundaries of the United States and subject to the jurisdiction of another country or a federally recognized Indian tribe.
D.C. Code § 16-2372 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 23 / § 16-2372
§ 16-2372. Court-appointed special advocate program.
Status: in_force

(a) There is established a court-appointed special advocate program to provide trained volunteers whose primary purpose is to ensure that children who are the subject of certain family division proceedings of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia are provided with appropriate service and case planning that is in their best interest.
(b) The court, in any appropriate action, may appoint an individual provided by the court-appointed special advocate program.
(c) The program shall be administered by the Family Division of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia.
(d) The Family Division shall report annually to the Chief Judge of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, who shall report to the Council of the District of Columbia regarding the operation of the program.
(e) The Board of Judges of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia may adopt rules governing the implementation and operation of the program, including, but not limited to, training, selection, and supervision of volunteers.
(f) An advocate or a member of the administrative staff of the program is not liable for acts or omissions in providing services or performing duties on behalf of the program, unless the act or omission constitutes reckless, willful, or wanton misconduct or intentionally tortious conduct.
(g) A court-appointed special advocate shall have access to and the use of the court record in a proceeding in which the advocate has been appointed.
D.C. Code § 16-3711 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 37 / § 16-3711
§ 16-3711. Judgment for defendant and determination of damages.
Status: in_force

When, in an action of replevin, the issue is found for the defendant, or the plaintiff dismisses or fails to prosecute his suit, or judgment is rendered against the plaintiff on proper motion under rules of court, the judgment shall be that the goods, if delivered to the plaintiff, be returned to the defendant with damages for their detention, or, on failure, that the defendant recover against the plaintiff and his surety the damages sustained by him. The damages shall be assessed by the jury trying the issue; or, where jury trial had been waived, or judgment is rendered against the plaintiff prior to trial on proper motion under rules of court, or he dismisses or fails to prosecute his suit, by a jury of inquest.
D.C. Code § 16-4604.01 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 46 / § 16-4604.01
§ 16-4604.01. Short title.
Status: in_force

This subchapter may be cited as the “Uniform Child Abduction Prevention Act”.
D.C. Code § 16-2331 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 23 / § 16-2331
§ 16-2331. Juvenile case records; confidentiality; inspection and disclosure.
Status: in_force

(a) For the purposes of this section, the term “juvenile case records” means the following records of a case over which the Family Court has jurisdiction under section 11-1101(13):
  (1) Notices filed with the court by an arresting officer pursuant to this subchapter;
  (2) The docket of the court and entries therein;
  (3) Complaints, petitions, and other legal papers filed in the case;
  (4) Transcripts of proceedings before the court;
  (5) Findings, verdicts, judgments, orders, and decrees; and
  (6) Other writings filed in proceedings before the court, other than social records.
(b) Except as otherwise provided in this section and in section 16-2333.01, juvenile case records shall be kept confidential and shall not be open to inspection, nor shall information from records inspected be divulged to unauthorized persons.
(c) Subject to the limitations of subsection (f) of this section, the following entities and persons may inspect juvenile case records:
  (1) The Courts:
    (A) Judges and professional staff of the Superior Court; and
    (B) Any court in which the respondent is charged or convicted as a respondent in a delinquency matter, or status offense, or as a defendant in a criminal offense, or the court’s probation staff.
  (2) Family Court case participants:
    (A) The Attorney General and his assistants assigned to the Family Court;
    (B) The respondent and any attorney for the respondent without regard to the age of the respondent at the time of the inspection and without regard to the existence of a pending Family Court case;
    (C) The parents or guardians and any attorney for them without regard to the age of the respondent at the time of the inspection and without regard to the existence of a pending Family Court case;
    (D) Unless the release of the information is otherwise prohibited by law or includes mental health information, each victim, or the immediate family member or custodians of each victim if the victim is a child or is deceased or incapacitated, and their duly authorized attorneys, at the discretion of the Attorney General and when the information relates to:
      (i) Release status;
      (ii) The level of respondent’s placement;
      (iii) Stay-away orders imposed;
      (iv) Respondent’s participation in diversion or a consent decree;
      (v) The offenses charged in the petition;
      (vi) The terms of any plea agreements, findings, or verdicts related to the adjudication of the case;
      (vii) Commitment or probational status;
      (viii) The respondent being in abscondence for more than 24 hours; or
      (ix) The respondent having escaped from a facility;
    (E) Unless the release of information is otherwise prohibited by law or includes mental health information, each eyewitness, or the immediate family members or custodians of each eyewitness if the eyewitness is a child or is deceased or incapacitated, and their duly authorized attorneys, at the discretion of the Attorney General or of the respondent’s attorney and when the information relates to:
      (i) Release status;
      (ii) The level of respondent’s placement;
      (iii) Stay-away orders imposed;
      (iv) Respondent’s participation in diversion or a consent decree;
      (v) The offenses charged in the petition;
      (vi) The terms of any plea agreements, findings, or verdicts related to the adjudication of the case;
      (vii) Commitment or probational status; and
      (viii) The respondent being in abscondence for more than 24 hours; or
      (ix) The respondent having escaped from a facility; and
    (F) Public or private agencies or institutions providing supervision or treatment or having custody of the child, if supervision, treatment, or custody is under order of the Family Court;
  (3) Other court case participants and law enforcement:
    (A) The United States Attorney for the District of Columbia, his assistants, and any other prosecuting attorneys, or defense attorneys, when necessary for the discharge of their official duties;
    (B) Any law enforcement personnel when necessary for the discharge of their official duties;
    (C) The Pretrial Services Agency of the District of Columbia when necessary for the discharge of its official duties; and
    (D) The Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency for the District of Columbia when necessary for the discharge of its official duties;
  (4) Government agencies and entities:
    (A) The Mayor in accordance with [ § 50-1403.02 ];
    (B) Authorized personnel in the Mayor's Family Court Liaison, the Department of Health, the Department of Behavioral Health, the Child and Family Services Agency, the Department of Human Services, the District of Columbia Public Schools, public charter schools, parochial schools, and private schools, and the Office of the Attorney General for the District of Columbia for the purpose of:
      (i) The delivery of services to:
        (I) Individuals under the jurisdiction of the Family Court, or their families; and
        (II) Youth who have been diverted by law enforcement, by the Office of the Attorney General for the District of Columbia, or pursuant to [§ 16-2305.02] ; or
      (ii) Monitoring recidivism and the efficacy of services provided to:
        (I) Individuals under the jurisdiction of the Family Court; and
        (II) Youth who have been diverted by law enforcement, by the Office of the Attorney General for the District of Columbia, or pursuant to [§ 16-2305.02] ;
    (C) The Child Fatality Review Committee for the purposes of examining past events and circumstances surrounding deaths of children in the District of Columbia or of children who are either residents or wards of the District of Columbia, or for the discharge of its official duties;
    (D) The Children’s Advocacy Center and the public and private agencies and institutions that are members of the multidisciplinary investigation team, for purposes of carrying out their official duties, except that only information contained in the records, and not the records or copies of the records, may be provided pursuant to this subparagraph;
    (E) The Child and Family Services Agency, for the purposes of carrying out its official duties;
    (F) The Juvenile Abscondence Review Committee for the purposes of examining circumstances and events surrounding any homicide, assault with intent to kill, and assault with a deadly weapon committed in the District by or to a juvenile in abscondence; and
    (G) The Violence Fatality Review Committee for the purposes of examining past events and circumstances surrounding suicides and homicides, as that term is defined in [§ 5-1431.01(e)] , or for the discharge of its official duties.
  (5) Other persons having a professional interest in the protection, welfare, treatment, and rehabilitation of the respondent or of a member of the respondent’s family, or in the work of the Superior Court, if authorized by rule or special order of the court.
(c-1) Notwithstanding any provision of this section, when the court orders that a child stay away from a victim or witness or their property as a condition of the child's release, the court shall provide a written notice of such release condition to the Attorney General who may provide the written notice to a victim or a witness. Such notice issued by the court shall not include any identifying information for the child except the child's name, nor shall it include any other release conditions unrelated to the victim, witness, or their property.
(d) The prosecuting attorney inspecting records pursuant to subsection (c)(3)(A) of this section may divulge the contents to the extent required in the prosecution of a criminal case, and the United States Attorney for the District of Columbia and his assistants may inspect a transcript of the testimony of any witness and divulge the contents to the extent required by the prosecution of the witness for perjury, without, wherever possible, naming or otherwise revealing the identity of a child under the jurisdiction of the Family Court.
(e) Notwithstanding subsection (b) of this section, the Family Court, upon application of the Attorney General, may order the release of certain information contained in the case record if:
  (1) The respondent has escaped from detention or from the custody of the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services and is likely to pose a danger or threat of bodily harm to another person;
  (2) Release of the information is necessary to protect the public safety and welfare; and
  (3) The respondent has been charged with a crime of violence as defined in section 23-1331(4).
(f) Notwithstanding subsections (b) and (c) of this section, the Superior Court may by rule or special order provide that particular items or classes of items in juvenile case records shall not be open to inspection except pursuant to rule or special order; but, in dispositional proceedings after an adjudication, no item considered by the judge (other than identification of the sources of confidential information) shall be withheld from inspection:
  (1) In delinquency or need of supervision cases, by the attorney for the child; or
  (2) In neglect cases, by the attorney for the child and an attorney for the parent, guardian, or other custodian of the child.
(g) The Superior Court may by rule or special order provide procedures for the inspection or copying of juvenile case records by persons entitled to inspect them. No person receiving any record or information pursuant to this section may publish or use it for any purpose other than that for which it was received without a special order of the court.
(h) (1) Notwithstanding subsection (b) of this section, for every respondent against whom the Office of the Attorney General has filed a petition for the following:
    (A) A crime of violence (as defined in section 23-1331(4));
    (B) A weapons offense;
    (C) Unauthorized use of a vehicle;
    (D) Theft in the first degree where the property obtained or used is a motor vehicle (as defined in section 22-3215(a)); or
    (E) The Office of the Attorney General has filed 3 or more petitions against the respondent, and the respondent is not detained by the Family Court pursuant to section 16-2313(b)(3), the Family Court shall provide, within 48 hours of the decision not to detain the respondent, the following case record information to the Chief of the Metropolitan Police Department (“Chief”):
      (i) Respondent’s name and date of birth;
      (ii) Last known address of the respondent;
      (iii) Last known address of respondent’s parents, guardians, caretakers, and custodians;
      (iv) Address where the respondent will be placed and the name and address of the person into whose custody the respondent will be placed; and
      (v) All terms of the placement or conditions of release.
  (2) Notwithstanding subsection (b) of this section, the Family Court shall provide the following case record information to the Chief for all cases in which the respondent is not detained by the Family Court pursuant to section 16-2313(b)(3) and cases in which the respondent is placed on probation pursuant to section 16-2320(c)(3):
    (A) Respondent’s name and date of birth;
    (B) All terms or conditions of any stay-away order; and
    (C) All terms or conditions of any curfew order.
  (3) The Chief shall utilize information obtained from the Family Court and may disclose such information to law enforcement officers or law enforcement entities only as necessary to preserve public safety or the safety of the respondent. The Chief shall not otherwise disclose this information, except as authorized by this section.
  (4) If the Chief discloses information pursuant to paragraph (3) of this subsection, the Chief shall notify the recipient that the information may only be re-disclosed to law enforcement officers and only to the extent necessary to preserve public safety or the safety of the respondent. The Chief shall notify the recipient of the information that any other use or disclosure of the information shall be governed by this section and sections 16-2332 and 16-2333, and that unauthorized re-disclosure may be prosecuted under section 16-2336. Any violation of this paragraph will result in an investigation of the violation by the Inspector General of the District of Columbia.
  (5) If the petition filed against the juvenile does not result in disposition, the Family Court, within 48 hours of the entry of the decision by the court to dismiss or close the case, or the withdrawal of the petition by the Office of the Attorney General, shall notify the Chief of the Metropolitan Police Department that the case has not resulted in a disposition. The Chief shall, within 48 hours of the notification, destroy and erase from Metropolitan Police Department files the case record information received from the Family Court pursuant to this subsection and shall notify all parties and agencies to which it transmitted case record information pursuant to paragraph (3) of this subsection that the juvenile’s case did not result in a disposition and any information that has been transmitted shall be destroyed and erased.
(h-1) (1) Notwithstanding subsection (b) of this section, if a child has a custody order for abscondence from a Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services ("DYRS") placement or court-ordered placement in a delinquency or PINS matter, the Family Court, in the best interest of a child, the interest of public safety, or the interest of the safety of any person who may search for the child, may, after a hearing at which the child's counsel is present, order the Metropolitan Police Department ("MPD") to:
    (A) Take a missing person's report for a child; and
    (B) Submit a missing person's report to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children ("NCMEC").
  (2) Evidence of the following factors shall be considered in making the determination described in paragraph (1) of this subsection:
    (A) The child's age;
    (B) The nature of any present delinquency offense or in need of supervision offense and the extent and nature of the child's prior record:
    (C) Whether the child has been sexually exploited or is at risk of sexual exploitation;
    (D) Whether there have been reports of abuse and neglect involving the child;
    (E) Whether there is an open neglect case or other Child and Family Services Agency involvement;
    (F) The child's mental condition, including any disabilities; and
    (G) The child's history of abscondences from DYRS or court-ordered placements and the child's history of running away from home.
  (3) If the Family Court orders MPD to take a missing person's report, pursuant to this section, any person with knowledge of the custody order may make a missing person's report to NCMEC; provided, that any person making such a report shall not disclose that there is a custody order in effect.
  (4) For the purposes of this section, the term "child" means a person who has not attained the age of 18 years.
(h-2) Notwithstanding the provisions of this section, the Attorney General or respondent's attorney, at their discretion, may release juvenile case record information to members of the press who are authorized to attend a court hearing pursuant to § 16-2316(e) ; provided, that the information is consistent with, and does not exceed the scope of, the information that the court authorized the press to report when granting the press permission to attend the hearing.
(i) No person shall disclose, inspect, or use records in violation of this section.
D.C. Code § 16-5304 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 53 / § 16-5304
§ 16-5304. Validity of unsworn declaration.
Status: in_force

(a) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (b) of this section, if a law of the District of Columbia requires or permits use of a sworn declaration, an unsworn declaration meeting the requirements of this chapter shall have the same effect as a sworn declaration.
(b) This chapter shall not apply to:
  (1) A deposition;
  (2) An oath of office;
  (3) An oath required to be given before a specified official other than a notary public; or
  (4) A declaration to be recorded with the Recorder of Deeds of the District of Columbia.
D.C. Code § 16-4513 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 45 / § 16-4513
§ 16-4513. Recognition of out-of-state custody decrees.
Status: repealed

Repealed.
D.C. Code § 16-1006 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 10 / § 16-1006
§ 16-1006. Jurisdiction.
Status: in_force

A petitioner may file a petition for protection under this subchapter if:
(1) The petitioner resides, lives, works, or attends school in the District of Columbia:
(2) The petitioner is under the legal custody of a District government agency; or
(3) The underlying offense occurred in the District of Columbia.
D.C. Code § 16-4418 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 44 / § 16-4418
§ 16-4418. Judicial enforcement of preaward ruling by arbitrator.
Status: in_force

If an arbitrator makes a preaward ruling in favor of a party to the arbitration proceeding, the party may request the arbitrator to incorporate the ruling into an award under § 16-4419 . A prevailing party may make a motion to the court for an expedited order to confirm the award under § 16-4422 , in which case the court shall summarily decide the motion. The court shall issue an order to confirm the award unless the court vacates, modifies, or corrects the award under § 16-4423 or 16-4424.
D.C. Code § 16-4410 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 44 / § 16-4410
§ 16-4410. Consolidation of separate arbitration proceedings.
Status: in_force

(a) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (c) of this section, upon motion of a party to an agreement to arbitrate or to an arbitration proceeding, the court may order consolidation of separate arbitration proceedings as to all or some of the claims if:
  (1) There are separate agreements to arbitrate or separate arbitration proceedings between the same persons or one of them is a party to a separate agreement to arbitrate or a separate arbitration proceeding with a third person;
  (2) The claims subject to the agreements to arbitrate arise in substantial part from the same transaction or series of related transactions;
  (3) The existence of a common issue of law or fact creates the possibility of conflicting decisions in the separate arbitration proceedings; and
  (4) Prejudice resulting from a failure to consolidate is not outweighed by the risk of undue delay or prejudice to the rights of or hardship to parties opposing consolidation.
(b) The court may order consolidation of separate arbitration proceedings as to some claims and allow other claims to be resolved in separate arbitration proceedings.
(c) The court may not order consolidation of the claims of a party to an agreement to arbitrate if the agreement prohibits consolidation; provided, that nothing in this section is intended to prevent a party’s participation in a class action lawsuit or arbitration.
D.C. Code § 16-4409 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 44 / § 16-4409
§ 16-4409. Initiation of arbitration.
Status: in_force

(a) A person initiates an arbitration proceeding by giving notice in a record to the other parties to the agreement to arbitrate by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested and obtained, or by service as authorized for the commencement of a civil action. The notice shall describe the nature of the controversy and the remedy sought.
(b) Unless a person objects for lack or insufficiency of notice under § 16-4415(c) not later than the beginning of the arbitration hearing, the person, by appearing at the hearing, waives any objection to lack of or insufficiency of notice.
D.C. Code § 16-909.04 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 9 / § 16-909.04
§ 16-909.04. Voluntary paternity acknowledgment program for birth records agency.
Status: in_force

(a) The Registrar of Vital Records shall offer to any person seeking to file or amend a birth certificate that does not include the names of 2 parents:
  (1) Written materials concerning paternity establishment;
  (2) Forms necessary to acknowledge paternity voluntarily that meet the federal requirements;
  (3) A written and oral description of the alternatives to, the legal consequences of, and the rights and responsibilities that arise from, signing a voluntary acknowledgment of paternity (the oral description may be videotaped or audiotaped);
  (4) Written notice that a voluntary acknowledgment of paternity is not effectuated unless the mother and putative father each signs the form under oath and a notary authenticates the signatures;
  (5) The services of a notary on the premises;
  (6) The opportunity to speak, by telephone or in person, with staff of the IV-D agency or Registrar who are trained to clarify information and answer questions about paternity establishment; and
  (7) The opportunity to acknowledge paternity voluntarily at the birth records agency.
(b) The Registrar of Vital Records shall establish procedures for the recording in the records of the Registrar, and for the transmittal to the IV-D agency of completed voluntary acknowledgments of paternity, and of information contained in an acknowledgment that may be used in the establishment or enforcement of a support order.
D.C. Code § 16-2939 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 29 / § 16-2939
§ 16-2939. Report of open-market sale.
Status: in_force

(a) A broker appointed pursuant to § 16-2938(b) to offer real property for open-market sale shall file a report with the court no later than 7 days after receiving an offer to purchase the real property for at least the value determined pursuant to § 16-2934 or § 16-2938 .
(b) The report required by subsection (a) of this section shall contain the following information:
  (1) A description of the real property to be sold to the buyer;
  (2) The name of the buyer;
  (3) The proposed purchase price;
  (4) The terms and conditions of the proposed sale, including the terms of any owner financing;
  (5) The amount to be paid to lienholders;
  (6) A statement of contractual or other arrangements or conditions of the real estate broker's commission; and
  (7) Other material facts relevant to the sale.
D.C. Code § 16-1112 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 11 / § 16-1112
§ 16-1112. Expiration of title pending suit; damages.
Status: in_force

If the title of the plaintiff in ejectment expires after the commencement of his action but before the trial, and but for the expiration he would have been entitled to recover, the verdict shall find the facts, and the plaintiff may recover his damages sustained by the wrongful withholding of the possession.
D.C. Code § 16-2317 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 23 / § 16-2317
§ 16-2317. Hearings, findings; dismissal.
Status: in_force

(a) Except as otherwise provided by statute or court rule, all motions shall be heard at the time of the factfinding hearing.
(b) After a factfinding hearing on the allegations in the petition, the Division shall make and file written findings in all cases as to the truth of the allegations, and in neglect cases, he shall also make and file written findings as to whether the child is neglected. The Court may not make a finding of neglect based solely on a finding that a child is born addicted or dependent on a controlled substance or has a significant presence of a controlled substance in his or her system at birth. If the Division finds that —
  (1) in the case of a delinquency petition, that the allegations have not been established by proof beyond a reasonable doubt; or
  (2) in the case of a need of supervision or neglect petition, that the allegations have not been established by the preponderance of the evidence,
the Division shall dismiss the petition and order the child released from any detention or shelter care or other restriction previously ordered. If the proceedings are not terminated after the factfinding hearing, the Division shall review the need for detention or shelter care of the child.
(c) If the Division finds in a factfinding hearing that —
  (1) the allegations in a delinquency petition have been established by proof beyond a reasonable doubt; or
  (2) the allegations in a need of supervision or neglect petition have been established by the preponderance of the evidence,
the Division, after giving the notice required by subsection (e) of this section, shall proceed to hold a dispositional hearing. The Division may postpone a dispositional hearing to await the predisposition study and report of the Director of Social Services (in delinquency or need of supervision cases) or of the Director of the Child and Family Services Agency (in neglect cases) as required by section 16-2319  . There shall be a rebuttable presumption that a finding of the commission of an act which would constitute a criminal offense if committed by an adult is sufficient to sustain a finding of need for care or rehabilitation in delinquency and need of supervision cases.
(d) (1) If the Division finds that the child is not in need of care and rehabilitation, it shall terminate the proceedings and discharge the child from detention, shelter care, or other restriction previously ordered.
  (2) Determinations of whether a child is in need of care or rehabilitation may only be made at or after the dispositional hearing, except that the Division may dismiss the petition and terminate proceedings, after giving the Corporation Counsel a reasonable opportunity to initiate commitment proceedings pursuant to Chapter 5 or 11 of Title 21, if the Division finds that the respondent is incompetent to proceed and that there is not a substantial probability that the respondent will attain competency in the reasonably foreseeable future. If the Division dismisses the petition based on the respondent’s incompetence to proceed, the dismissal shall be without prejudice to the government to refile if the respondent attains competence.
  (3) To overcome the presumption of a need for care or rehabilitation in subsection (c) of this section, the Division must find by clear and convincing evidence at the dispositional hearing that the child is not in need of care or rehabilitation before it may terminate proceedings.
  (4) The fact that a child is receiving care or rehabilitation in another case shall not be the only grounds for dismissal.
  (5) In determining whether a child is in need of care and rehabilitation, the Division may consider the child’s failure to appear at a scheduled hearing and shall:
    (A) Consider any victim impact statement submitted to the Division;
    (B) Hear from any eyewitnesses and victims, or the immediate family members of any eyewitnesses or victims when the eyewitness or victim is a child or when the eyewitness or victim is deceased or incapacitated, that wish to be heard and appear before the court; and
    (C) Consider if the dismissal of the case is in the interest of the public welfare and the protection of the public security.
(e) The Division shall give prompt notice of any dispositional hearing as follows:
  (1) In delinquency and need of supervision cases, to the child, his spouse (if any), and his parent, guardian, or custodian.
  (2) In neglect cases, to the child and to the parent, guardian, or custodian named in the petition if he can be found.
(f) The Corporation Counsel shall give prompt notice, if practicable, of any disposition and post-disposition hearings to the victim, or the immediate family members or caretakers of the victim, or their duly authorized attorney, when the victim is a child or when the victim is deceased or incapacitated.
D.C. Code § 16-2397 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 23 / § 16-2397
§ 16-2397. Interlocutory order of guardianship.
Status: in_force

(a) If it is in the child’s best interests, the court may enter an interlocutory guardianship order, which shall by its terms automatically become a guardianship order on a date therein named, not less than 6 months nor more than one year from the date of entry of the interlocutory order, unless in the interim the order shall have been set aside for cause shown.
(b) The agency having responsibility for the child shall be permitted to visit the child during the period of the interlocutory order and may be ordered to provide services as specified in the interlocutory order.
(c) The court may revoke its interlocutory guardianship order, either on its own motion or on the motion of one of the parties, for good cause shown, at any time before it becomes a guardianship order if it is in the child’s best interests. Before the revocation, personal notice shall be given to the parties and an adjudicatory hearing shall be conducted pursuant to section 16-2388.
D.C. Code § 16-2804 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 28 / § 16-2804
§ 16-2804. Unknown defendant or unlicensed defendant.
Status: in_force

(a) Section 16-2802 shall not apply to:
  (1) Any intended defendant whose name is unknown or who was not licensed at the time of the alleged occurrence or is unlicensed at the time notice is given;
  (2) Any claim that is unknown to the person at the time of filing his or her notice; or
  (3) Any intended defendant who is identified in the notice by a misnomer.
(b) Nothing indicated herein shall prevent the court from waiving the requirements of § 16-2802 upon a showing of good faith effort to comply or if the interests of justice dictate.
D.C. Code § 16-1313 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 13 / § 16-1313
§ 16-1313. Selection of jury; oath of jurors.
Status: in_force

In each action brought pursuant to this subchapter, the court shall appoint, from among the persons whose names are drawn pursuant to section 16-1312  , a jury of five capable and disinterested persons, and shall administer to the persons so drawn an oath or affirmation that they:
(1) are not interested in any manner in the real property to be condemned;
(2) are not related to the parties interested in the property; and
(3) without favor or partiality, and to the best of their judgment, will appraise the value of the respective interests of all persons concerned in the property.
D.C. Code § 16-550 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 5 / § 16-550
§ 16-550. Preservation of property; sale.
Status: in_force

The court may make all orders necessary for the preservation of the property attached. 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.
D.C. Code § 16-1058 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 10 / § 16-1058
§ 16-1058. Rules.
Status: in_force

The Mayor shall issue rules implementing the provisions of this subchapter. The rules shall require that a subordinate agency director to whom a recommendation is directed by the Board shall respond in writing within 30 days of the issuance of the report containing the recommendations.
D.C. Code § 16-556 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 5 / § 16-556
§ 16-556. Judgment against garnishee.
Status: in_force

(a) Subject to the provisions of subchapter III of this chapter , if a garnishee has admitted credits in his hands, in answer to interrogatories served upon him, or the credits have been found upon an issue made as provided by this chapter, judgment shall be entered against him for the amount of credits admitted or found, not exceeding the amount of the plaintiff’s judgment, and costs, and execution shall be had thereon not to exceed the credits in his hands. When the credits are not immediately due and payable, execution shall be stayed until they become due.
(b) When the garnishee has failed to answer the interrogatories served on him, or to appear and show cause why a judgment of condemnation should not be entered, judgment shall be entered against him for the whole amount of the plaintiff’s judgment and costs, and execution may be had thereon.
D.C. Code § 16-4416 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 44 / § 16-4416
§ 16-4416. Representation by lawyer.
Status: in_force

A party to an arbitration proceeding may be represented by a lawyer.
D.C. Code § 16-2924 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 29 / § 16-2924
§ 16-2924. Sale of land encumbered by dower; lack of widow’s or widower’s consent; written consent; portion of proceeds.
Status: repealed

Repealed.
D.C. Code § 16-1122 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 11 / § 16-1122
§ 16-1122. Judgment and writ of possession after tender of deed and defendant’s refusal to pay.
Status: in_force

If the plaintiff tenders to the defendant a deed as provided by section 16-1120   and demands the value of his property without the improvements, as found by the jury, and the defendant fails or refuses to pay the value within the time fixed therefor by the court, the plaintiff shall, in like manner, be entitled to a judgment and writ of possession; and if the plaintiff is a minor, the court may authorize the deed to be executed by his guardian.
D.C. Code § 16-2357 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 23 / § 16-2357
§ 16-2357. Notice.
Status: in_force

(a) When a motion to terminate the parent and child relationship is filed, a judge shall promptly set a time for an adjudicatory hearing and shall cause notice thereof to be given to all parties.
(b) A judge shall direct the issuance to and personal service upon the child’s parent of a summons together with a copy of the motion to terminate the parent and child relationship.
(c) When it is appropriate to the proper disposition of the case, a judge may direct the service of a summons upon other persons.
(d) If a 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.
D.C. Code § 16-2371 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 23 / § 16-2371
§ 16-2371. Definitions.
Status: in_force

For the purpose of this subchapter, the term “advocate” means a court-appointed special advocate and the term “program” means the court-appointed special advocate program established under this subchapter.
D.C. Code § 16-4205 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 42 / § 16-4205
§ 16-4205. Exceptions to privilege.
Status: in_force

(a) There is no privilege under § 16-4203 for a mediation communication that is:
  (1) In an agreement evidenced by a record signed by all parties to the agreement;
  (2) Available to the public under § 1-207.42 , or made during a session of a mediation which is open, or is required by law to be open, to the public;
  (3) A threat or statement of a plan to inflict bodily injury as defined by § 22-407 , or commit a crime of violence as defined by § 22-4501(f) [now § 22-4501(4) ] and § 23-1331 .
  (4) Intentionally used to plan, attempt to commit, or commit a crime, or to conceal an ongoing crime or ongoing criminal activity;
  (5) Sought or offered to prove or disprove a claim or complaint of professional misconduct or malpractice filed against a mediator;
  (6) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (c) of this section, sought or offered to prove or disprove a claim or complaint of professional misconduct or malpractice filed against a mediation party, nonparty participant, or representative of a party based on conduct occurring during a mediation; or
  (7) Sought or offered to prove or disprove abuse, neglect, abandonment, or exploitation in a proceeding in which a child or adult protective services agency is a party, unless the case is referred by a court to mediation and a public agency participates.
(b) There is no privilege under § 16-4203 if a court, administrative agency, or arbitrator finds, after a hearing in camera, that the party seeking discovery or the proponent of the evidence has shown that:
  (1) The evidence is not otherwise available;
  (2) There is a need for the evidence that substantially outweighs the interest in protecting confidentiality; and
  (3) The mediation communication is sought or offered in:
    (A) A court proceeding involving a felony or misdemeanor; or
    (B) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (c) of this section, a proceeding to prove a claim to rescind or reform or a defense to avoid liability on a contract arising out of the mediation.
(c) A mediator may not be compelled to provide evidence of a mediation communication referred to in subsection (a)(6) or (b)(3)(B) of this section.
(d) If a mediation communication is not privileged under subsection (a) or (b) of this section, only the portion of the communication necessary for the application of the exception from nondisclosure may be admitted. Admission of evidence under subsection (a) or (b) of this section does not render the evidence, or any other mediation communication, discoverable or admissible for any other purpose.
D.C. Code § 16-4604.05 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 46 / § 16-4604.05
§ 16-4604.05. Jurisdiction.
Status: in_force

(a) A petition under this subchapter may be filed only in a court that has jurisdiction to make a child-custody determination with respect to the child at issue under §§ 16-4601.01 to 16-4604.02 .
(b) A court of this state has temporary emergency jurisdiction under § 16-4602.04 if the court finds a credible risk of abduction.
D.C. Code § 16-1047 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 10 / § 16-1047
§ 16-1047. Uniformity of application and construction.
Status: in_force

In applying and construing this Uniform Act, consideration must 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 § 16-4501 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 45 / § 16-4501
§ 16-4501. Purposes of chapter.
Status: repealed

Repealed.
D.C. Code § 16-2305.01 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 23 / § 16-2305.01
§ 16-2305.01. Findings.
Status: in_force

The Council finds that:
(1) Juveniles who are not under proper supervision and control or who are arrested for certain nonviolent offenses are likely to endanger their own health, morals, and welfare and the health, morals, and welfare of others.
(2) It shall be the policy of the District of Columbia that with respect to these juveniles the District of Columbia shall be guided by the assumption that juveniles who previously have had little or no contact with the juvenile justice system and who do not represent a danger to the public safety may benefit from an alternative to adjudication that is noncriminal, reformative and protective in nature.
(3) Accordingly, the District of Columbia recognizes the appropriateness of alternatives to adjudication, which may include diversion programs and services, for certain juveniles who are in need of supervision or who are arrested for certain nonviolent offenses. The remedies and procedures provided herein shall not be in derogation of parental rights and responsibilities under existing laws.
D.C. Code § 16-916 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 9 / § 16-916
§ 16-916. Maintenance of spouse [or domestic partner] and minor children; maintenance of former spouse [or domestic partner]; maintenance of minor children; enforcement.
Status: in_force

(a) Whenever a spouse or domestic partner shall fail or refuse to maintain his or her needy spouse, domestic partner, minor children, or both, although able to do so, or whenever any parent shall fail or refuse to maintain his or her children by a marriage since dissolved, although able to do so, the court, upon proper application and upon a showing of genuine need of a spouse or domestic partner, may decree, pendente lite and permanently, that such spouse or domestic partner shall pay reasonable sums periodically for the  support of such needy spouse or domestic partner and of the children, or such children, as the case may be, and the court may decree that he or she pay suit money, including counsel fees, pendente lite and permanently, to enable plaintiff to conduct the case.
(b) Whenever a former spouse or domestic partner has obtained a foreign ex parte divorce or termination of the domestic partnership, in accordance with § 32-702(d) or § 16-904(e) , the court thereafter, on application of the other former spouse or domestic partner and with personal service of process upon such former spouse or domestic partner in the District of Columbia, may decree that he or she shall pay him or her reasonable sums periodically for his or her maintenance and for suit money, including counsel fees, pendente lite and permanently, to enable plaintiff to conduct the case.
(c) When a father or mother fails to maintain his or her minor child, the Court may decree that the father or mother pay reasonable sums periodically for the support and maintenance of the child, including health insurance coverage and cash medical support, and may decree that the father or mother pay Court costs, including counsel fees, to enable plaintiff to conduct the cases.
(c-1) A support order entered under this section shall contain terms providing for the payment of medical expenses for each child included in the support order, whether or not health insurance coverage is available to pay for those expenses. The court may order either or both parents to provide health insurance coverage, cash medical support, or both, consistent with § 16-916.01 .
(c-2) In all cases where accessible health insurance coverage is available to either or both parents at reasonable cost, the court shall order either or both parents to provide the health insurance coverage, consistent with § 16-916.01 .
(c-3) In selecting among health insurance coverage options, the court shall consider, at a minimum, the cost, comprehensiveness, and accessibility of all health insurance coverage options available to either parent.
(c-3A) In cases where accessible health insurance coverage is not available to either parent at reasonable cost, or where the medical expenses of a child are not fully covered by health insurance, the court shall order either or both parents to pay cash medical support consistent with § 16-916.01 .
(c-3B) For the purposes of this section, health insurance coverage shall be considered reasonable in cost if the cost to the obligated parent of providing coverage for the children subject to the support order pursuant to § 16-916.01(i)(3) does not exceed 5% of the parent’s gross income.
(c-3C) For the purposes of this section, health insurance coverage shall be considered accessible if, based on the work history of the parent providing the coverage, it will be available for at least one year, and if the child lives within the geographic area covered by the plan or within 30 minutes or 30 miles of primary care services.
(c-4) All support orders subject to enforcement by the IV-D agency pursuant to title IV, part D of the Social Security Act, approved January 4, 1975 (88 Stat. 2351; 42 U.S.C. § 651 et seq.), shall require the payment of support in equal monthly amounts on the first day of each month. If a support order does not require the payment of support in this manner and the support order is or becomes subject to enforcement by the IV-D agency, the IV-D agency may direct the payor, upon notice to both parents, to pay the support in equal monthly amounts on the first day of each month; provided, that the total of the monthly amounts required to be paid in one year cumulatively equals the total support required to be paid annually under the support order.
(d) The court may enforce any decree entered under this section in the same manner as is provided in section 16-911.
(e) (1) In order to secure payment of overdue support as defined in section 466(e) of the Social Security Act approved August 16, 1984 (98 Stat. 1306; 42 U.S.C. 666(e)), after providing notice under subsection (b) of this section, the Court shall, where appropriate, require the parent to post security, bond, or give some other guarantee.
  (2) The Court shall provide advance notice to the parent regarding the delinquency of the support payment and the requirement of posting security, bond, or guarantee. The notice shall inform the parent of the parent’s rights and the methods available for contesting the impending action.
  (3) Where the Clerk of the Court determines that a parent is delinquent in child support payments in an amount equal to at least 60 days of child support payments, the Clerk of the Court shall notify the Mayor of the parent’s name, social security number, court docket number, and the amount of the support payment delinquency.
(f) Repealed.
D.C. Code § 16-4411 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 44 / § 16-4411
§ 16-4411. Appointment of arbitrator; service as a neutral arbitrator.
Status: in_force

(a) If the parties to an agreement to arbitrate agree on a method for appointing an arbitrator, that method shall be followed, unless the method fails. If the parties have not agreed on a method, the agreed method fails, or an arbitrator appointed fails or is unable to act and a successor has not been appointed, the court, on motion of a party to the arbitration proceeding, shall appoint the arbitrator. An arbitrator so appointed has all the powers of an arbitrator designated in the agreement to arbitrate or appointed pursuant to the agreed method.
(b) An individual who has a known, direct, and material interest in the outcome of the arbitration proceeding or a known, existing, and substantial relationship with a party may not serve as an arbitrator required by an agreement to be neutral.
D.C. Code § 16-4603.10 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 46 / § 16-4603.10
§ 16-4603.10. Hearing and order.
Status: in_force

(a) Unless the court issues a temporary emergency order pursuant to section 16-4602.04, upon a finding that a petitioner is entitled to immediate physical custody of the child, the court shall order that the petitioner may take immediate physical custody of the child unless the respondent establishes that:
  (1) The child-custody determination has not been registered and confirmed under section 16-4603.05 and that:
    (A) The issuing court did not have jurisdiction under subchapter II of this chapter ;
    (B) The child-custody determination for which enforcement is sought has been vacated, stayed, or modified by a court of a state having jurisdiction to do so under subchapter II of this chapter ; or
    (C) The respondent was entitled to notice, but notice was not given in accordance with the standards of section 16-4601.07, in the proceedings before the court that issued the order for which enforcement is sought; or
  (2) The child-custody determination for which enforcement is sought was registered and confirmed under section 16-4603.05 but has been vacated, stayed, or modified by a court of a state having jurisdiction to do so under subchapter II of this chapter .
(b) The court shall award the fees, costs, and expenses authorized under section 16-4603.12 and may grant additional relief, including a request for the assistance of the Metropolitan Police Department or other law enforcement officials, and set a further hearing to determine whether additional relief is appropriate.
(c) If a party called to testify refuses to answer on the ground that the testimony may be self-incriminating, the court may draw an adverse inference from the refusal.
(d) A privilege against disclosure of communications between spouses and a defense of immunity based on the relationship of husband and wife or parent and child may not be invoked in a proceeding under this subchapter.
D.C. Code § 16-4605.01 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 46 / § 16-4605.01
§ 16-4605.01. Uniformity of application and construction.
Status: in_force

In applying and construing this uniform act, 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 § 16-714 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 7 / § 16-714
§ 16-714. Special education attorneys for emerging adult defendants panel.
Status: in_force

(a) By October 1, 2023, the Criminal Division of the Superior Court ("Court") shall designate and appoint, according to rules it establishes, a panel of special education attorneys to represent indigent emerging adult defendants with disabilities in criminal proceedings.
(b) An attorney appointed from the panel established pursuant to subsection (a) of this section shall represent the educational and disability rights and needs of the emerging adult defendant with a disability.
(c) The Court shall:
  (1) Maintain a register of attorneys who have expressed an interest in being appointed to serve as special education attorneys pursuant to this section;
  (2) Endeavor to make panel appointments from the register established in paragraph (1) of this subsection; and
  (3) Only appoint attorneys to the panel after careful consideration of the qualifications of each attorney.
(d) For the purpose of funding the costs associated with this section, beginning in Fiscal Year 2023, and annually thereafter, the Office of Victim Services and Justice Grants shall issue a grant to a legal services and advocacy organization serving older students with special education needs who are involved in the District's juvenile and criminal legal systems.
(e) (1) The availability of special education attorneys for emerging adult defendants with disabilities pursuant to this section shall be contingent upon the availability of funds.
  (2) Beginning in Fiscal Year 2023, the Office of Victim Services and Justice Grants shall issue an annual grant, in the amount of $300,000, to provide special education legal representation to emerging adult defendants with disabilities by a legal services and advocacy organization serving older students with special education needs who are involved in the District's justice system.
(f) For the purposes of this section, the term "emerging adult defendant with a disability" means a criminal defendant under 23 years of age, or the parent, as that term is defined in 20 U.S.C. § 1401(23), of a criminal defendant under 18 years of age who is:
  (1) Charged as an adult; and
  (2) Qualifies as a child with a disability, as that term is defined in 20 U.S.C. § 1401(3).
D.C. Code § 16-4307 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 43 / § 16-4307
§ 16-4307. Witnesses, subpoenas, depositions.
Status: repealed

Repealed.
D.C. Code § 16-4309 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 43 / § 16-4309
§ 16-4309. Change of award by arbitrators.
Status: repealed

Repealed.
D.C. Code § 16-541 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 5 / § 16-541
§ 16-541. Definition and applicability.
Status: in_force

As used in this subchapter, “judgment” includes an unconditional decree for the payment of money, and this subchapter is applicable to such a decree.
D.C. Code § [16-572.02] — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 5 / § [16-572.02]
§ [16-572.02]. Notice to judgment debtor regarding wage garnishment.
Status: in_force

On the date that the judgment creditor serves a writ of attachment on an employer-garnishee, the judgment creditor shall also mail to the judgment debtor at his or her last known address, by certified and first class mail, a copy of the writ of attachment. The writ of attachment shall be accompanied by a notice to the judgment debtor containing the following or substantively similar language:
"Notice to Judgment Debtor Regarding Wage Garnishment
"Why am I receiving this? The enclosed Writ of Attachment is a copy of a legal document that has been issued to your employer. You are receiving this notice because the plaintiff in the court case shown on the Writ of Attachment obtained a money judgment against you. A money judgment is a court's decision that you owe money to someone else (the "judgment creditor"). The judgment creditor is now seeking garnishment of your wages. Garnishment is a process in which a portion of an employee's wages are taken each pay period in order to pay money owed to a judgment creditor.
"Will my wages be garnished? If so, how much? D.C. law automatically protects certain amounts of wages from garnishment. For example, if you earn 40 times the D.C. minimum hourly wage per week or less (in other words, if you work the equivalent of full-time hours at minimum wage, or less), your earnings are fully protected against garnishment and nothing will be taken from your paycheck. However, if you earn more than that, your employer may be required to withhold a portion of your wages to pay to the judgment creditor. The amount of garnishment is calculated based on the formula stated on the Writ of Attachment.
"Is there anything I can do? If you are already protected from garnishment, or if you can afford the amount that will be taken out of your paycheck to pay the judgment creditor, you do not need to do anything. However, judgment debtors subject to wage garnishment have the right under D.C. Official Code § 16-572.01 to request that the court adjust the amount of wages subject to garnishment based on financial hardship. To make such a request, you or your attorney must go to the court and file a motion. In addition, there may be circumstances under which you may be able to ask the court to undo the judgment. If you file a motion to adjust the amount of wages subject to garnishment based on financial hardship, you should provide a copy of the motion to your employer immediately so that the garnishment can be put on hold until the court makes a decision."
D.C. Code § 16-704 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 7 / § 16-704
§ 16-704. Bail; collateral security.
Status: in_force

(a) A person charged with an offense triable in the criminal division of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia may give security for his appearance for trial or for further hearing, either by giving bond to the satisfaction of the court or by depositing money as collateral security with the appropriate officer at the court or the station keeper of the police precinct within which he is apprehended. When a sum of money is deposited as collateral security as provided by this section it shall remain, in contemplation of law, the property of the person depositing it until duly forfeited by the court. When forfeited, it shall be, in contemplation of law, the property of the United States of America or of the District of Columbia, according as the charge against the person depositing it is instituted on behalf of the United States or of the District. Every person receiving any sum of money deposited as provided by this section shall be deemed in law the agent of the person depositing it or of the United States or the District, as the case may be, for all purposes of properly preserving and accounting for money.
(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 forfeitures collected in the criminal division of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia.
D.C. Code § 16-410 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 4 / § 16-410
§ 16-410. Effect of death of intended parent.
Status: in_force

If an intended parent dies after a successful insemination or embryo transfer, the surviving spouse or domestic partner shall assume all obligations with respect to the surrogacy agreement, and both will be considered the parents of the child.
D.C. Code § 16-2353 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 23 / § 16-2353
§ 16-2353. Grounds for termination of parent and child relationship.
Status: in_force

(a) A judge may enter an order for the termination of the parent and child relationship when the judge finds from the evidence presented, after giving due consideration to the interests of all parties, that the termination is in the best interests of the child.
(b) In determining whether it is in the child’s best interests that the parent and child relationship be terminated, a judge shall consider each of the following factors:
  (1) the child’s need for continuity of care and caretakers and for timely integration into a stable and permanent home, taking into account the differences in the development and the concept of time of children of different ages;
  (2) the physical, mental and emotional health of all individuals involved to the degree that such affects the welfare of the child, the decisive consideration being the physical, mental and emotional needs of the child;
  (3) the quality of the interaction and interrelationship of the child with his or her parent, siblings, relative, and/or caretakers, including the foster parent;
  (3A) the child was left by his or her parent, guardian, or custodian in a hospital located in the District of Columbia for at least 10 calendar days following the birth of the child, despite a medical determination that the child was ready for discharge from the hospital, and the parent, guardian, or custodian of the child has not taken any action or made any effort to maintain a parental, guardianship, or custodial relationship or contact with the child;
  (4) to the extent feasible, the child’s opinion of his or her own best interests in the matter; and
  (5) evidence that drug-related activity continues to exist in a child’s home environment after intervention and services have been provided pursuant to section 106(a) of the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect Act of 1977, effective September 23, 1977 ( D.C. Law 2-22 ; § 4-1301.06(a) ). Evidence of continued drug-activity shall be given great weight.
D.C. Code § 16-2352 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 23 / § 16-2352
§ 16-2352. Definitions.
Status: in_force

(a) As used in this subchapter, unless the context otherwise requires:
  (1) “Parent and child relationship” includes all rights, powers, privileges, immunities, duties and obligations existing under law between a parent and child, including rights of inheritance. The words apply equally to every child and every parent regardless of the marital status of the parents of the child.
  (2) “termination of the parent and child relationship” means the adjudication that a child is free from the custody and control of either or both of his or her living parents by means of a court order that completely severs and extinguishes the parent and child relationship.
(b) The terms found in this subchapter which are defined in section 16-2301 of this chapter shall be given the same definition herein.
D.C. Code § 16-1354 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 13 / § 16-1354
§ 16-1354. Distribution of money deposited on declaration of taking; judgment for deficiency.
Status: in_force

After the filing of the declaration of taking, and the deposit of the money in the registry of the court, as provided for by section 16-1353  , the court, upon the application of the parties in interest, may order that the money so deposited, or any part thereof, be paid forthwith for or on account of the just compensation to be awarded in the proceeding. Upon the final award of compensation, the court shall enter judgment for the amount of any deficiency in the manner provided by rule 71A (j) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure.
D.C. Code § 16-2940 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 29 / § 16-2940
§ 16-2940. Procedures following partition of real property.
Status: in_force

(a) (1) If the court orders the partition of real property that is less than the full interest of a record or tax lot, the court shall order the Surveyor of the District of Columbia to create corresponding subdivisions or the Office of Tax and Revenue to create corresponding division of lots.
  (2) Prior to the creation of such subdivisions, the owners of the lots to be subdivided shall pay all applicable taxes, fees, and costs related to the partition and subdivision pursuant to and under conditions required under § 47-832 .
  (3) Subdivisions shall become effective in the records of the Office of Tax and Revenue under § 47-832 .
  (4) The owners of the subdivided lots shall, within 30 days from the issuance of new lot numbers, record deeds reflecting their interests in the subdivided lots with the Recorder of Deeds.
(b) If a tenant in common buys out the interest of one or more tenants in common in real property, the tenant buying out the interests in common shall timely record a deed reflecting the square and lot and the resulting interest of such tenant in common, and shall pay applicable taxes, fees, and costs on the deed; except, that, if the tenant buying out the interests fails to make payment on all applicable taxes, fees, and costs on the deed, the transferor of the interests shall be jointly and severally liable with the transferee for payment of the taxes, fees, and costs.
D.C. Code § 16-579 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 5 / § 16-579
§ 16-579. Payments by employer-garnishee where employee has no salary or salary inadequate for services rendered.
Status: in_force

Where the judgment debtor claims or is proved to be rendering services to or employed by a relative or other person or by a corporation owned or controlled by a relative or other person, without salary or compensation, or at a salary or compensation so inadequate as to satisfy the court that the salary or compensation is merely colorable and designed to defraud or impede the creditors of the debtor, the court may direct the employer-garnishee to make payments on account of the judgment, in installments, based upon a reasonable value of the services rendered by the judgment debtor under his employment or upon the debtor’s then earning ability.
D.C. Code § 16-2503 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 25 / § 16-2503
§ 16-2503. Decree.
Status: in_force

(a) Upon a showing that the court deems satisfactory, the court may change the name of the applicant according to the prayer of the application.
(b) (1) Any District resident may seek a declaration by the Superior Court reflecting a change of gender. The Superior Court shall grant the declaration if the individual seeking the declaration provides, to the court, a statement from the individual’s healthcare provider as described in [§ 7-231.22(a)(2)] . If granted, the declaration shall be effective from the date of gender transition as specified in the healthcare provider’s statement.
  (2) Any District resident who was born in a state or foreign jurisdiction that requires a court order to amend a birth certificate to reflect a change in gender may request a court order by the Superior Court directing the birth state or foreign jurisdiction to amend the original birth certificate or issue a new birth certificate reflecting a change of gender. The Superior Court shall grant the order if the individual seeking the order provides, to the court, a statement from the individual’s healthcare provider as described in [§ 7-231.22(a)(2)] .
  (3) Any declaration or order issued pursuant to subsection (b) this section shall constitute conclusive proof of the individual’s gender for all purposes and shall be given the full force and effect of any judgment issued by the Superior Court.
D.C. Code § 16-548 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 5 / § 16-548
§ 16-548. Attachment of judgments and money or property in hands of marshal.
Status: in_force

(a) An attachment may be levied upon debts due to the defendant upon a judgment or decree by a service similar to that prescribed by section 16-546 upon the debtor owing the debts.
(b) An attachment may be levied upon money or property of the defendant in the hands of the marshal. It binds the money or property from the time of service, and is a legal excuse to the officer for not paying or delivering the same as he would otherwise be bound to do.
D.C. Code § 16-2364 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 23 / § 16-2364
§ 16-2364. Unlawful disclosure.
Status: in_force

Whoever willfully discloses, receives, makes use of, or knowingly permits the use of information concerning a child or other person in violation of section 16-2363   of this subchapter 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 for not more than ninety (90) days, or both. A violation of this section shall be prosecuted by the Corporation Counsel of the District of Columbia.
D.C. Code § 16-3713 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 37 / § 16-3713
§ 16-3713. Judgment where goods are eloigned.
Status: in_force

The judgment in a case where the defendant has eloigned the goods sued for, shall be that the plaintiff recover against the defendant the value of the goods as found and the damages so assessed, to be discharged by the return of the things, within ten days after the judgment, with damages for detention, which the jury shall also assess.
D.C. Code § 16-4506 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 45 / § 16-4506
§ 16-4506. Simultaneous proceedings in other states.
Status: repealed

Repealed.
D.C. Code § 16-1061 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 10A / § 16-1061
§ 16-1061. Definitions.
Status: in_force

(a) For the purposes of this chapter , 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) "Judicial officer" means the Chief Judge, a Senior Judge, an Associate Judge, or a Magistrate Judge of the court.
  (4) "Minor" means a person under 18 years of age.
  [(5)] "Petitioner" means the person for whom an anti-stalking order is sought under this chapter .
  (6) "Respondent" means any person against whom a petition for an anti-stalking order is filed under this chapter .
  (7) "Stalked" means any course of conduct prohibited by § 22-3133 .
D.C. Code § 16-3111 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 31 / § 16-3111
§ 16-3111. Arbitration; exceptions.
Status: in_force

The Probate Court may, with the consent in writing of both parties, arbitrate between a complainant and a personal representative, or between a personal representative and a person against whom the estate represented by him has a claim, or, with like consent, may refer the matter in dispute to an arbitrator. If reserved by the parties in their submission, exception as to matters of law may be filed to the award of the arbitrator, and the court may confirm or overrule the award. The award when confirmed is conclusive between the parties.
D.C. Code § 16-2329 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 23 / § 16-2329
§ 16-2329. Finality of judgments; appeals; transcripts.
Status: in_force

(a) Except as otherwise expressly provided by law, in all hearings and cases tried before the Division pursuant to this subchapter, the judgment of the Division is final.
(b) In all appeals from decisions of the Division with respect to a child alleged to be neglected, delinquent, or in need of supervision, the child shall be identified only by initials in all transcripts, briefs, and other papers filed, and all necessary steps, as prescribed by rule of the District of Columbia Court of Appeals, shall be taken to protect the identity of the child.
(c) Upon the filing of a motion and supporting affidavit stating that he is financially unable to purchase a transcript, a party who has filed notice of appeal or of interlocutory appeal shall be furnished, at no cost or at such part of cost as he is able to pay, so much of the transcript as is necessary adequately to prepare and support the appeal.
(d) An appeal does not operate to stay the order, judgment, or decree appealed from, but on application and hearing whenever the case is properly before the appellate court, that court may order otherwise if suitable provision is made for the care and custody of the child.
D.C. Code § 16-4302 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 43 / § 16-4302
§ 16-4302. Proceedings to compel or stay arbitration.
Status: repealed

Repealed.
D.C. Code § 16-1501 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 15 / § 16-1501
§ 16-1501. Definition; summons.
Status: in_force

(a) When a person detains possession of real property without right, or after his right to possession has ceased, the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, on complaint under oath verified by the person aggrieved by the detention, or by his agent or attorney having knowledge of the facts, may issue a summons in English and Spanish to the party complained of to appear and show cause why judgment should not be given against him for the restitution of possession.
(b) A person aggrieved shall not file a complaint seeking restitution of possession pursuant to this section for nonpayment of rent in an amount less than $600. Nothing in this subsection shall prevent the person aggrieved from filing a complaint to recover the amount owed.
(c) (1) A person aggrieved shall not file a complaint seeking restitution of possession pursuant to this section without a valid rental registration or claim of exemption pursuant to § 42-3502.05 , and a current license for rental housing issued pursuant to § 47-2828(c)(1) , as certified at the time of filing and documented at the initial hearing.
  (2) The Court may waive the requirements for a current license for rental housing in this subsection if the person aggrieved can demonstrate that they were unable to obtain or renew a current rental housing license due to extenuating circumstances, including a medical emergency, agency delay, or a circumstance in which a tenant or occupant denies permission for a required pre-license inspection or required repairs.
  (3) The requirements of this subsection shall not apply to complaints involving subtenants.
(d) At the initial hearing for any complaint for possession, if the complaint does not allege sufficient facts or the person aggrieved has not produced sufficient documentation to meet all requirements under District law, the Court may, in its discretion when weighing the prejudice to all parties, dismiss the complaint or provide leave for the complainant to correct any deficiencies.
(e) Subsections (b) and (c) of this section shall not apply to complaints involving commercial tenants.
D.C. Code § 16-3544 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 35 / § 16-3544
§ 16-3544. Pleading; jury trial.
Status: in_force

In a quo warranto proceeding, the defendant may demur, plead specially, or plead “not guilty” as the general issue, and the United States or the District of Columbia, as the case may be, may reply as in other actions of a civil character. Issues of fact shall be tried by a jury if either party requests it. Otherwise they shall be determined by the court.
D.C. Code § 16-2358 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 23 / § 16-2358
§ 16-2358. Conduct of hearings.
Status: in_force

(a) All hearings and proceedings on a motion to terminate the parent and child relationship shall be held by the judge, without a jury.
(b) All hearings and proceedings held pursuant to this subchapter shall be recorded by appropriate means.
(c) Except in hearings to declare a person in contempt of court, the general public shall be excluded from hearings and proceedings arising pursuant to this subchapter. Only persons necessary to such hearings and proceedings shall be admitted, but a judge may, pursuant to rules of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, admit such other persons as have a proper interest in the case or the work of the Division on the condition that they refrain from divulging information identifying the child involved in the proceedings or members of his or her family.
(d) If a judge finds it is in the best interests of the child, he or she may temporarily exclude the child from any proceeding. Under no circumstances, however, may counsel in the case be excluded.
D.C. Code § 16-701 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 7 / § 16-701
§ 16-701. Rules and regulations.
Status: in_force

The Superior Court may make such rules and regulations for conducting business in the Criminal Division of the court, consistent with statutes applicable to such business and in the manner provided in section 11-946  , as it may deem necessary and proper.
D.C. Code § 16-4803 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 48 / § 16-4803
§ 16-4803. Designation of a standby guardian.
Status: in_force

(a) A designator may designate a standby guardian at any time.
(b) The designation of a standby guardian shall be in writing and shall contain the following information:
  (1) The full name, address, birth date, and gender of the child affected;
  (2) The full name, address, and telephone number of the designator; and
  (3) If known, the names and addresses of any other persons having legal rights to the care, custody, or control of the child.
(c) The designation shall be signed by the designator. Another adult may sign the designation on behalf of the designator if the designator is physically unable to do so, the designator expressly requests that the adult sign the designation, and the adult signs the designation in the presence of the designator. The designated standby guardian or alternate standby guardian may not sign on behalf of the designator.
(d) The designation shall be signed and dated by the designator or the designator’s proxy in the presence of 2 witnesses who shall be over 18 years of age and who cannot be the standby guardian or the alternate standby guardian. The witnesses shall indicate their witnessing of the signing of the designation by signing the designation.
(e) The designation shall include a statement that the designation is not valid until it is signed and witnessed as required by subsection (d) of this section.
(f) The standby guardian, and the alternate standby guardian, if one is designated, shall sign the executed designation to indicate acceptance of the standby guardianship.
D.C. Code § 16-2333.03 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 23 / § 16-2333.03
§ 16-2333.03. Information sharing by agencies.
Status: in_force

(a) Notwithstanding the confidentiality provisions in §§ 2-1515.06 , 4-1303.06 , 16-2331 , 16-2332 , and 16-2333 , it shall not be an offense for an agency to publicly share data derived from juvenile case records, juvenile social records, police and other law enforcement records, confidential Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services records, or confidential Child and Family Services Agency records; provided, that:
  (1) The data shared does not include any information that, by itself or in combination with other publicly available information, could identify a particular person, including a person's name, Social Security number or other identifying number or code, address, phone number, email address, or birth date; and
  (2) Record-level data is not shared, the data shared is aggregated, and any counts or data points with fewer than 10 observations are suppressed.
(b) For the purposes of this section, the term "agency" means the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, the Office of the Attorney General for the District of Columbia, the Metropolitan Police Department, the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services, the Child and Family Services Agency, the Office of the Ombudsman for Children, the District of Columbia Auditor, and the District of Columbia Inspector General.
D.C. Code § 16-1319 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 13 / § 16-1319
§ 16-1319. Payment of award; transfer of title.
Status: in_force

If the appraisement of the jury pursuant to section 16-1317   is not objected to by the parties interested, it shall be confirmed by the court, or, if the appraisement of the new jury is confirmed by the court, the Mayor shall pay the amount awarded by the jury out of the appropriation made therefor or deposit it in the manner as directed by section 9-1217.24   [repealed], and thereupon the title to the property condemned shall vest in the District of Columbia.
D.C. Code § 16-1121 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 11 / § 16-1121
§ 16-1121. Judgment and writ of possession after payment for improvements.
Status: in_force

When the plaintiff pays to the defendant, within the time fixed therefor by the court, or, in case of the defendant’s refusal to accept the payment, pays into court for the defendant’s use the amount of the excess of the value of the improvements over the damages of the plaintiff, the plaintiff shall be entitled forthwith to a judgment and writ of possession.
D.C. Code § 16-5612 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 56 / § 16-5612
§ 16-5612. Protection of party or child.
Status: in_force

(a) For the purposes of this section, the term "protection order" means an injunction or other order, issued under the domestic violence, family violence, or stalking laws of the issuing jurisdiction, to prevent an individual from engaging in a violent or threatening act against, harassment of, contact or communication with, or being in physical proximity to another individual who is a party or a child under the custodial responsibility of a party.
(b) If a party is subject to a protection order or an arbitrator determines there is a reasonable basis to believe a party's safety or ability to participate effectively in arbitration is at risk, the arbitrator shall stay the arbitration and refer the parties to the Superior Court. The arbitration may not proceed unless the party at risk affirms the arbitration agreement in a record and the court determines:
  (1) The affirmation is informed and voluntary;
  (2) Arbitration is not inconsistent with the protection order; and
  (3) Reasonable procedures are in place to protect the party from risk of harm, harassment, or intimidation.
(c) If an arbitrator determines that there is a reasonable basis to believe a child who is the subject of a child-related dispute is abused or neglected, the arbitrator shall terminate the arbitration of the child-related dispute and report the abuse or neglect to the Child and Family Services Agency.
(d) An arbitrator may make a temporary award to protect a party or child from harm, harassment, or intimidation.
(e) On motion of a party, the Superior Court may stay arbitration and review a determination or temporary award under this section.
(f) This section supplements remedies available under law of the District other than this chapter for the protection of victims of domestic violence, family violence, stalking, harassment, or similar abuse.
D.C. Code § 16-2821 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 28 / § 16-2821
§ 16-2821. Requirement for mediation.
Status: in_force

After an action is filed in the court against a healthcare provider alleging medical malpractice, the court shall require the parties to enter into mediation, without discovery or, if all parties agree with only limited discovery that will not interfere with the completion of mediation within 30 days of the Initial Scheduling and Settlement Conference (“ISSC”), prior to any further litigation in an effort to reach a settlement agreement. The mediation schedule shall be included in the scheduling conference order following the ISSC. Unless all parties agree, the stay of discovery shall not be more than 30 days after the ISSC.
D.C. Code § 16-309 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 3 / § 16-309
§ 16-309. Adoption proceedings.
Status: in_force

(a) Within a period of ninety days, or such time as extended by the court, after a copy of the petition and the order providing for the report is served upon the agency directed to make the investigation, the agency shall make the report and recommendation required by section 16-307 to the court and thereupon the court shall proceed to act upon the petition.
(b) After considering the petition, the consents, and such evidence as the parties and any other properly interested person may present, the court may enter a final or interlocutory decree of adoption when it is satisfied that:
  (1) the prospective adoptee is physically, mentally, and otherwise suitable for adoption by the petitioner;
  (2) the petitioner is fit and able to give the prospective adoptee a proper home and education;
  (3) the adoption will be for the best interests of the prospective adoptee; and
  (4) the adoption form has been completed by the petitioner pursuant to [§ 7-231.19] .
(b-1) In determining whether the petitioner will be able to give the prospective adoptee a proper home and education, the court shall give due consideration to any assurance by the Mayor that the Mayor will provide or contribute funds for the necessary maintenance or medical care of the prospective adoptee under an adoption subsidy agreement under § 4-301 .
(c) (1) Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, a final decree of adoption may not be entered unless the prospective adoptee has been living with the petitioner for at least 6 months (“6-month requirement”).
  (2) A prospective adoptee shall be exempt from the 6-month requirement if the prospective adoptee is 18 years of age or older.
(d) If it appears to be in the interest of the prospective adoptee, the court may enter an interlocutory decree of adoption, which shall by its terms automatically become a final decree of adoption on a day therein named, not less than six months nor more than one year, from the date of entry of the interlocutory decree, unless in the interim the decree shall have been set aside for cause shown. The supervising agency shall be permitted to visit the adoptee during the period of the interlocutory decree.
(e) The court may revoke its interlocutory decree for good cause shown at any time before it becomes a final decree, either on its own motion or on the motion of one of the parties to the adoption. Before the revocation, notice shall be given thereof to all those persons or parties who were given notice of the original petition for adoption, and an opportunity for all of them to be heard.
(f) All proceedings with reference to adoption shall be of a confidential nature and shall be held in chambers or in a sealed courtroom with as little publicity as the court deems appropriate.
D.C. Code § 16-311 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 3 / § 16-311
§ 16-311. Sealing and inspection of records and papers.
Status: in_force

From and after the filing of the petition, records and papers in adoption proceedings shall be sealed. They may not be inspected by any person, including the parties to the proceeding, except upon order of the court, and only then when the court is satisfied that the welfare of the child will thereby be promoted or protected. Such records and papers shall, upon written application to the court, be unsealed and provided to the Child Fatality Review Committee or the Violence Fatality Review Committee for inspection if the adoptee is deceased and inspection of the records and papers is necessary for the discharge of the relevant Committee's official duties. The clerk of the court shall keep a separate docket for adoption proceedings.
D.C. Code § 16-526 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 5 / § 16-526
§ 16-526. Judgment against garnishee.
Status: in_force

(a) When a garnishee has admitted credits in his hands, in answer to interrogatories served upon him, or the credits have been found upon an issue made as provided by this chapter, judgment shall be entered against him for the amount of credits admitted or found, not exceeding the plaintiff’s claim, less a reasonable attorney’s fee to be fixed by the court, and costs, and execution may be had thereon. When the credits are not immediately due and payable, execution shall be stayed until they become due.
(b) When the garnishee has failed to answer the interrogatories served on him, or to appear and show cause why a judgment of condemnation should not be entered, judgment shall be entered against him for the whole amount of the plaintiff’s claim, and costs, and execution may be had thereon.
D.C. Code § 16-5005 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 50 / § 16-5005
§ 16-5005. Confidentiality of information to be maintained.
Status: repealed

Repealed.
D.C. Code § 16-2387 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 23 / § 16-2387
§ 16-2387. Conduct of hearings.
Status: in_force

(a) All hearings and proceedings conducted pursuant to this subchapter shall be held by a judge, without a jury.
(b) All hearings and proceedings conducted pursuant to this subchapter shall be recorded by appropriate means.
(c) Except in hearings to declare a person in contempt of court, the general public shall be excluded from hearings and proceedings arising pursuant to this subchapter. Only persons necessary to such hearings and proceedings shall be admitted, but the court may, pursuant to rules of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, admit such other persons as have a proper interest in the case or the work of the Division on the condition that they refrain from divulging information identifying the child involved in the proceedings or members of his or her family.
(d) If the court finds it is in the child’s best interests, the child may be temporarily excluded from any proceeding. Under no circumstances, however, may counsel in the case be excluded.
D.C. Code § 16-806 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 8 / § 16-806
§ 16-806. Sealing of criminal records by motion.
Status: in_force

*NOTE: This section includes amendments by temporary legislation that will expire on September 11, 2026. To view the text of this section after the expiration of all emergency and temporary legislation, click this link: Permanent Version .*
(a) The Court shall order the sealing of all criminal records and court proceedings related to:
  (1) Citations, arrests, and charges for the commission of a criminal offense; provided, that:
    (A) 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 ;
    (B) (i) The offense is not an offense listed in § 16-805(b) and the person cited, arrested, or charged files a written motion prior to October 1, 2027; or
      (ii) The offense is an offense listed in § 16-805(b) ; and
    (C) The person cited, arrested, or charged files a written motion demonstrating, by a preponderance of the evidence, that it is in the interests of justice to seal the records;
  (2) Citations, arrests, and charges only for being a fugitive from justice; provided, that:
    (A) The person was arrested in the District as a fugitive from justice;
    (B) The person waived an extradition hearing pursuant to § 23-702(f)(1) and was released pursuant to § 23-702(f)(2) or detained pursuant to § 23-702(f)(3) ;
    (C) The fugitive case was terminated by the prosecutor or otherwise reached a final disposition; and
    (D) The person cited, arrested, or charged files a written motion demonstrating, by a preponderance of the evidence, that:
      (i) They have appeared before the proper official in the jurisdiction from which they were a fugitive; and
      (ii) It is in the interests of justice to seal the records; and
  (3) Citations, arrests, charges, and convictions for the commission of a criminal offense that resulted in a conviction; provided, that:
    (A) (i) For a misdemeanor offense, a waiting period of at least 5 years has elapsed since completion of the sentence; and
      (ii) For a felony offense, a waiting period of at least 8 years has elapsed since completion of the sentence; except, that an offense in Offense Severity Group 1, 2, or 3 of the Master Grid , developed by the District of Columbia Sentencing Commission, at the time of the effective date of the Second Chance Amendment Act of 2022, passed on 2nd reading on December 20, 2022 (Enrolled version of Bill 24-63) [March 10, 2023], shall not be eligible for sealing; and
    (B) The person cited, arrested, charged, or convicted files a written motion demonstrating, by a preponderance of the evidence, that it is in the interests of justice to seal the records.
(b) (1) The Court shall grant a motion to seal pursuant to subsection (a) of this section if it is in the interests of justice to do so.
  (2) In making a determination to grant a motion to seal, the Court:
    (A) Shall weigh:
      (i) The interests of the movant in sealing the publicly available records of their citations, charges, arrests, or convictions;
      (ii) The community's interest in furthering the movant's rehabilitation and enhancing the movant's reintegration into society through education, employment, and housing; and
      (iii) The community's interest in retaining access to those records, including the interest of current or prospective employers in making fully informed hiring or job assignment decisions and the interest in promoting public safety; and
    (B) May consider:
      (i) The nature and circumstances of the offense;
      (ii) The movant's role in the offense or alleged offense;
      (iii) The history and characteristics of the movant, including the movant's:
        (I) Character;
        (II) Physical and mental condition;
        (III) Employment history;
        (IV) Prior and subsequent conduct;
        (V) History relating to substance abuse or dependence and treatment opportunities;
        (VI) Criminal history; and
        (VII) Efforts at rehabilitation;
      (iv) The time that has elapsed since the offense;
      (v) Any statement made by the victim of the offense;
      (vi) The position of the prosecutor, if any; and
      (vii) Any other information it considers relevant.
(c) (1) A motion to seal filed pursuant to this section:
    (A) Shall state:
      (i) All of the movant's unsealed and unexpunged citations, arrests, charges, and convictions, as reasonably known to the movant;
      (ii) The grounds upon which eligibility for sealing is based; and
      (iii) Facts in support of the movant's claim; and
    (B) May be accompanied by a statement of points and authorities in support of the motion, and any appropriate exhibits, affidavits, and supporting documents.
  (2) (A) If the Court determines that the motion filed pursuant to this section does not comply with the requirements of paragraph (1) of this subsection, the movant shall have 30 days after being notified by the Court of the noncompliance to amend their original motion to include all of their citations, arrests, charges, and convictions.
    (B) If the movant fails to amend their original motion within 30 days after notification by the Court, then the motion shall be dismissed without prejudice.
(d) A copy of the motion and any amended motion shall be served upon the prosecutor; provided, that the prosecutor shall not be required to respond to the motion unless ordered to do so by the Court.
(e) The waiting periods in subsection (a)(3)(A) of this section may be waived by the prosecutor in writing.
(f) (1) If the movant files a motion to seal a record that is not in the Court database or a record and related court proceedings that are not in a publicly available database, the motion to seal and responsive pleadings shall not be available publicly.
  (2) If the Court grants a motion to seal, it shall order that the motion and responsive pleadings be sealed to the same extent and in the same manner as the records pertaining to the record and related court proceedings.
  (3) If the Court denies a motion to seal, the Court, the United States Attorney's Office, the Office of the Attorney General, and the law enforcement agency that arrested the movant shall be entitled to retain any and all records relating to the motion in a nonpublic file.
(g) A person to whom a District arrest has been attributed, who attests under oath that the person was incorrectly identified or named, may file a motion to correct publicly available records of the arrest if the law enforcement agency did not take fingerprints at the time of the arrest and no other form of reliable identification was presented by the person who was arrested.
(h) A movant shall not be required to:
  (1) Satisfy the waiting periods in subsection (a)(3)(A) of this section with respect to all of the movant's citations, arrests, charges, and convictions; or
  (2) Seek relief with respect to all the arrests, charges, or convictions eligible for relief.
(i) (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 no sooner than one year after the date on which the order on the initial motion was resolved. 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.
  (7) Notwithstanding paragraph (6) of this subsection, the dismissal of a motion under this section between March 1, 2025, and [July 14, 2025] shall not preclude a movant from filing and the Court from entertaining subsequent motions sooner than one year after the date on which the initial motion was resolved.
(j) Criminal records and court proceedings related to citations, arrests, charges, and convictions sealed pursuant to subsection (a) of this section shall be sealed within 90 days after a motion to seal is granted.
D.C. Code § 16-831.04 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 8A / § 16-831.04
§ 16-831.04. Third-party custody orders.
Status: in_force

(a) A custody order entered under this chapter may include any of the following:
  (1) Sole legal custody to the third party;
  (2) Sole physical custody to the third party;
  (3) Joint legal custody between the third party and a parent;
  (4) Joint physical custody between the third party and a parent; or
  (5) Any other custody arrangement the court determines is in the best interests of the child.
(b) An order granting relief under this chapter shall be in writing and shall recite the findings upon which the order is based.
D.C. Code § 16-1385 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 13 / § 16-1385
§ 16-1385. Construction of subchapter.
Status: in_force

This subchapter does not repeal any provisions of existing law pertaining to the condemnation or acquisition of streets, alleys, or land, or the laws relating to the subdividing of lands in the District of Columbia.