D.C. Code § 16-2312a — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 23 / § 16-2312a
§ 16-2312a. Evaluation of family team meetings and 72-hour time period for commencement of shelter care hearing.
Status: in_force

At intervals no later than 6 months, 18 months, and 30 months after [April 12, 2005], the Agency shall commission an independent process and impact evaluation of the family team meetings authorized in section 16-2312(a-1)   and the 72-hour period authorized in section 16-2312(a)(1)  . Each evaluation shall, at a minimum, assess the following processes and outcomes of the family team meetings:
(1) Rates of participation in the meetings for different types of participants, including parents, children, and relatives;
(2) Demographic information about children and families who participated in the meetings;
(3) The percentage of meetings resulting in approved safety plans;
(4) The supports and services included in approved safety plans;
(5) The extent to which supports and services included in approved safety plans actually were provided;
(6) The percentage of meetings that resulted in the filing of a petition in the Family Court to remove a child from the home, and the percentage of meetings that resulted in a decision not to file a petition in Family Court;
(7) The placement outcomes for children who were the subject of the meetings, including:
  (A) The percentage of children living with parents;
  (B) The percentage of children living with relatives;
  (C) The percentage of children who have been adopted;
  (D) The percentage of children living in foster care; and
  (E) Other applicable placements;
(8) The percentage of children who received a permanent placement and whose cases were closed;
(9) The percentage of children who were the subject of subsequent reports to the Agency’s abuse and neglect reporting line; and
(10) The effect of the 72-hour time frame for the commencement of a Family Court hearing on families’ legal protections and due-process rights.
D.C. Code § 16-4809 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 48 / § 16-4809
§ 16-4809. Challenging a standby guardianship designation.
Status: in_force

(a) An individual entitled to notice under §§ 16-4501 through 16-4524 (the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction Act) [repealed] may challenge a standby guardianship designation order by initiating a child custody proceeding in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia or in any court that could exercise jurisdiction in accordance with §§ 16-4501 through 16-4524 .
(b) An order of custody issued by a court of competent jurisdiction supersedes any designation of standby guardianship.
D.C. Code § 16-2343.01 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 23 / § 16-2343.01
§ 16-2343.01. Admissibility of tests.
Status: in_force

(a) (1) Expert reports that show the statistical probability of the alleged parent’s paternity may be admissible into evidence.
  (2) Certified documentation of the chain of custody of the test specimens is competent evidence to establish the chain of custody.
  (3) Test results that show the statistical probability of the alleged parent’s paternity shall be admitted into evidence unless a substantiated objection is made that the test did not comply with the requirements of this subchapter.
(b) (1) If the test results or the expert’s analysis of the test results are disputed, a party must file its specific objections in writing with the court within 45 days of the date the results were mailed by the court to the party.
  (2) The court shall not accept objections made less than 5 days prior to the date of trial.
(c) Unless a party timely objects pursuant to subsection (b) of this section, the following apply:
  (1) The parties waive their objections to the testing procedures, the admission into evidence of the results of the test and the report on the statistical probability of paternity.
  (2) The verified results of the tests and the report are admissible into evidence at a hearing or other proceeding without need for foundation testimony or other proof of authenticity or accuracy regardless of the presence or non-presence of parties having notice of the action.
  (3) Whenever the results of the tests and report exclude the alleged parent as the parent of the child, that evidence shall be conclusive evidence of nonpaternity, unless contrary test results are received. Court-ordered DNA test results excluding a signatory of an acknowledgement of paternity or the subject of an adjudication as the father of a child or proving to a scientific certainty that a different individual is the child's biological parent shall constitute evidence of fraud, duress, or a material mistake of fact for the purposes of § 16-909(c-1)(2) and shall require the court to set aside the acknowledgment or adjudication.
(d) (1) If the results of the tests and report of the evidence relating to the alleged parent’s paternity of the child are disputed, the court, absent an agreement between the parties, shall resolve all disputes.
  (2) The court may order that additional tests be made at the expense of the objecting party.
(e) (1) When a child has no presumed parent under § 16-909(a)(1) through (4) or under § 16-909(a-1)(2) and a genetic test result indicates a 99% probability that the putative father is the father of the child, if the genetic test is of the type generally acknowledged as reliable by accreditation bodies designated by the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and is performed by a laboratory approved by such body, there is a conclusive presumption of paternity and the Court shall enter a judgment finding the parentage of the child consistent with such result, upon the submission of the result and a certifying affidavit from the laboratory, subject to the determination of any objection properly filed pursuant to subsection (b) of this section.
  (2) When a child has a presumed parent under § 16-909(a)(1) through (4) or under § 16-909(a-1)(2) and a genetic test result indicates a 99% probability that the putative father is the father of the child, if the genetic test is of the type generally acknowledged as reliable by accreditation bodies designated by the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and is performed by a laboratory approved by such body, the Court shall determine parentage giving due consideration to the child’s interests and the duration and stability of the relationship between the child, the presumed parent, and the putative parent.
(f) Bills for pregnancy, childbirth, and genetic testing are admissible as evidence without third-party foundation testimony and shall constitute prima facie evidence of the amounts incurred for such services or for testing on behalf of the child.
D.C. Code § 16-1153 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 11 / § 16-1153
§ 16-1153. Failure to produce as ordered; subsequent proceedings; commissioners; presumption of death; right of possession.
Status: in_force

(a) If a person upon whom an order, as prescribed by section 16-1152, is served, refuses or neglects to produce the person upon whose life the prior estate depends in the manner provided by the order, the court shall order him to produce the person in court or before commissioners appointed by the court, at such time and place as the court directs. Two of the commissioners shall be nominated by the petitioner, and they shall serve at his expense. A certified copy of the order shall be served upon the person required to produce the tenant for life in the manner provided by applicable rules of court. The commissioners appointed shall make and file with the court a return showing the results of their investigation and their conclusions.
(b) If the person upon whom the second order prescribed by subsection (a) of this section is served refuses or neglects to produce, in court, or before the commissioners, as the case may be, the person upon whose life the prior estate depends, it shall be presumed that the latter person is dead, and the court shall issue an order permitting the petitioner to take possession of the property, as if that person were actually dead.
D.C. Code § 16-4603.08 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 46 / § 16-4603.08
§ 16-4603.08. Expedited enforcement of child-custody determination.
Status: in_force

(a) A petition under this subchapter must be verified. Certified copies of all orders sought to be enforced and of any order confirming registration must be attached to the petition. A copy of a certified copy of an order may be attached instead of the original.
(b) A petition for enforcement of a child-custody determination must state:
  (1) Whether the court that issued the determination identified the jurisdictional basis it relied upon in exercising jurisdiction and, if so, what the basis was;
  (2) Whether the determination for which enforcement is sought has been vacated, stayed, or modified by a court whose decision must be enforced under this chapter and, if so, identify the court, the case number, and the nature of the proceeding;
  (3) Whether any proceeding has been commenced that could affect the current proceeding, including proceedings relating to domestic violence, protective orders, termination of parental rights, and adoptions and, if so, identify the court, the case number, and the nature of the proceeding;
  (4) The present physical address of the child and the respondent, if known;
  (5) Whether relief in addition to the immediate physical custody of the child and attorney’s fees is sought, including a request for assistance from the Metropolitan Police Department or other law enforcement officials and, if so, the relief sought; and
  (6) If the child-custody determination has been registered and confirmed under § 16-4603.05 , the date and place of registration.
(c) Upon the filing of a petition, the court shall issue an order directing the respondent to appear in person, with or without the child, at a hearing and may enter any order necessary to ensure the safety of the parties and the child. The hearing must be held on the next judicial day after service of the order unless that date is impossible. In that event, the court shall hold the hearing on the first judicial day possible. The court may extend the date of hearing at the request of the petitioner.
(d) An order issued under subsection (c) of this section must state the time and place of the hearing and advise the respondent that at the hearing the court will order that the petitioner may take immediate physical custody of the child and the payment of fees, costs, and expenses under § 16-4603.12 , and may schedule a hearing to determine whether further relief is appropriate, unless the respondent appears and establishes that:
  (1) The child-custody determination has not been registered and confirmed under § 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 having jurisdiction to do so under subchapter II of this chapter ;
    (C) The respondent was entitled to notice, but notice was not given in accordance with the standards of § 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 § 16-4603.04 , but has been vacated, stayed, or modified by a court of a state having jurisdiction to do so under subchapter II of this chapter .
D.C. Code § 16-552 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 5 / § 16-552
§ 16-552. Interrogatories to garnishee; oral examination.
Status: in_force

(a) In any case in which a writ of attachment is issued, the plaintiff may submit interrogatories in writing, in such form as may be allowed by the rules or special order of the court, to be served upon any garnishee, asking about any property of the defendant in his possession or charge, or indebtedness of his to the defendant at the time of the service of the attachment or between the time of service and the filing of his answers to the interrogatories. The garnishee shall file his answers, verified by a written declaration that the answers are made under the penalties of perjury, to the interrogatories within ten days after service upon him.
(b) In addition to the answers to written interrogatories required of him, the garnishee may, on motion, be required to appear in court and be examined orally, under oath, touching any property or credits of the defendant in his hands.
(c) Whoever willfully makes and subscribes a return, statement, or other document, pursuant to this section, that contains, or is verified by, a written declaration that it is made under the penalties of perjury, and that he does not believe to be true and correct as to every material matter, is subject to the penalties prescribed for perjury.
D.C. Code § 16-2309 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 23 / § 16-2309
§ 16-2309. Taking into custody.
Status: in_force

(a) A child may be taken into custody —
  (1) pursuant to order of the Division under section 16-2306 or 16-2311;
  (2) by a law enforcement officer when he has reasonable grounds to believe that the child has committed a delinquent act;
  (3) by any employee of the Agency authorized to do so, or a law enforcement officer, when he or she has reasonable grounds to believe that the child is in immediate danger from his or her surroundings and that the removal of the child from his or her surroundings is necessary, including when he or she has reasonable grounds to believe that the child is engaging in or offering to engage in a sexual act, as defined in [ § 22-3001(8) ], or sexual contact, as defined in [ § 22-3001(9) ], in return for receiving anything of value;
  (4) by any employee of the Agency authorized to do so, or a law enforcement officer, after he or she has consulted with the Director of the Agency, or his or her designee, pursuant to § 4-1301.07(b) when the employee or the officer has reasonable grounds to believe that the child is suffering from illness or injury or otherwise is endangered and that the child’s removal from his or her surroundings is necessary;
  (5) by a law enforcement officer when he has reasonable grounds to believe that the child has run away from his parent, guardian, or other custodian;
  (6) by the Director of the Agency or his or her designee, upon written notification by the chief executive officer of a hospital located in the District of Columbia, that the child has resided in the hospital for at least 10 calendar days following the birth of the child, despite a medical determination that the child is ready for discharge from the hospital, and the parent, guardian or custodian of the child, as established by the hospital admission records, has not taken any action or made any effort to maintain a parental, guardianship, or custodial relationship or contact with the child;
  (7) by a law enforcement officer when the officer has reasonable grounds to believe that the child, who is not in school on a day when school is in session, is of compulsory school age as required by [ § 38-202 ];
  (8) by the Director of Social Services, pursuant to section 16-2337;
  (9) by a law enforcement officer when the officer has reasonable grounds to believe that the child has violated a court order; or
  (10) by the Director of the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services when a child committed to the legal custody of the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services absconds from a community-based placement or violates any of the terms of his or her aftercare placement. For the purposes of this paragraph, the term “aftercare placement” means the placing of a child who has been committed to the legal custody of the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services in the community under the supervision of a trained social worker.
(b) A child under the age of 13 who is taken into custody by a law enforcement officer, other than an officer in the U.S. Marshals Service, shall remain in the immediate physical presence of a law enforcement officer pending release or delivery pursuant to section 16-2311(a).
(c) Notwithstanding any other law, a law enforcement officer shall not seize, serve a custody order on, or take into custody a DCPS or public charter school student at a DCPS or public charter school or on its grounds for a:
  (1) School-based offense unless:
    (A) The school-based offense is alleged to be a crime of violence, as that term is defined in § 23-1331(4) ; or
    (B) Exigent circumstances exist; or
  (2) Non-school-based offense unless exigent circumstances exist.
(d) Prior to seizing, serving a custody order on, or taking into custody of a DCPS or public charter school student at a DCPS or public charter school or on its grounds pursuant to subsection (c) of this section, a law enforcement officer shall:
  (1) In consultation with the administration of the DCPS or public charter school, MPD Youth and Family Engagement Bureau leadership, and the Office of the Attorney General, determine if there are reasonable alternatives to seizing, serving a custody order on, or taking into custody a DCPS or public charter school student at the DCPS or public charter school or on its grounds; and
  (2) If the law enforcement officer is seeking to execute a custody order, present a copy of that custody order to the DCPS or public charter school's principal or assistant principal.
D.C. Code § 16-1111 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 11 / § 16-1111
§ 16-1111. Separate action for rent or damages.
Status: in_force

The plaintiff in ejectment is not required to join his claim for rent or damages with his claim for the recovery of the land and his omission to do so does not prevent him from bringing his action for rent or damages separately.
D.C. Code § 16-4704 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 47 / § 16-4704
§ 16-4704. Activities not constituting a waiver.
Status: in_force

The publication by the news media or the dissemination by a person employed by the news media of a source of news or information, or a portion of the news or information, procured while pursuing professional activities shall not constitute a waiver of the protection from compelled disclosure that is contained in section 16-4702  .
D.C. Code § 16-304 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 3 / § 16-304
§ 16-304. Consent; exceptions.
Status: in_force

(a) A petition for adoption may not be granted by the court unless there is filed with the petition a written statement of consent, as provided by this section, signed and acknowledged before an officer authorized by law to take acknowledgments, before a representative of a licensed child-placing agency, or before the Mayor of the District, or unless a relinquishment of parental rights with respect to the prospective adoptee has been recorded and filed as provided by section 4-1406.
(b) Consent to a proposed adoption of a person under eighteen years of age is necessary:
  (1) from the prospective adoptee, if the prospective adoptee is fourteen years of age or over; and also,
  (2) in accordance with the provisions of any one of the following paragraphs:
    (A) from both parents, if they are both alive; or
    (B) from the living parent of the prospective adoptee, if one of the parents is dead; or
    (C) from the court-appointed guardian of the prospective adoptee; or
    (D) from a licensed child-placing agency or the Mayor in case the parental rights of the parent or parents have been terminated by a court of competent jurisdiction or by a release of parental rights to the Mayor or licensed child-placing agency, based upon consents obtained in accordance with subparagraphs (A) through (C) of this paragraph, and the prospective adoptee has been lawfully placed under the care and custody of the agency or the Mayor; or
    (E) from the Mayor in any situation not otherwise provided for by this subsection.
(c) Minority of a natural parent is not a bar to that parent’s consent to adoption.
(d) When a parent whose consent is hereinbefore required, after such notice as the court directs, cannot be located, or has abandoned the prospective adoptee and voluntarily failed to contribute to his support for a period of at least six months next preceding the date of the filing of the petition, the consent of that parent is not required.
(e) The court may grant a petition for adoption without any of the consents specified in this section, when the court finds, after a hearing, that the consent or consents are withheld contrary to the best interest of the child.
(f) A person over eighteen years of age may be adopted, on the petition of the adopting parent or parents and with the consent of the prospective adoptee, if the court is satisfied that the adoption should be granted.
(g) The court may grant a petition for adoption without consent when there has been a relinquishment of parental rights and the termination of parental rights pursuant to [ § 4-1451.05 ].
D.C. Code § 16-307 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 3 / § 16-307
§ 16-307. Investigation, report, and recommendation.
Status: in_force

(a) Except as provided by §§ 16-308 and 16-318 , upon the filing of a petition the court shall refer the petition for investigation, report, and recommendation to:
  (1) the licensed child-placing agency by which the case is supervised; or
  (2) the Mayor, if the case is not supervised by a licensed child-placing agency.
(b) The investigation, report, and recommendation shall include:
  (1) an investigation of:
    (A) the truth of the allegations of the petition;
    (B) the environment, antecedents, and assets, if any, of the prospective adoptee, to determine whether the prospective adoptee is a proper subject for adoption;
    (C) the home of the petitioner, to determine whether the home is a suitable one for the prospective adoptee; and
    (D) any other circumstances and conditions that may have a bearing on the proposed adoption and of which the court should have knowledge, including the existence and terms of a tentative adoption subsidy agreement entered into prior to the filing of the adoption petition under section 3 of the Act of July 26, 1892 ( § 4-301 ).
  (2) a written report to the court of the findings of the investigation; and
  (3) a recommendation to the court whether a final decree declaring the adoption prayed for in the petition should be immediately granted, or whether the court should grant an interlocutory decree granting temporary custody of the prospective adoptee to the petitioner, as hereinafter set forth.
(c) The written report submitted to the court shall be filed with, and become part of, the records in the case.
D.C. Code § 16-925 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 9 / § 16-925
§ 16-925. Privacy protection for victims of domestic violence.
Status: in_force

(a) The Mayor shall promulgate rules and establish procedures to implement safeguards, applicable to all confidential information handled by the IV-D agency or executive branch agencies in cooperative agreements with the IV-D agency, to protect the privacy rights of parties in IV-D agency proceedings. These safeguards shall include the following:
  (1) Prohibitions against the unauthorized use or disclosure of information relating to paternity, support, or custody actions in IV-D agency proceedings;
  (2) Prohibitions against the release of information concerning the whereabouts of one party or a child to another party, if a protection order has been entered (in the District or in another jurisdiction) to protect the party or the child whose whereabouts are being sought from the party seeking disclosure;
  (3) Prohibitions against release of information concerning the whereabouts of one party or a child to another party if the Mayor has reason to believe that the release of the information may result in physical or emotional harm to the party or the child whose whereabouts are being sought;
  (4) Requirements to notify the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services when:
    (A) The Mayor has reasonable evidence of domestic violence or child abuse against a party or a child; or
    (B) The disclosure of information concerning the whereabouts of the party or the child could be harmful to the party or the child; and
  (5) In cases where the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (“Department”) has informed the IV-D agency that the Department has been notified that there is reasonable evidence of domestic violence or child abuse, requirements to determine whether disclosure of information concerning a party’s or child’s whereabouts to any other person would be harmful to a party or the child, and if so, to prohibit the disclosure.
(b) The Superior Court shall establish procedures to implement safeguards, applicable to all confidential information possessed by the Superior Court, to protect the privacy rights of parties in paternity or support proceedings. These safeguards shall include:
  (1) Prohibitions against unauthorized use or disclosure of information relating to paternity, support, or custody actions in Superior Court proceedings;
  (2) Prohibitions against the release of information concerning the whereabouts of one party or a child to another party, if a protection order has been entered (in the District or in another jurisdiction) to protect the party or the child whose whereabouts are being sought from the party seeking disclosure;
  (3) Prohibitions against release of information concerning the whereabouts of one party or a child to another party if the Superior Court has reason to believe that the release of information may result in physical or emotional harm to the party or the child whose whereabouts are being sought;
  (4) Requirements to notify the Secretary of the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services when:
    (A) The Superior Court has reasonable evidence of domestic violence or child abuse against a party or a child; or
    (B) The disclosure of information concerning the whereabouts of the party or the child could be harmful to the party or the child; and
  (5) In cases where the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (“Department”) has informed the Superior Court that the Department has been notified that there is reasonable evidence of domestic violence or child abuse, requirements to determine whether disclosure of information concerning a party’s or child’s whereabouts to any other person would be harmful to a party or the child, and if so, to prohibit the disclosure.
D.C. Code § 16-312 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 3 / § 16-312
§ 16-312. Legal effects of adoption.
Status: in_force

(a) A final decree of adoption establishes the relationship of natural parent and natural child between adopter and adoptee for all purposes, including mutual rights of inheritance and succession as if adoptee were born to adopter. The adoptee takes from, through, and as a representative of the adoptive parent in the same manner as a child by birth, and upon the death of an adoptee intestate, the adoptee's property shall pass and be distributed in the same manner as if the adoptee had been born to the adopting parent in lawful wedlock. All rights and duties including those of inheritance and succession between the adoptee, the adoptee's natural parents, their issue, collateral relatives, and so forth, are cut off, except that when one of the natural parents is the spouse of the adopter, the rights and relations as between adoptee, that natural parent and the adoptee's parents, and collateral relatives, including mutual rights of inheritance and succession, are in no wise altered.
(b) While it is in force, an interlocutory decree of adoption has the same legal effect as a final decree of adoption. Upon the revocation of an interlocutory decree of adoption, the status of the adoptee, the natural parents of the adoptee, and the petitioners are as though the interlocutory decree were null and void ab initio.
(c) The family name of the adoptee shall be changed to that of the adopter unless the decree otherwise provides, and the given name of the adoptee may be fixed or changed at the same time.
D.C. Code § 16-508 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 5 / § 16-508
§ 16-508. Attachment of real property.
Status: in_force

An attachment is sufficiently levied on the lands and tenements of the defendant by:
(1) mentioning and describing the property in an indorsement on the attachment, made by the officer to whom it is delivered for service, to the following effect:
“Levied on the following estate of the defendant, A B, to wit: (Here describe) this __ day of ____. C D, Marshal.”; and
(2) serving a copy of the attachment, with the indorsement, and the notice required by section 16-502, on the person, if any, in possession of the property.
D.C. Code § 16-924 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 9 / § 16-924
§ 16-924. Expedited judicial hearing for child support.
Status: in_force

(a) In any case brought under D.C. Official Code, section 11-1101(1), (3), (10), or (11), involving the establishment or enforcement of child support, or in any case seeking to modify an existing child support order, where a magistrate judge in the Family Court of the Superior Court finds that there is an existing duty of support, the magistrate judge shall conduct a hearing on support and, within 30 days from the conclusion of the hearing, the magistrate judge shall issue written findings of fact and conclusions of law that shall include, but not be limited to, the following:
  (1) The name and relationship of the parties;
  (2) The name, age, and any exceptional information about the child;
  (3) The duty of support owed;
  (4) The amount of monthly support payments;
  (5) The annual earnings of the parents;
  (6) The social security number of the parents;
  (7) The name, address, and telephone number of each parent’s employer;
  (8) The name, address, and telephone number of any person, organization, corporation, or government entity that holds real or personal assets of the obligor; and
  (9) A statement that a responsible relative is bound by this order to notify the Court within 10 days of any change in address or employment.
(b) The alleged responsible relative may be represented by counsel at any stage of the proceedings.
(c) If in a case under subsection (a) of this section the magistrate judge finds that the case involves complex issues requiring judicial resolution, the magistrate judge shall establish a temporary support obligation and refer unresolved issues to a judge, except that the magistrate judge shall not establish a temporary support order if parentage is at issue.
(d) In cases under subsections (a) and (c) of this section in which the magistrate judge finds that there is a duty of support and the individual owing that duty has been served or given notice of the proceedings under any applicable statute or court rule, if that individual fails to appear or otherwise respond, the magistrate judge shall enter a default order.
(e) Subject to subsection (f) of this section, the findings of the magistrate judge shall constitute a final order of the Superior Court.
(f) A review of the magistrate judge’s findings in a case under subsections (a) and (c) of this section may be made by a judge of the Family Court sua sponte and shall be made upon the motion of 1 of the parties, which shall be filed within 30 days after the judgment. An appeal to the District of Columbia Court of Appeals may be made only after a hearing is held in the Superior Court.
D.C. Code § 16-5505 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 55 / § 16-5505
§ 16-5505. Exemptions.
Status: in_force

(a) This chapter shall not apply to:
  (1) Any claim for relief brought against a person primarily engaged in the business of selling or leasing goods or services, if the statement or conduct from which the claim arises is:
    (A) A representation of fact made for the purpose of promoting, securing, or completing sales or leases of, or commercial transactions in, the person's goods or services; and
    (B) The intended audience is an actual or potential buyer or customer; and
  (2) Any claim brought by the District government, including District public charter schools.
(b) Subsection (a)(2) of this section shall apply:
  (1) As of March 31, 2011; and
  (2) To any claims pending as of [November 8, 2021].
D.C. Code § 16-1103 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 11 / § 16-1103
§ 16-1103. Contents of complaint; adverse possession.
Status: in_force

In his complaint in ejectment, the plaintiff shall:
(1) describe the premises claimed with reasonable certainty; and
(2) set forth distinctly the nature and quantity of the estate claimed by him in the premises.
It is sufficient for the plaintiff to state, in addition, that:
(1) he was possessed of the premises, and while he was so possessed the defendant entered wrongfully into possession thereof, and withholds the possession of the premises from the plaintiff, or wrongfully detains possession; or
(2) the defendant is wrongfully exercising acts of ownership over the premises.
However, except as provided by this chapter, acts of ownership do not amount to an adversary possession, so as to make it necessary for the plaintiff to sue in order to avoid the bar of the statute of limitations.
D.C. Code § 16-3110 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 31 / § 16-3110
§ 16-3110. Order admitting will to probate as conclusive evidence.
Status: in_force

With respect to the trial of issues in the Probate Court, including the taking and use of testimony of non-resident witnesses, the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, unless otherwise provided by law, are applicable thereto. A final order or decree admitting a will to probate, unless and until it is reversed, is conclusive evidence of the validity of the will in a collateral proceeding in which the will is brought into question, and a transcript of the record of the will, and of the decree admitting it to probate, is sufficient proof thereof.
D.C. Code § 16-4102 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 41 / § 16-4102
§ 16-4102. Subrogation of surety satisfying judgment.
Status: in_force

Where a person recovers a judgment or money decree against the principal debtor and a surety or indorser, and the judgment is satisfied by the surety or indorser, the latter may have the judgment or money decree entered by the clerk to his use and have execution in his own name against the principal, and where a judgment or money decree is rendered against several sureties and one of them satisfies the whole debt, the surety satisfying the judgment may have the judgment or decree entered to his use, have execution against each of the other sureties in the judgment or decree for a proportionate part of the debt so paid by him. On the motion of the surety so paying the entire debt and notice to the other sureties, the court may determine for what amount execution shall issue against each of the other sureties.
D.C. Code § 16-1333 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 13 / § 16-1333
§ 16-1333. Notice of sale of excess property.
Status: in_force

When excess real property is to be sold pursuant to section 16-1332  , notice of not less than twenty days before the sale shall be published in a daily newspaper published in the District of Columbia, and notice shall be sent before the sale, by registered mail or by certified mail, to the last-known address of the persons listed on the records of the assessor of the District as the owners of the property abutting on the property to be sold.
D.C. Code § 16-5614 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 56 / § 16-5614
§ 16-5614. Recording of hearing.
Status: in_force

(a) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (b) of this section or required by law of the District other than this chapter , an arbitration hearing need not be recorded unless required by the arbitrator, provided by the arbitration agreement, or requested by a party.
(b) An arbitrator shall request a verbatim recording be made of any part of an arbitration hearing concerning a child-related dispute.
D.C. Code § 16-1316 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 13 / § 16-1316
§ 16-1316. Time for surrender of possession under declaration of taking; adjustment of charges.
Status: in_force

Upon the filing of the declaration of taking provided for by section 16-1314  , 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 plaintiffs. The court may make such orders in respect of incumbrances, liens, rents, taxes, assessments, insurance, and other charges, if any, as it deems just and equitable.
D.C. Code § 16-4503 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 45 / § 16-4503
§ 16-4503. Exercise of jurisdiction.
Status: repealed

Repealed.
D.C. Code § 16-4304 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 43 / § 16-4304
§ 16-4304. Majority action by arbitrators.
Status: repealed

Repealed.
D.C. Code § 16-408 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 4 / § 16-408
§ 16-408. Court order of parentage.
Status: in_force

(a) A petition for parentage for the intended parent or parents of a child may be filed by the intended parent or parents or the surrogate in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia at any time after confirmation of the pregnancy.
(b) The Superior Court of the District of Columbia will have jurisdiction over a petition filed under subsection (a) of this section if the court determines that:
  (1) The intended parent or parents or the surrogate is a legal resident of the District;
  (2) The intended parent or parents or the surrogate has actually resided in the District for at least one year preceding the filing of the petition; or
  (3) The child was born in the District.
(c) A petition for parentage shall include:
  (1) An affidavit by the medical professional who oversaw the embryo transfer or insemination attesting to the facts pertaining to the creation of the embryo and the embryo transfer or insemination, if applicable;
  (2) A copy of the executed surrogacy agreement;
  (3) An affidavit by each party attesting to each party's identity and that no other proceedings exist which could affect the current proceedings; and
  (4) An affidavit by an attorney representing each party, attesting:
    (A) That the attorney did not represent both the intended parent or parents and the surrogate and the surrogate's spouse or domestic partner, if any; and
    (B) That the terms of the surrogacy agreement comply with the requirements of this chapter.
(d) The order of parentage issued under this section shall:
  (1) Declare the intended parent or parents to be the parent or parents of the child;
  (2) (A) Direct the Registrar of Vital Records ("Registrar") to issue the certificate of birth naming the intended parent or parents as the parent or parents; or
    (B) If the intended parent or parents are named on a new certificate of birth issued after the child's discharge from the hospital, direct the Registrar:
      (i) To substitute the new certificate of birth for the original certificate of birth, naming the intended parent or parents as the parent or parents; and
      (ii) To seal the original certificate of birth from inspection when a new certificate of birth is issued; and
  (3) Declare that the surrogate and the surrogate's spouse or domestic partner, if any, are not the legal parents of the child.
(e) (1) (A) In the case of a child born by a gestational surrogate, the court may issue an order of parentage for the child at any time after a petition for parentage has been filed. The order of parentage shall be effective upon the birth of the child.
    (B) If the order of parentage is not issued before the birth of the child, the court shall issue the order as soon as possible after the birth, but no later than 45 days after the birth.
  (2) In the case of a child born by a traditional surrogate, the court shall issue an order of parentage for the child no less than 48 hours and no more than 45 days after the birth of the child.
(f) An order of parentage issued under this section shall be sealed to protect the privacy of the parties and the child.
D.C. Code § 16-804 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 8 / § 16-804
§ 16-804. Effect of expungement of criminal records.
Status: in_force

(a) The effect of expungement shall be to restore a person, in the contemplation of the law, to the status they occupied before being cited, arrested, charged, or convicted.
(b) No person as to whom criminal record expungement relief has been granted shall be held thereafter under any provision of law to be guilty of perjury or otherwise giving a false statement by reason of failure to acknowledge or disclose that citation, arrest, charge, prosecution, disposition, or conviction, in response to any inquiry made of them for any purpose.
(c) If the Court orders that a criminal record be expunged:
  (1) The Clerk and each prosecutor and law enforcement, corrections, pretrial, and community supervision agency shall:
    (A) Eliminate from all publicly available physical and computerized records any references that identify the person as having been cited, arrested, prosecuted, or convicted;
    (B) Be entitled to retain records relating to the person's citation, arrest, prosecution, and conviction in a nonpublic, restricted access file; and
    (C) Reply in response to public inquiries concerning the existence of the records that no records are available;
  (2) Each prosecutor and law enforcement, corrections, pretrial, and community supervision agency shall file a certification with the Court within 90 days after an order to expunge is issued that, to the best of its knowledge and belief, all references that identify the person as having been cited, arrested, prosecuted, or convicted have been expunged;
  (3) The Clerk shall:
    (A) Retain a nonpublic record, appropriately and securely indexed to protect its confidentiality, containing records retrieved pursuant to this section and the certifications filed pursuant to paragraph (2) of this subsection; and
    (B) Make reasonable efforts to provide a copy of the order to expunge and the certifications filed pursuant to paragraph (2) of this subsection to the person who was cited, arrested, charged, or convicted, or their counsel:
      (i) When the Court issues the order;
      (ii) When the certifications are filed pursuant to paragraph (2) of this subsection; and
      (iii) At any time, upon proper identification, without a showing of need;
  (4) In a case involving co-defendants in which the Court orders the person's criminal records be expunged, the Court shall order, to the extent practicable:
    (A) That only those records, or portions thereof, relating solely to the person be redacted;
    (B) That the person's name be redacted from records that are not expunged; and
    (C) The redaction of references to the person that appear in a transcript of court proceedings involving co-defendants; and
  (5) The Court shall not be required to order the redaction of the person's name from any published opinion of the trial or appellate courts that refers to the person.
(d) (1) Records retained in a nonpublic file pursuant to this section shall only be available to:
    (A) The person who was cited, arrested, charged, or convicted, or their counsel;
    (B) A prosecutor, defense attorney, law enforcement, corrections, pretrial, or community supervision agency, for the purpose of:
      (i) Investigating, prosecuting, or defending another criminal case;
      (ii) Complying with disclosure obligations in another criminal case; or
      (iii) Determining the person's suitability for diversion, release, sentencing reduction, or record sealing in another case; and
    (C) Other persons or entities for the purpose of:
      (i) Use in civil litigation related to the citation, charge, arrest, or conviction; or
      (ii) Upon order of the Court for good cause shown, such as for anonymized records for academic or journalistic purposes.
  (2) A request for access to or to disclose expunged records may be made ex parte and may be granted by the Court for good cause shown.
  (3) If the Court permits a requestor to access or disclose expunged records, the Court and the requestor shall take all reasonable measures to ensure that the records are secure and that the contents are not identifiably disclosed, published, or redistributed, such as by issuing a protective order or electronically limiting access to verified viewers.
  (4) A person, upon making inquiry of the Court concerning the existence of criminal records involving an individual, shall be entitled to rely, for any purpose under the law, upon the clerk's response that no records are available with respect to any issue about that person's knowledge of the individual's record.
D.C. Code § 16-4308 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 43 / § 16-4308
§ 16-4308. Award.
Status: repealed

Repealed.
D.C. Code § 16-703 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 7 / § 16-703
§ 16-703. Process of Criminal Division; fees.
Status: in_force

(a) The Criminal Division of the Superior Court may issue process for the arrest of a person against whom an indictment is returned, an information is filed, or a complaint under oath is made.
(b) Process shall —
  (1) be under the seal of the court;
  (2) bear teste in the name of a judge of the court, and
  (3) be signed by a clerk or employee of the court authorized to administer oaths.
(c) In cases arising out of violations of any of the ordinances of the District of Columbia, process shall be directed to the Chief of Police, who shall execute the process and make return thereof in like manner as in other cases.
(d) In all other criminal cases, the process issued by the Superior Court may be directed to the United States marshal or to the Chief of Police.
(e) For services pursuant to subsection (d) of this section the marshal shall receive the fees prescribed by section 15-709(b).
D.C. Code § 16-315 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 3 / § 16-315
§ 16-315. Prior proceedings.
Status: in_force

The provisions of this chapter have no effect prior to June 8, 1954, except to the extent that they specifically so provide. They do not affect in any way the rights and relations obtained by any decree of adoption entered prior to June 8, 1954.
D.C. Code § 16-1314 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 13 / § 16-1314
§ 16-1314. Declaration of taking; contents; deposit; transfer of title; determination; interest.
Status: in_force

(a) In an action pursuant to this subchapter, the plaintiffs may file in a cause, with the complaint or at any time before judgment, a declaration of taking, signed by the Mayor, declaring that the property is thereby taken for use of the District of Columbia. The declaration of taking shall contain or have annexed thereto a —
  (1) statement of the authority under which and the public use for which the property is taken;
  (2) description of the property taken sufficient for the identification thereof;
  (3) statement of the estate or interest in the property taken for public use;
  (4) plan showing the property taken; and
  (5) statement of the sum of money estimated by the Mayor to be just compensation for the property taken.
(b) Notwithstanding section 16-1319, upon the filing of the declaration of taking and the deposit in the registry of the court, to the use of the persons entitled thereto, of the amount of the estimated compensation stated in the declaration, title to the property in fee simple absolute, or such less estate or interest therein as is specified in the declaration, shall vest in the District of Columbia, and the property shall be deemed to be condemned and taken for the use of the District, and the right to just compensation therefor shall vest in the persons entitled thereto. The compensation shall be ascertained and awarded in the proceedings and established by judgment therein, and the judgment shall include, as part of the just compensation awarded, interest at the rate of 6 per centum per annum on the amount finally awarded as the value of the property as of the date of taking, from that date to the date of payment. Interest may not be allowed on as much thereof as has been paid into the registry. A sum so paid into the registry may not be charged with commissions or poundage.
D.C. Code § 16-3733 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 37 / § 16-3733
§ 16-3733. Undertaking to abide judgment of the court.
Status: repealed

Repealed.
D.C. Code § 16-2326 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 23 / § 16-2326
§ 16-2326. Court costs and expenses.
Status: in_force

(a) If, at the dispositional hearing or thereafter, the Division finds, after due notice and a hearing, that the parent or other person legally obligated to care for and support a child subject to proceedings under this subchapter is financially able to pay, the Division may order him or her to pay all of or part of the costs of —
  (1) physical and mental examinations and treatment of the child ordered by the Division;
  (2) except in neglect cases, a reasonable compensation for the services and related expenses of counsel appointed by the Division to represent the child; and
  (3) in neglect cases, a reasonable compensation for the services and related expenses of counsel appointed by the Division to represent the parent or person.
(b) Payment under this section shall be made as prescribed by rules of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia.
D.C. Code § 16-1907 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 19 / § 16-1907
§ 16-1907. Traversing return; pleading; witnesses.
Status: in_force

A person at whose instance or in whose behalf a writ of habeas corpus has been issued may traverse the return thereto, or plead any matters showing that there is not a sufficient legal cause for his confinement or detention. The court or judge may issue process for witnesses or for the production of papers, which shall be served and enforced in like manner as similar process issued in a cause pending in the court, if the court or judge is satisfied as to the materiality of the testimony proposed to be adduced.
D.C. Code § 16-4305 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 43 / § 16-4305
§ 16-4305. Hearing.
Status: repealed

Repealed.
D.C. Code § 16-2324 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 23 / § 16-2324
§ 16-2324. Vacation, termination of orders.
Status: in_force

(a) An order of the Division under this subchapter shall be set aside if —
  (1) it was obtained by fraud or mistake sufficient to set aside an order or judgment in a civil action;
  (2) the Division lacked jurisdiction; or
  (3) newly discovered evidence so requires.
(b) Not less than 6 months after issuing an order pursuant to section 16-2323(h)(2), the Division may terminate an order under this subchapter on the grounds that the Youth Services Administration is not providing or cannot provide appropriate services or level of placement.
D.C. Code § [16-572.01] — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 5 / § [16-572.01]
§ [16-572.01]. Motion to exempt wages from garnishment.
Status: in_force

(a) Notwithstanding § 16-572 , a judgment debtor may seek to exempt additional wages from attachment under § 16-572 by making a claim of undue financial hardship by filing a motion with the Superior Court of the District of Columbia ("court").
(b) Upon the filing of a motion under subsection (a) of this section, the court shall hold a hearing as soon as practicable, but no later than 30 days after the motion is filed, unless the movant requests a later date.
(c) The court shall prepare and make available a form that would allow a judgment debtor to easily identify the basis for the judgment debtor's request for wages to be exempt from attachment. The form shall include space for the judgment debtor to identify, at a minimum, the following:
  (1) That the judgment debtor receives public assistance from any of the following sources or programs, if applicable:
    (A) Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Program;
    (B) Program on Work, Employment, and Responsibility;
    (C) General Assistance for Children program;
    (D) Supplemental Security Income;
    (E) Interim Disability Assistance;
    (F) Medicaid; or
    (G) D.C. Healthcare Alliance or similar health benefits;
  (2) A list of the judgment debtor's household income;
  (3) The number of people in the judgment debtor's household; and
  (4) A list of the household expenses, including:
    (A) Housing;
    (B) Utilities;
    (C) Health-related expenses;
    (D) Child care;
    (E) Food and household supplies;
    (F) Education;
    (G) Transportation;
    (H) Clothing;
    (I) Child support; and
    (J) Other circumstances, including recurring payments, creating financial hardship.
(d) (1) At the hearing on a motion filed pursuant to this section, the court shall determine whether the amount required to be paid to the judgment creditor as calculated pursuant to § 16-572 creates an undue financial hardship for the judgment debtor; provided, that, for a movant who indicates that he or she receives public assistance from any of the sources listed in subsection (c)(1) of this section, there shall be a presumption that the amount required to be paid to the judgment creditor as calculated pursuant to § 16-572 creates an undue financial hardship.
  (2) If the court makes a determination of undue financial hardship pursuant to paragraph (1) of this subsection, the court shall grant the motion and:
    (A) Determine the amount of disposable wages to be exempted from attachment under § 16-572 necessary to avoid undue financial hardship;
    (B) Promptly issue an order modifying the existing writ of attachment, clearly identifying the dollar amount of disposable wages exempted from attachment, and instructing the employer-garnishee that the employer-garnishee shall not collect an amount during any pay period that causes the judgment debtor's disposable wages for the pay period to drop below the exempted amount determined pursuant to subparagraph (A) of this paragraph; and
    (C) Send a copy of the order to the employer-garnishee at the address stated on the existing writ of attachment.
(e) A judgment creditor may file a motion requesting that the court review an order issued pursuant to subsection (d) of this section to see whether, due to changed circumstances, the amount required to be paid to the judgment creditor as calculated pursuant to § 16-572 would no longer create an undue financial hardship or whether the amount of disposable wages needed to be exempted from attachment under § 16-572 to avoid undue financial hardship has changed; provided, that the judgment creditor shall not file a motion pursuant to this subsection before 18 months have passed since the court issued the order pursuant to subsection (d) of this section or since the court most recently reviewed the order pursuant to this subsection.
D.C. Code § 16-2347 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 23 / § 16-2347
§ 16-2347. Death of respondent; liability of estate.
Status: in_force

If the respondent dies after parentage has been established and prior to the time the child reaches the age at which the child ceases to be a minor, any sums due and unpaid under an order of the court at the time of his or her death shall constitute a valid claim against his or her estate.
D.C. Code § 16-1353 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 13 / § 16-1353
§ 16-1353. Declaration of taking; contents; deposit; transfer of title; determination; interest.
Status: in_force

(a) In an action pursuant to this subchapter, the plaintiff may file in the cause, with the complaint or at any time before judgment, a declaration of taking signed by the acquiring authority empowered by law to acquire the property described in the complaint, declaring that the property is thereby taken for the use of the United States. The declaration of taking shall contain or have annexed thereto a —
  (1) statement of the authority under which and the public use for which the lands are taken;
  (2) description of the lands taken sufficient for the identification thereof;
  (3) statement of the estate or interest in the lands taken for public use;
  (4) plan showing the lands taken; and
  (5) statement of the sum of money estimated by the acquiring authority to be just compensation for the property taken.
(b) Upon the filing of the declaration of taking and of the deposit in the registry of the court, to the use of the persons entitled thereto, of the amount of the estimated compensation stated in the declaration, title to the property in fee simple absolute, or such less estate or interest therein as is specified in the declaration, vests in the United States of America, and the property shall be deemed to be condemned and taken for the use of the United States, and the right to just compensation therefor vests in the persons entitled thereto. The compensation shall be ascertained and awarded in the proceedings and established by judgment therein, and the judgment shall include, as part of the just compensation awarded, interest at the rate of 6 per centum per annum on the amount finally awarded as the value of the property as of the date of taking, from that date to the date of payment. Interest may not be allowed on as much thereof as has been paid into the registry. A sum so paid into the registry may not be charged with commissions or poundage.
D.C. Code § 16-1154 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 11 / § 16-1154
§ 16-1154. Investigation outside the District; report to court; presumption of death; right to possession.
Status: in_force

If before, or at the time of, the presentation of the commissioners’ return provided for by section 16-1153  , or, where commissioners are not appointed, at any time before a final order is made, the party upon whom the first or second order is served presents to the court presumptive proof, by affidavit, that the person, whose death was in question, is, or lately was, at a place certain, without the District of Columbia, the petitioner, at his own expense, may send one or both of the persons named in the first order to view him. If the person concealing or suspected of concealing the person upon whose life the prior estate depends, or the fact of his death, refuses or neglects to produce him or to procure him to be produced to the personal view of the persons sent for that purpose, the persons sent to view him shall make a true return of the refusal or neglect to the court, and the return shall be filed in the court. Thereupon, it shall be presumed that the tenant for life is dead, and the court shall issue an order permitting the petitioner to take possession of the real property, as if that person were actually dead.
D.C. Code § 16-1331 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 13 / § 16-1331
§ 16-1331. Acquisition of property in excess of needs.
Status: in_force

In order to promote the orderly and proper development of the seat of government of the United States, the Mayor of the District of Columbia may acquire, in the public interest, by gift, dedication, exchange, purchase, or condemnation, fee simple title to land or rights in, or on land, or easements or restrictions therein, within the District, for public uses, works, and improvements authorized by Congress, in excess of that actually needed for and essential to their usefulness, in order to preserve the view, appearance, light, and air and to enhance their usefulness to prevent the use of private property adjacent to them in such a manner as to impair the public benefit derived from the construction thereof, or to prevent inequities or hardship to the owners of adjacent private property by depriving them of the beneficial use of their property.
D.C. Code § 16-907 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 9 / § 16-907
§ 16-907. Parent and child relationship defined.
Status: in_force

(a) The term “legitimate” or “legitimated” means that the parent-child relationship exists for all rights, privileges, duties, and obligations under the laws of the District of Columbia.
(b) The term “born out of wedlock” solely describes the circumstances that a child has been born to parents who, at the time of its birth, were not married to each other. The term “born in wedlock” solely describes the circumstances that a child has been born to parents who, at the time of its birth, were married to each other.
(c) A child born to parents in a domestic partnership shall be treated for all legal purposes as a child born in wedlock. For the purposes of this subsection, the term “domestic partnership” shall have the same meaning as provided in § 32-701(4) , but shall exclude a domestic partnership where a domestic partner is the parent, grandparent, sibling, child, grandchild, niece, nephew, aunt, or uncle of a woman who gives birth to a child.
D.C. Code § 16-4312 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 43 / § 16-4312
§ 16-4312. Modification or correction of award.
Status: repealed

Repealed.
D.C. Code § 16-904 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 9 / § 16-904
§ 16-904. Grounds for divorce, legal separation, and annulment.
Status: in_force

(a) A divorce from the bonds of marriage may be granted upon the assertion by one or both parties that they no longer wish to remain married.
(b) A legal separation from bed and board may be granted upon at least one party's assertion that they intend to pursue a separate life without obtaining a divorce.
(c) [Repealed].
(d) Marriage contracts may be annulled in the following cases:
  (1) where such marriage was contracted while either of the parties thereto had a former spouse living, unless the former marriage had been lawfully dissolved;
  (2) where such marriage was contracted during the insanity of either party (unless there has been voluntary cohabitation after the discovery of the insanity);
  (3) where such marriage was procured by fraud or coercion;
  (4) where either party was matrimonially incapacitated at the time of marriage without the knowledge of the other and has continued to be so incapacitated; or
  (5) where either of the parties had not attained the age of 18, but in such cases only at the suit of the party who had not attained such age.
(e) Domestic partnerships registered under § 32-702(a) or relationships recognized under § 32-702(i) may be terminated by judicial decree or judgment.
D.C. Code § 16-2340 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 23 / § 16-2340
§ 16-2340. Rights of victims or eyewitnesses in delinquency proceedings.
Status: in_force

(a) A victim or a eyewitness of a delinquent act should:
  (1) Be treated with dignity, respect, courtesy, sensitivity, and with respect for the victim’s or eyewitness’ privacy;
  (2) Be notified in advance of dates and times of juvenile plea hearings, factfinding hearings, transfer hearings, disposition hearings, and post-disposition hearings;
  (3) During any phase of the investigative proceedings or court proceedings, be provided, to the extent practicable, a waiting area that is separate from the child alleged to be delinquent and the family and friends of the child alleged to be delinquent;
  (4) Be informed by the appropriate juvenile justice agency of financial assistance, criminal injuries compensation, and any other social services available to the victim, and receive assistance or information on how to apply for such programs;
  (5) Be advised of the right to have stolen or other property promptly returned and, on written request, have the property promptly returned by law enforcement agencies when means can be employed to otherwise satisfy evidentiary requirements for prosecution, unless there is a compelling law enforcement reason for retaining the stolen property; and
  (6) Be informed, in appropriate cases, by the Corporation Counsel of the right to request restitution.
(b) A victim and the victim’s immediate family members have the right to submit a victim impact statement in all cases and have the victim impact statement considered in the disposition of the case. The Corporation Counsel and the Director of Social Services shall inform the victim and the victim’s immediate family members or caretaker, or their duly authorized attorney, of such right.
(c) Before, during, and immediately after any court proceeding, the court shall provide appropriate safeguards to minimize the contact that may occur between the respondent, or respondent’s family and witnesses for respondent, and the victim, eyewitnesses for the Corporation Counsel, and the family of the victim or the Corporation Counsel’s eyewitnesses.
(d) Except as otherwise mandated by law, the District government shall not be required to disclose the names or addresses of its witnesses prior to a hearing.
(e) The respondent, the respondent’s attorney or another person acting on behalf of the respondent shall clearly identify himself or herself as being, representing, or acting on behalf of the respondent at the beginning of any contact with the victim, the victim’s family, or other persons believed to be eyewitnesses to the offenses charged.
(f) Nothing in this section shall be construed as creating a cause of action against the District of Columbia, any public official, employee, or public agency responsible for implementing or carrying out the provisions of this section.
D.C. Code § 16-1351 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 13 / § 16-1351
§ 16-1351. Definition.
Status: in_force

As used in this subchapter, “acquiring authority” means the head of an executive department or agency of the United States, or other officer of the United States, or board or commission of the United States, authorized by law to acquire real property in the District of Columbia for the construction of public buildings or works, or for parks, parkways, public playgrounds, or other public purpose.
D.C. Code § 16-5627 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 56 / § 16-5627
§ 16-5627. 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. ) ("Act"), but shall not be construed to modify, limit, or supersede section 101(c) of the Act, or authorize electronic delivery of any of the notices described in section 103(b) of the Act.
D.C. Code § 16-914 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 9 / § 16-914
§ 16-914. Custody of children.
Status: in_force

(a) (1) (A) In any proceeding between parents in which the custody of a child is raised as an issue, the best interest of the child shall be the primary consideration. The race, color, national origin, political affiliation, sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity or expression of a party, in and of itself, shall not be a conclusive consideration. The Court shall make a determination as to the legal custody and the physical custody of a child. A custody order may include:
      (i) sole legal custody;
      (ii) sole physical custody;
      (iii) joint legal custody;
      (iv) joint physical custody; or
      (v) any other custody arrangement the Court may determine is in the best interest of the child.
    (B) For the purposes of this paragraph, the term:
      (i) “Legal custody” means legal responsibility for a child. The term “legal custody” includes the right to make decisions regarding that child’s health, education, and general welfare, the right to access the child’s educational, medical, psychological, dental, or other records, and the right to speak with and obtain information regarding the child from school officials, health care providers, counselors, or other persons interacting with the child.
      (ii) “Physical custody” means a child’s living arrangements. The term “physical custody” includes a child’s residency or visitation schedule.
  (2) Unless the court determines that it is not in the best interest of the child, the court may issue an order that provides for frequent and continuing contact between each parent and the minor child or children and for the sharing of responsibilities of child-rearing and encouraging the love, affection, and contact between the minor child or children and the parents regardless of marital status. There shall be a rebuttable presumption that joint custody is in the best interest of the child or children, except in instances where a judicial officer has found by a preponderance of the evidence that an intrafamily offense as defined in § 16-1001(8) , an instance of child abuse as defined in section 102 of the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect Act of 1977, effective September 23, 1977 ( D.C. Law 2-22 ; D.C. Official Code § 4-1301.02 ), an instance of child neglect as defined in section 2 of the Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Children’s Trust Fund Act of 1993, effective October 5, 1993 ( D.C. Law 10-56 ; D.C. Official Code § 4-1341.01 ), or where parental kidnapping as defined in D.C. Official Code section 16-1021 through section 16-1026 has occurred. There shall be a rebuttable presumption that joint custody is not in the best interest of the child or children if a judicial officer finds by a preponderance of the evidence that an intrafamily offense as defined in § 16-1001(8) , an instance of child abuse as defined in section 102 of the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect Act of 1977, effective September 23, 1977 ( D.C. Law 2-22 ; D.C. Official Code § 4-1301.02 ), an instance of child neglect as defined in section 2 of the Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Children’s Trust Fund Act of 1993, effective October 5, 1993 ( D.C. Law 10-56 ; D.C. Official Code § 4-1341.01 ), or where parental kidnapping as defined in D.C. Official Code section 16-1021 through section 16-1026 has occurred.
  (3) In determining the care and custody of a child, the best interest of the child shall be the primary consideration. To determine the best interest of the child, the court shall consider all relevant factors, including, but not limited to:
    (A) the wishes of the child as to his or her custodian, where practicable;
    (B) the wishes of the child’s parent or parents as to the child’s custody;
    (C) the interaction and interrelationship of the child with his or her parent or parents, his or her siblings, and any other person who may emotionally or psychologically affect the child’s best interest;
    (D) the child’s adjustment to his or her home, school, and community;
    (E) the mental and physical health of all individuals involved;
    (F) evidence of an intrafamily offense as defined in § 16-1001(8) ;
    (G) the capacity of the parents to communicate and reach shared decisions affecting the child’s welfare;
    (H) the willingness of the parents to share custody;
    (I) the prior involvement of each parent in the child’s life;
    (J) the potential disruption of the child’s social and school life;
    (K) the geographic proximity of the parental homes as this relates to the practical considerations of the child’s residential schedule;
    (L) the demands of parental employment;
    (M) the age and number of children;
    (N) the sincerity of each parent’s request;
    (O) the parent’s ability to financially support a joint custody arrangement;
    (P) the impact on Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, or Program on Work, Employment, and Responsibilities, and medical assistance; and
    (Q) the benefit to the parents.
(a-1) For the purposes of this section, if the judicial officer finds by a preponderance of evidence that a contestant for custody has committed an intrafamily offense, any determination that custody or visitation is to be granted to the abusive parent shall be supported by a written statement by the judicial officer specifying factors and findings which support that determination. In determining visitation arrangements, if the judicial officer finds that an intrafamily offense has occurred, the judicial officer shall only award visitation if the judicial officer finds that the child and custodial parent can be adequately protected from harm inflicted by the other party. The party found to have committed an intrafamily offense has the burden of proving that visitation will not endanger the child or significantly impair the child’s emotional development.
(a-2) Repealed.
(a-3) (1) A minor parent, or the parent, guardian, or other legal representative of a minor parent on the minor parent’s behalf, may initiate a custody proceeding under this chapter.
  (2) For the purposes of this subsection, the term “minor” means a person under 18 years of age.
(b) Notice of a custody proceeding shall be given to the child’s parents, guardian, or other custodian. The court, upon a showing of good cause, may permit intervention by any interested party.
(c) In any custody proceeding under this chapter, the Court may order each parent to submit a detailed parenting plan which shall delineate each parent’s position with respect to the scheduling and allocation of rights and responsibilities that will best serve the interest of the minor child or children. The parenting plan may include, but shall not be limited to, provisions for:
  (1) the residence of the child or children;
  (2) the financial support based on the needs of the child and the actual resources of the parent;
  (3) visitation;
  (4) holidays, birthdays, and vacation visitation;
  (5) transportation of the child between the residences;
  (6) education;
  (7) religious training, if any;
  (8) access to the child’s educational, medical, psychiatric, and dental treatment records;
  (9) except in emergencies, the responsibility for medical, psychiatric, and dental treatment decisions;
  (10) communication between the child and the parents; and
  (11) the resolution of conflict, such as a recognized family counseling or mediation service, before application to the Court to resolve a conflict.
(d) In making its custody determination, the Court:
  (1) shall consider the parenting plans submitted by the parents in evaluating the factors set forth in subsection (a)(3) of this section in fashioning a custody order;
  (2) shall designate the parent(s) who will make the major decisions concerning the health, safety, and welfare of the child that need immediate attention; and
  (3) may order either or both parents to attend parenting classes.
(e) Joint custody shall not eliminate the responsibility for child support in accordance with the applicable child support guideline as set forth in § 16-916.01 .
(f) (1) An award of custody may be modified or terminated upon the motion of one or both parents, or on the Court’s own motion, upon a determination that there has been a substantial and material change in circumstances and that the modification or termination is in the best interest of the child.
  (2) When a motion to modify custody is filed, the burden of proof is on the party seeking a change, and the standard of proof shall be by a preponderance of the evidence.
  (3) The provisions of this chapter shall apply to motions to modify or terminate any award of custody filed after April 18, 1996.
(g) The Court, for good cause and upon its own motion, may appoint a guardian ad litem or an attorney, or both, to represent the minor child’s interests.
(h) The Court shall enter an order for any custody arrangement that is agreed to by both parents unless clear and convincing evidence indicates that the arrangement is not in the best interest of the minor child.
(i) An objection by one parent to any custody arrangement shall not be the sole basis for refusing the entry of an order that the Court determines is in the best interest of the minor child.
(j) The Court shall place on the record the specific factors and findings which justify any custody arrangement not agreed to by both parents.
(k) Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, no person shall be granted legal custody or physical custody of, or visitation with, a child if the person has been convicted of first degree sexual abuse, second degree sexual abuse, or child sexual abuse, and the child was conceived as a result of that violation. Nothing in this subsection shall be construed as abrogating or limiting the responsibility of a person described herein to pay child support.
D.C. Code § 16-1063 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 10A / § 16-1063
§ 16-1063. Petition; temporary anti-stalking order.
Status: in_force

(a) Upon receipt of a petition filed pursuant to § 16-1062 , the court shall:
  (1) Order that a hearing be held to determine whether to issue an anti-stalking order against the respondent; and
  (2) Where appropriate, consolidate the case with other matters before the court involving the same parties.
(b) When petitioning for an anti-stalking order, a petitioner or a person petitioning on the petitioner's behalf may also request that a temporary anti-stalking order be issued without notice to the respondent.
(c) If the petitioner or the person petitioning on the petitioner's behalf requests that the court issue a temporary anti-stalking order pursuant to subsection (b) of this section, the court shall grant or deny the request after a  hearing held on the same day that the request was made, unless the request is filed too late in the day to permit effective review, in which case the court shall grant or deny the request after a hearing held the next day the court is open.
(d) The court may issue a temporary anti-stalking order if the petitioner or the person petitioning on the petitioner's behalf establishes that the safety or welfare of the petitioner, the petitioner's household member, or an animal the petitioner owns, possesses, or has control of, is immediately endangered by the respondent.
(e) (1) A temporary anti-stalking order shall remain in effect for an initial period not to exceed 14 days.
  (2) The court may extend a temporary anti-stalking order as necessary to complete service and the hearing on the petition:
    (A) In 14-day increments;
    (B) In increments up to 28 days for good cause; or
    (C) For a longer time period with the consent of both parties.
(f) The court may modify or terminate a temporary anti-stalking order.
(g) If a respondent fails to appear for a hearing on a petition for an anti-stalking order after having been served with notice of the hearing, a petition, and a temporary anti-stalking order in accordance with the Rules of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, and the court issues an anti-stalking order in accordance with § 16-1063(d) , the temporary anti-stalking order shall remain in effect until the respondent is served with the anti-stalking order or the anti-stalking order expires, whichever occurs first.
(h) A temporary anti-stalking order may include any of the relief set forth in § 16-1064(c) .
(i) A temporary anti-stalking order issued pursuant to this section shall include a notice explaining that:
  (1) If the day on which the temporary anti-stalking order is set to expire falls on a Saturday, Sunday, a day observed as a holiday by the court, or a day on which weather or other conditions cause the court to be closed, the temporary anti-stalking order shall remain in effect until the end of the next day on which the court is open; and
  (2) If the respondent fails to appear for a hearing on a petition for an anti-stalking order, after having been served, and a final anti-stalking order is entered, the temporary anti-stalking order shall remain in effect until the respondent is served with the anti-stalking order or the anti-stalking order expires, whichever occurs first.
D.C. Code § 16-914.01 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 9 / § 16-914.01
§ 16-914.01. Retention of jurisdiction as to alimony, custody of children, and child support.
Status: in_force

After the issuance of a judgment, decree, or order granting custody, child support, or alimony, the Court retains jurisdiction for the entry of future orders modifying or terminating the initial judgment, decree, or order to the extent the retention of jurisdiction does not contravene other statutory provisions.
D.C. Code § 16-2334 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 23 / § 16-2334
§ 16-2334. Fingerprint records.
Status: in_force

(a) The contents or existence of law enforcement records and files of the fingerprints of a child shall not be disclosed by the custodians thereof, except—
  (1) to a law enforcement officer of the United States, the District of Columbia, or other jurisdiction for purposes of the investigation and trial of a criminal offense; or
  (2) pursuant to rule or special order of the court.
(b) When a child is transferred for criminal prosecution under section 16-2307, law enforcement records and files of his fingerprints relating to any matter so transferred shall be deemed those of an adult.
(c) No person shall disclose, inspect, or use records in violation of this section.
D.C. Code § 16-2933 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 29 / § 16-2933
§ 16-2933. Commencement; service; notice by posting.
Status: in_force

(a) (1) A cotenant in a tenancy in common may initiate an action under this subchapter by filing a complaint and shall name all cotenants as defendants.
  (2) In addition to any persons required to be named as defendants pursuant to paragraph (1) of this subsection, the plaintiff may name as defendants all persons unknown, claiming any legal or equitable right, title, estate, lien, or interest in the real property described in the complaint adverse to the plaintiff's title, or any cloud on the plaintiff's title to the real property.
  (3) The court on its own motion or on motion of any party may issue an order to require joinder of any additional parties that are necessary or proper.
(b) This subchapter shall not be construed to limit or affect the method by which service of a complaint in a partition action may be made.
(c) (1) If the court orders notice by publication, the plaintiff, not later than 10 days after the court's determination, shall post and maintain, while the action is pending, a conspicuous sign on the real property that is the subject of the action.
  (2) The sign shall state that the action has commenced and identify the name and address of the court and the street address of the real property, or other common designation, if any.
  (3) The court may require the plaintiff to publish on the sign the name of the plaintiff and the known defendants.
D.C. Code § 16-4701 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 47 / § 16-4701
§ 16-4701. Definitions.
Status: in_force

For the purpose of this chapter, the term “news media” means:
(1) Newspapers;
(2) Magazines;
(3) Journals;
(4) Press associations;
(5) News agencies;
(6) Wire services;
(7) Radio;
(8) Television; or
(9) Any printed, photographic, mechanical, or electronic means of disseminating news and information to the public.
D.C. Code § 16-5004 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 50 / § 16-5004
§ 16-5004. Payment of fees.
Status: repealed

Repealed.
D.C. Code § 16-2316 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 23 / § 16-2316
§ 16-2316. Conduct of hearings; evidence.
Status: in_force

(a) The Division shall, without a jury, hear and adjudicate cases involving delinquency, need of supervision, or neglect. The Corporation Counsel shall present evidence in support of all petitions arising under this subchapter and otherwise represent the District of Columbia in all proceedings.
(b) Evidence which is competent, material, and relevant shall be admissible at factfinding hearings. Evidence which is material and relevant shall be admissible at detention hearings, transfer hearings under section 16-2307, and dispositional hearings.
(c) Where the petition alleges a child is a neglected child by reason of abuse, evidence of illness or injury to a child who was in the custody of his or her parent, guardian, or custodian for which the parent, guardian or custodian can give no satisfactory explanation shall be sufficient to justify an inference of neglect.
(d) (1) Where the petition alleges a child is abandoned as referred to in section 16-2301(9)(A), as amended by this act, the following evidence shall be sufficient to justify an inference of neglect:
  (A) the child is a foundling whose parents have made no effort to maintain a parental relationship with the child and reasonable efforts have been made to identify the child and to locate the parents for a period of at least four (4) weeks since the child was found;
  (B) the child’s parent gave a false identity at the time of the child’s birth, since then has made no effort to maintain a parental relationship with the child and reasonable efforts have been made to locate the parent for a period of at least four (4) weeks since his or her disappearance;
  (C) the child’s parent, guardian or custodian is known but has abandoned the child in that he or she has made no reasonable effort to maintain a parental relationship with the child for a period of at least four (4) months; or
  (D) the child has resided 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 did not undertake any action or make any effort to maintain a parental, guardianship, or custodial relationship or contact with the child.
  (2) It shall not be necessary to prove that the parent, guardian or custodian intended to abandon the child or that he or she is now dead. However, if the judge is satisfied that there was a satisfactory explanation for the abandonment he or she need not enter a finding of neglect.
(e) (1) All hearings and proceedings under this subchapter shall be recorded by appropriate means.
  (2) Except in hearings to declare an adult in contempt of court, the general public shall be excluded from hearings arising under this subchapter.
  (3) Except as provided in paragraph (4) of this subsection, only persons necessary to the proceedings shall be admitted, but the Division may, pursuant to rule of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, after providing the Attorney General and respondent's counsel in a delinquency or PINS matter or the Attorney General and the guardian ad litem in a neglect matter with notice and the opportunity to be heard regarding the admission of non-necessary persons, admit such other persons (including members of the press) as have a proper interest in the case or the work of the court on condition that they refrain from divulging information identifying the child or members of the child’s family involved in the proceedings.
  (4) In cases involving delinquency proceedings, the victims and eyewitnesses and the immediate family members and custodians of the victims and eyewitnesses shall have a right to attend any transfer, plea, factfinding, disposition, or post-disposition hearing, subject to the rule on witnesses. Immediate family members and custodians of the victims and eyewitnesses shall have a right to be present during the victims’ or eyewitnesses’ testimony.
  (5) Any person who by virtue of this subsection attends a transfer, plea, factfinding, disposition, or post-disposition hearing shall be bound by the confidentiality requirements of sections 16-2331, 16-2332, and 16-2333, and shall be informed by the Division of these confidentiality requirements and the penalties for their violation as set out in section 16-2336.
(f) If the Division finds that it is in the best interest of the child, it may temporarily exclude him from any proceeding except a factfinding hearing. If the petition alleges neglect, the child may also be temporarily excluded from a factfinding hearing. In any case, counsel for the child may not be excluded.
D.C. Code § 16-4603.04 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 46 / § 16-4603.04
§ 16-4603.04. Temporary visitation.
Status: in_force

(a) A court of the District which does not have jurisdiction to modify a child-custody determination may issue a temporary order enforcing:
  (1) A visitation schedule made by a court of another state; or
  (2) The visitation provisions of a child-custody determination of another state that does not provide for a specific visitation schedule.
(b) If a court of the District makes an order under subsection (a)(2) of this section, it shall specify in the order a period that it considers adequate to allow the petitioner to obtain an order from a court having jurisdiction under the criteria specified in subchapter II of this chapter . The order remains in effect until an order is obtained from the other court or the period expires.
D.C. Code § 16-533 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 5 / § 16-533
§ 16-533. Attachment proceedings in Superior Court.
Status: in_force

The provisions of this Code relating to attachments apply to attachment proceedings in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia.
D.C. Code § 16-3301 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 33 / § 16-3301
§ 16-3301. Complaint; allegations; parties; service; decree.
Status: in_force

(a) When title to real property in the District of Columbia has become vested in a person by adverse possession, the holder thereof may file a complaint in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia to have the title perfected. In the complaint, it is sufficient to allege that the plaintiff holds the title to the property, and that it has vested in him, or in himself and in those under whom he claims, by adverse possession. In the action, it is not necessary to make any person a party defendant except those persons who appear to have a claim or title adverse to that of the plaintiff. Upon the trial of the cause, proof of the facts showing title in the plaintiff by adverse possession entitles him to decree of the court declaring his title by adverse possession, and a copy of the decree may be entered of record in the office of the Recorder of Deeds for the District.
(b) In an action pursuant to this section, if process is returned not to be found, notice by publication may be substituted as in the case of nonresident defendants. Subject to subsection (c) of this section, if it is unknown whether one who, if living, would be an adverse party, is living or dead, or, in the case of a decedent, whether he died testate or left heirs, or his heirs or devisees are unknown, the cause may be proceeded with pursuant to section 13-341.
(c) The rights of infants or others under legal disability shall be saved for a period of two years after the removal of their disabilities, but the entire period during which they shall be preserved may not exceed twenty-two years from the time they accrued, either in the plaintiff or in the persons under whom he claims.
D.C. Code § 16-3734 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 37 / § 16-3734
§ 16-3734. Failure of officer to obtain possession.
Status: repealed

Repealed.
D.C. Code § 16-2360 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 23 / § 16-2360
§ 16-2360. Disposition after termination.
Status: in_force

(a) If a judge finds that sufficient grounds exist for the termination of the parent and child relationship, the judge shall so order and decree and shall vest the legal custody of the child in a department, agency or institution.
(b) The department, agency or institution to which a child is committed after the termination of the parent and child relationship pursuant to this subchapter shall be responsible for seeking the prompt adoptive placement of the child and, if an adoptive placement has not been made within three (3) months, the department, agency, or institution shall list the child on all appropriate local, regional and national adoption exchanges. If an adoptive placement has not been made within six (6) months of the termination, a hearing shall be held and within every six (6) months thereafter the department, agency or institution shall report to the Division on its efforts to secure an adoptive placement, including but not limited to the following information:
  (1) the extent to which an adoption has been explored with the child’s foster parent and any reasons why an adoption by the foster parent is not appropriate;
  (2) all adoption exchanges with which the child has been listed and the date of each listing; and
  (3) the limitations placed on the families to be considered for the adoption of the child.
(c) The information provided pursuant to subsection (b) shall be provided to the guardian ad litem at least ten (10) days prior to a review hearing.
(d) A notice of a review hearing shall be given as prescribed by rules of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia to the child’s guardian ad litem. Any person with whom the child has been living for six (6) months or more shall be given notice of hearings and shall upon his or her request be joined as a party to a review hearing.
(e) If the Division finds that the department, agency or institution vested with the custody of the child is not making sufficient efforts to secure an adoptive placement for the child or that inappropriate limitations have been placed on potential adoptive families, the Division may order such additional efforts as it deems appropriate or may order that the imposition of inappropriate limitations be eliminated or may transfer the power to consent to an adoption together with the vestment of legal custody to any other licensed child placement agency.
D.C. Code § 16-706 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 7 / § 16-706
§ 16-706. Enforcement of judgments; commitment upon non-payment of fine.
Status: in_force

The Superior Court may enforce any of its judgments rendered in criminal cases by fine or imprisonment, or both. Except as otherwise provided by law, and subject to the relief provided in section 3569 of title 18, United States Code  , in any case where the court imposes a fine, the court may, in the event of default in the payment of the fine imposed, commit the defendant for a term not to exceed one year.
D.C. Code § 16-4013 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 40 / § 16-4013
§ 16-4013. Standards of professional responsibility and mandatory reporting not affected.
Status: in_force

This chapter does not affect:
(1) The professional responsibility obligations and standards applicable to a lawyer or other licensed professional; or
(2) The obligation of a person to report abuse, neglect, abandonment, or exploitation of a child or adult under the law of the District of Columbia.
D.C. Code § 16-4004 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 40 / § 16-4004
§ 16-4004. Collaborative law participation agreement; requirements.
Status: in_force

(a) A collaborative law participation agreement shall:
  (1) Be in a record;
  (2) Be signed by the parties;
  (3) State the parties’ intention to resolve a collaborative matter through a collaborative law process under this chapter;
  (4) Describe the nature and scope of the matter;
  (5) Identify the collaborative lawyer who represents each party in the process; and
  (6) Contain a statement by each collaborative lawyer confirming the lawyer’s representation of a party in the collaborative law process.
(b) The parties may agree to include in a collaborative law participation agreement additional provisions not inconsistent with this chapter.
D.C. Code § 16-4016 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 40 / § 16-4016
§ 16-4016. Confidentiality of collaborative law communication.
Status: in_force

A collaborative law communication is confidential to the extent agreed by the parties in a signed record or as provided by law of the District of Columbia other than this chapter.
D.C. Code § 16-2399.05 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 23 / § 16-2399.05
§ 16-2399.05. Conduct of the 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.
D.C. Code § 16-3102 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 31 / § 16-3102
§ 16-3102. Settlement of accounts as prima facie evidence only.
Status: in_force

Except as provided by section 16-3111  , in actions:
(1) for an accounting, by legatees or next to kin against personal representatives, or wards against their guardians; or
(2) to subject the real estate of decedents to the payment of their debts, by creditors against personal representatives, or against heirs or devisees —
a prior settlement of accounts in the Probate Court is only prima facie evidence as to the correctness of the accounts.
D.C. Code § 16-409 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 4 / § 16-409
§ 16-409. Effect of subsequent marriage or domestic partnership or dissolution of marriage or domestic partnership.
Status: in_force

A subsequent marriage or domestic partnership or dissolution thereof for either the surrogate or the intended parent or parents shall have no bearing on the validity of the surrogacy agreement or the child's parentage.
D.C. Code § 16-1044 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 10 / § 16-1044
§ 16-1044. Registration of order.
Status: in_force

(a) The Superior Court of the District of Columbia is authorized, subject to appropriations, to create a registry in the District of Columbia for foreign protection orders and protection orders issued in the District of Columbia.
(b) Any individual may register a foreign protection order in the District. To register a foreign protection order, an individual shall:
  (1) Present a certified copy of the order to the Superior Court; and
  (2) File an affidavit by the protected individual stating that, to the best of the protected individual’s knowledge, the order is currently in effect.
(c) When a registry is created pursuant to subsection (a) of this section, upon receipt of a foreign protection order, the Superior Court shall register the order in accordance with this section. After the order is registered, the Superior Court shall furnish to the individual registering the order a certified copy of the registered order. The Superior Court shall not notify or require notification of the respondent that the protection order has been registered in the District unless requested to do so by the party protected by the order.
(d) The Superior Court shall register an order upon presentation of a copy of a protection order that has been certified by the issuing State. A registered foreign protection order that is inaccurate or is not currently in effect shall be corrected or removed from the registry in accordance with the law of the District.
(e) A foreign protection order registered under this subchapter may be entered in any existing state or federal registry of protection orders, in accordance with applicable law.
(f) A fee may not be charged for the registration of a foreign protection order, nor may a fee be charged for service of a foreign order in the District of Columbia.
D.C. Code § 16-1101 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 11 / § 16-1101
§ 16-1101. Parties defendant; joint tenants and tenants in common.
Status: in_force

(a) A civil action based upon a cause of action in ejectment, may be brought against:
  (1) the person actually occupying the premises claimed, either in person or by tenant; or
  (2) both the claimant and his tenant, or other occupant claiming under him; or
  (3) if the premises are not actually occupied, a person exercising acts of ownership thereon adversely to the plaintiff.
When a lessee is made a defendant at the suit of a party claiming against the title of the lessee’s landlord, the landlord may appear and be made a party defendant in the place of his lessee.
Any person claiming to be in possession may, on motion, be admitted to defend the action.
(b) Joint tenants shall sue jointly in ejectment, but tenants in common may sue either jointly or separately, and any number of tenants in common, less than the whole number entitled, may sue jointly in reference to their undivided interests.
D.C. Code § 16-515 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 5 / § 16-515
§ 16-515. 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 directed by section 16-511 upon the debtor owing the debts. Execution may issue for the enforcement of the judgment or decree, notwithstanding the attachment, but the money collected upon the execution shall be paid into court to abide the event of the proceedings in attachment and applied as the court directs.
(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 § 16-3705 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 37 / § 16-3705
§ 16-3705. Failure of officer to obtain possession; procedure.
Status: in_force

When the officer’s return of a writ of replevin issued pursuant to this subchapter is that he has served the defendant with copies of the complaint, affidavit, and summons, but that he could not obtain possession of the goods and chattels sued for, the plaintiff may prosecute the action for the value of the property and damages for detention, or he may renew the writ in order to obtain possession of the goods and chattels themselves.
D.C. Code § 16-3104 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 31 / § 16-3104
§ 16-3104. Sequestration where person fails to appear.
Status: in_force

(a) If two summonses issued to a person by the Probate Court are regularly returned non est by the United States marshal and it is necessary to proceed further to compel the person’s attendance, the court may order and issue an attachment against his real and personal property. On return of the attachment, to which a schedule of the attached property, if any, shall be annexed, the court, by order, or commission under seal, may authorize a person or persons to take into his or their care and custody the property returned in the schedule, or a part thereof, and receive the profits thereof, to be accounted for, until the person summoned appears and obeys the order of the court, or until further order. If the marshal or other officer does not deliver the property accordingly, he is liable to be proceeded against as provided by this subsection.
(b) The persons authorized pursuant to subsection (a) of this section to take into their care and custody the property referred to shall first give bond with such security, and in such penalty, as the court directs. The bond shall be recorded, may be sued on, shall be on a footing with an administration bond, and shall be conditioned for rendering a true account of the estate or property, and of the profits thereof, and to deliver the property according to the order of the court, after deducting such allowance for loss, and such commission, not exceeding 5 per centum of the whole, as the court deems proper.
(c) When the purpose for which property sequestered under this section is answered, the court shall direct that the estate or property, and the profits, after making the deductions authorized by subsection (b) of this section, be restored to the person from whom the care and custody of the property were taken. When the person is dead, the court shall order the property to be delivered to his heirs, devisees or legal representatives, as soon as the purpose of the sequestration is answered, or immediately, on application, and on satisfying the court of the person’s right, if the purpose, after the death of the original person, can not be answered.
D.C. Code § 16-1315 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 13 / § 16-1315
§ 16-1315. Distribution of money deposited on declaration of taking; judgment for deficiency or overpayment; execution.
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 16-1314  , 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 or overpayment in the manner provided by subdivision (j) of rule 71A of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure.   A writ of execution may be issued on the judgment within the same time, and it shall have the same effect as a lien, and shall be executed and returned in the same manner, as if issued on any other judgment.
D.C. Code § 16-1311 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 13 / § 16-1311
§ 16-1311. Condemnation proceedings by District of Columbia.
Status: in_force

When real property in the District of Columbia is needed by the Mayor of the District of Columbia for sites of schoolhouses, fire or police stations, rights-of-way for roads, highways, streets and alleys or parts thereof, rights-of-way for water mains or sewers, or any other authorized municipal use, and that property cannot be acquired by purchase from the owners thereof at a price satisfactory to the officers of the District authorized to negotiate for the property, a complaint may be filed in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia in the name of the District of Columbia for the condemnation of the property or rights-of-way and the ascertainment of its value.
D.C. Code § 16-2328 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 23 / § 16-2328
§ 16-2328. Interlocutory appeals.
Status: in_force

(a) A child who has been ordered transferred for criminal prosecution under section 16-2307 or detained or placed in shelter care or subjected to conditions of release under section 16-2312, may, within two days of the date of entry of the Division’s order, file a notice of interlocutory appeal.
(b) The District of Columbia Court of Appeals shall (1) hear argument on an appeal under subsection (a) on or before the third day (excluding Sundays) after the filing of notice under that subsection, (2) dispense with any requirement of written briefs other than the supporting materials previously submitted to the Division, and (3) render its decision on or before the next day following argument on appeal. The court may in rendering its decision dispense with the issuance of a written opinion.
(c) In cases involving transfer for criminal prosecution, the pendency of an interlocutory appeal shall act to stay criminal proceedings. Until the time for filing an interlocutory appeal has lapsed, or if an appeal is filed until its completion, no child who has been ordered transferred for criminal prosecution shall be removed to a place of adult detention, except as provided in section 16-2313, or otherwise treated as an adult.
(d) The decision of the District of Columbia Court of Appeals shall be final.
D.C. Code § 16-1055 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 10 / § 16-1055
§ 16-1055. Subpoena power.
Status: in_force

(a) When necessary for the discharge of its duties, the Board shall have the authority to issue subpoenas to compel witnesses to appear and testify and to produce books, papers, correspondence, memoranda, documents, or other relevant records.
(b) Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, subpoenas hall be served personally upon the witness or his or her designated agent, not less than 5 business days before the date the witness must appear or the documents must be produced, by one of the following methods, which may be attempted concurrently or successively:
  (1) By a special process server, at least 18 years of age, designated by the Board from among the staff of the Board or any of the offices or organizations represented on the Board; provided, that the special process server is not directly involved in the investigation; or
  (2) By a special process server, at least 18 years of age, engaged by the Board.
(c) If, after a reasonable attempt, personal service on a witness or witness’ agent cannot be obtained, a special process server identified in subsection (b) of this section may serve a subpoena by registered or certified mail not less than 8 business days before the date the witness must appear or the documents must be produced.
(d) If a witness who has been personally summoned neglects or refuses to obey the subpoena issued pursuant to subsection (a) of this section, the Board may report that fact to the Superior Court of the District of Columbia and the court may compel obedience to the subpoena to the same extent as witnesses may be compelled to obey the subpoenas of the court.
D.C. Code § 16-403 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 4 / § 16-403
§ 16-403. Collaborative reproduction authorized.
Status: in_force

An intended parent or parents shall be recognized as the parent or parents of a child; provided, that the surrogate and the intended parent or parents comply with the requirements of this chapter.
D.C. Code § 16-4412 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 44 / § 16-4412
§ 16-4412. Disclosure by arbitrator.
Status: in_force

(a) Before accepting appointment, an individual who is requested to serve as an arbitrator, after making a reasonable inquiry, shall disclose to all parties to the agreement to arbitrate and arbitration proceeding, and to any other arbitrators, any known facts that a reasonable person would consider likely to affect the impartiality of the arbitrator in the arbitration proceeding, including:
  (1) A financial or personal interest in the outcome of the arbitration proceeding; and
  (2) An existing or past relationship with any of the parties to the agreement to arbitrate or the arbitration proceeding, their counsel or representatives, a witness, or other arbitrators.
(b) An arbitrator has a continuing obligation to disclose to all parties to the agreement to arbitrate and arbitration proceeding, and to any other arbitrators, any facts that the arbitrator learns after accepting appointment which a reasonable person would consider likely to affect the impartiality of the arbitrator.
(c) If an arbitrator discloses a fact required by subsection (a) or (b) of this section to be disclosed and a party timely objects to the appointment or continued service of the arbitrator based upon the fact disclosed, the objection may be a ground under § 16-4423(a)(2) for vacating an award made by the arbitrator.
(d) If the arbitrator did not disclose a fact as required by subsection (a) or (b) of this section, upon timely objection by a party, the court, under § 16-4423(a)(2) , may vacate an award.
(e) An arbitrator appointed as a neutral arbitrator who does not disclose a known, direct, and material interest in the outcome of the arbitration proceeding or a known, existing, and substantial relationship with a party is presumed to act with evident partiality under § 16-4423(a)(2) .
(f) If the parties to an arbitration proceeding agree to the procedures of an arbitration organization or any other procedures for challenges to arbitrators before an award is made, substantial compliance with those procedures is a condition precedent to a motion to vacate an award on that ground under § 16-4423(a)(2) .
D.C. Code § 16-1053 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 10 / § 16-1053
§ 16-1053. Composition of the Board; procedural requirements.
Status: in_force

(a) The Mayor shall appoint one representative from each of the following District agencies:
  (1) Metropolitan Police Department;
  (2) Office of the Chief Medical Examiner;
  (3) Office of the Attorney General;
  (4) Department of Corrections;
  (5) Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department;
  (6) Department of Behavioral Health;
  (7) Department of Health;
  (8) Child and Family Services Agency;
  (9) Mayor’s Commission on Violence Against Women;
  (10) The Office of Victim Services and Justice Grants; and
  (11) The Office of Unified Communications.
(b) The Mayor shall appoint, or request the designation of, members from federal, judicial, and private agencies or entities with expertise in domestic violence, to include one representative from each of the following:
  (1) Superior Court of the District of Columbia;
  (2) Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Columbia;
  (3) District of Columbia hospitals;
  (4) University legal clinics;
  (5) Domestic violence housing organizations;
  (6) Domestic violence advocacy organizations; and
  (7) The federally recognized state coalition for domestic violence.
(c) The Mayor shall additionally appoint 8 community representatives, none of whom shall be employees of the District, in accordance with [§ 1-523.01(f)] .
(d) Governmental appointees shall serve at the will of the Mayor, or of the federal or judicial body designating their availability for appointment. Community representatives shall serve for 3-year terms.
(e) Vacancies in membership shall be filled in the same manner in which the original appointment was made.
(f) The Board shall select a Chairperson according to rules set forth by the Board.
(g) The Board shall establish quorum and other procedural requirements as it considers necessary.
D.C. Code § 16-5602 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 56 / § 16-5602
§ 16-5602. Definitions.
Status: in_force

(a) For the purposes of this chapter , the term:
  (1) "Arbitration agreement" means an agreement that subjects a family law dispute to arbitration.
  (2) "Arbitration organization" means an association, agency, board, commission, or other entity that is neutral and initiates, sponsors, or administers an arbitration or is involved in the selection of an arbitrator.
  (3) "Arbitrator" means an individual selected, alone or with others, to make an award in a family law dispute that is subject to an arbitration agreement.
  (4) "Child-related dispute" means a family law dispute regarding legal custody, physical custody, custodial responsibility, parental responsibility or authority, parenting time, right to access, visitation, or financial support regarding a child.
  (5) "Family law dispute" means a contested issue arising under the domestic relations law of the District.
  (6) "Party" means an individual who signs an arbitration agreement and whose rights will be determined by an award.
  (7) "Person" means an individual, estate, business or nonprofit entity, public corporation, government or governmental subdivision, agency, or instrumentality, or any other legal entity.
  (8) "Record" means, when used as a noun, 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, with present intent to authenticate or adopt a record:
    (A) To execute or adopt a tangible symbol; or
    (B) To attach to or logically associate with the record an electronic symbol, sound, or process.
  (10) "State" means a state of the United States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the United States Virgin Islands, or any territory or insular possession subject to the jurisdiction of the United States.
  (11) "Superior Court" means the Superior Court of the District of Columbia.
D.C. Code § 16-1358 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 13 / § 16-1358
§ 16-1358. Oath of jurors.
Status: in_force

The jurors selected and impaneled, as provided by section 16-1357  , shall take an oath or affirmation, administered by the court, that they:
(1) are not interested in any manner in the property to be condemned;
(2) are not, to their knowledge, related to any person interested in the property; and
(3) will, impartially and to the best of their judgment, ascertain, appraise, and award just compensation for the property to be condemned and taken in the proceeding.
D.C. Code § 16-547 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 5 / § 16-547
§ 16-547. Retention of property or credits by garnishee.
Status: in_force

Where the property or credits attached or sought to be attached are held by the garnishee in the name of or for the account of a person other than the defendant, the garnishee shall retain the property or credits during the period pending determination by the court of the propriety of the attachment or the rightful owner of the property or credits. During that period the garnishee shall incur no liability whatsoever for the retention.
D.C. Code § 16-1312 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 13 / § 16-1312
§ 16-1312. Juries for condemnation proceedings.
Status: in_force

For purposes of this subchapter, a special jury list shall be prepared of not less than one hundred persons who are qualified jurors in the District of Columbia. When a jury is required for a condemnation proceeding under this subchapter, the names of such number of persons as may be necessary shall be selected from this list by lot and furnished to the Superior Court.
D.C. Code § 16-711 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 7 / § 16-711
§ 16-711. Restitution or reparation.
Status: in_force

(a) In criminal cases in the Superior Court, the court may, in addition to any other sentence imposed as a condition of probation or as a sentence itself, require a person convicted of any offense to make reasonable restitution or reparation.
(b) When restitution or reparation is ordered, the court shall take into consideration the number of victims, the actual damage of each victim, the resources of the defendant, the defendant’s ability to earn, any obligation of the defendant to support dependents, and other matters as pertain to the defendant’s ability to make restitution or reparation.
(c) The court shall fix the manner of performing restitution or reparation.
(d) At any time during the probation period or period of restitution or reparation, the defendant may request and the court may grant a hearing on any matter related to the plan of restitution or reparation.
D.C. Code § 16-1902 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 19 / § 16-1902
§ 16-1902. Service of writ; return.
Status: in_force

A writ of habeas corpus issued pursuant to this chapter shall be served by delivering it to the officer or other person to whom it is directed, or by leaving it at the prison or place at which the party suing it out is detained. The officer or other person shall forthwith, or within such reasonable time as the court or judge directs:
(1) make return of the writ and cause the person detained to be brought before the court or judge, according to the command of the writ; and
(2) certify the true cause of his detainer or imprisonment, if any, and under what color or pretense he is confined or restrained of his liberty.
D.C. Code § 16-3903 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 39 / § 16-3903
§ 16-3903. Fees and costs; waiver.
Status: in_force

Fees for processing actions in the Small Claims Branch shall be set as the court prescribes. The judge sitting in the Branch may waive the prepayment of costs or the payment of costs accruing during the action upon the sworn statement of the plaintiff or upon other satisfactory evidence of his inability to pay the costs. When costs are so waived the notation to be made on the records of the Branch shall be “Prepayment of costs waived,” or “Costs waived.” The term “pauper” or “in forma pauperis” may not be employed in the Branch. If a party fails to pay accrued costs, though able to do so, the judge may deny him the right to file a new case in the Branch while the costs remain unpaid, and likewise deny him the right to proceed further in any case pending in the Branch.
D.C. Code § 16-1704 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 17 / § 16-1704
§ 16-1704. Cheating at gambling.
Status: in_force

Whoever, at any one time or sitting, by fraud or false pretense, while playing any game, or while having a share in a wager played for, or while betting on the sides or hands of persons who play, wins, or acquires to himself or to any other person, above the sum or value of $25, shall, upon conviction of the offense, forfeit five times the value of the sum of money or other thing so won, and shall be deemed infamous.
The penalty prescribed by this section may be recovered in a civil action by the persons specified by, and in the manner provided by, section 16-1702  .
D.C. Code § 16-4429 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 44 / § 16-4429
§ 16-4429. Relationship 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. 467; 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 § 16-5501 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 55 / § 16-5501
§ 16-5501. Definitions.
Status: in_force

For the purposes of this chapter, the term:
(1) “Act in furtherance of the right of advocacy on issues of public interest” means:
  (A) Any written or oral statement made:
    (i) In connection with an issue under consideration or review by a legislative, executive, or judicial body, or any other official proceeding authorized by law; or
    (ii) In a place open to the public or a public forum in connection with an issue of public interest; or
  (B) Any other expression or expressive conduct that involves petitioning the government or communicating views to members of the public in connection with an issue of public interest.
(2) “Claim” includes any civil lawsuit, claim, complaint, cause of action, cross-claim, counterclaim, or other civil judicial pleading or filing requesting relief.
(3) “Issue of public interest” means an issue related to health or safety; environmental, economic, or community well-being; the District government; a public figure; or a good, product, or service in the market place. The term “issue of public interest” shall not be construed to include private interests, such as statements directed primarily toward protecting the speaker’s commercial interests rather than toward commenting on or sharing information about a matter of public significance.
(4) “Personal identifying information” shall have the same meaning as provided in § 22-3227.01(3) .
D.C. Code § 16-3701 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 37 / § 16-3701
§ 16-3701. Demand prior to action; costs.
Status: in_force

In an action of replevin brought to recover personal property to which the plaintiff is entitled, that is alleged to have been wrongfully taken by or to be in the possession of and wrongfully detained by the defendant, it is not necessary to demand possession of the property before bringing the action; but the costs of the action may be awarded as the court orders.
D.C. Code § 16-1117 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 11 / § 16-1117
§ 16-1117. New trial as to assessment.
Status: in_force

Either party who feels aggrieved by the assessment provided for by section 16-1116  , may, within four days after the verdict, move to set the assessment aside, and the court may, for good cause shown, set the verdict aside and order another jury to be empaneled in the cause to make a new assessment.
D.C. Code § 16-2362 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 23 / § 16-2362
§ 16-2362. Decrees.
Status: in_force

(a) Every order of the Division terminating the parent and child relationship shall be in writing and shall recite the findings upon which such order is based, including findings pertaining to the court’s jurisdiction.
(b) Notwithstanding the provisions of § 16-2330 , all orders terminating the parent and child relationship entered pursuant to this subchapter shall not be final and effective until the time for noting an appeal has expired and, if a notice of appeal has been entered, the order shall not become effective until the date of the final disposition of the appeal.
D.C. Code § 16-2365 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 23 / § 16-2365
§ 16-2365. Termination decrees of other jurisdictions.
Status: in_force

If the parent and child relationship has been terminated by judicial decree in another jurisdiction that decree, unless it is against the public policy of the District of Columbia, shall have the same force and effect in the District of Columbia as to matters within the jurisdiction of the District of Columbia court.
D.C. Code § 16-4420 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 44 / § 16-4420
§ 16-4420. Change of award by arbitrator.
Status: in_force

(a) On motion to an arbitrator by a party to an arbitration proceeding, the arbitrator may modify or correct an award:
  (1) Upon a ground stated in § 16-4424(a)(1) or (3);
  (2) Because the arbitrator has not made a final and definite award upon a claim submitted by the parties to the arbitration proceeding; or
  (3) To clarify the award.
(b) A motion under subsection (a) of this section shall be made and notice given to all parties within 20 days after the movant receives notice of the award.
(c) A party to the arbitration proceeding shall give notice of any objection to the motion within 10 days after receipt of the notice.
(d) If a motion to the court is pending under § 16-4422 , 16-4423, or 16-4424, the court may submit the claim to the arbitrator to consider whether to modify or correct the award:
  (1) Upon a ground stated in § 16-4424(a)(1) or (3);
  (2) Because the arbitrator has not made a final and definite award upon a claim submitted by the parties to the arbitration proceeding; or
  (3) To clarify the award.
(e) An award modified or corrected pursuant to this section is subject to §§ 16-4419(a) , 16-4422 , 16-4423 , and 16-4424 .
D.C. Code § 16-4401 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 44 / § 16-4401
§ 16-4401. Definitions.
Status: in_force

For the purposes of this chapter, the term:
(1) “Arbitration organization” means an association, agency, board, commission, or other entity that is neutral and initiates, sponsors, or administers an arbitration proceeding or is involved in the appointment of an arbitrator.
(2) “Arbitrator” means an individual appointed to render an award, alone or with others, in a controversy that is subject to an agreement to arbitrate.
(3) “Consumer” means a party to an arbitration agreement who, in the context of that arbitration agreement, is an individual, not a business, who seeks or acquires, including by lease, any goods or services primarily for personal, family, or household purposes including, but not limited to, financial services, healthcare services, or real property.
(4) “Consumer arbitration agreement” means a standardized contract, written by one party, with a provision requiring that disputes arising after the contract’s signing shall be submitted to binding arbitration, and the other party is a consumer.
(5) “Court” means the Superior Court of the District of Columbia.
(6) “Financial interest” means:
  (A) Holding a position in a business as officer, director, trustee, or partner, or holding any position in management of the business; or
  (B) Ownership of more than 5% interest in a business.
(7) “Knowledge” means actual knowledge.
(8) “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.
(9) “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 § 16-831.05 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 8A / § 16-831.05
§ 16-831.05. Parental presumption.
Status: in_force

(a) Except when a parent consents to the relief sought by the third party, there is a rebuttable presumption in all proceedings under this chapter that custody with the parent is in the child’s best interests.
(b) If the court grants custody of the child to a third party over parental objection, the court order shall include written findings of fact supporting the rebuttal of the parental presumption.
D.C. Code § 16-2399.04 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 23 / § 16-2399.04
§ 16-2399.04. Timing and notice.
Status: in_force

(a) When a petition for guardianship is filed, the court shall promptly set a time for an adjudicatory hearing, as soon as administratively feasible, and shall cause notice thereof to be given to all parties and their attorneys.
(b) When it is appropriate to the proper disposition of the case, the court may direct the service of a summons upon other persons.
(c) If personal service under this section cannot be effected, then notice shall be made constructively pursuant to rules of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia.
D.C. Code § 16-4505 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 45 / § 16-4505
§ 16-4505. Notice to persons outside the District; submission to jurisdiction.
Status: repealed

Repealed.
D.C. Code § 16-411 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 4 / § 16-411
§ 16-411. Effect of withdrawal of consent.
Status: in_force

Either the surrogate or the intended parent or parents may withdraw consent to collaborative reproduction. The withdrawal shall be:
(1) In accordance with the terms of the surrogacy agreement;
(2) In writing;
(3) Delivered to:
  (A) All parties to the surrogacy agreement and, if applicable, to the assisted reproduction center by certified mail with receipt acknowledged by the parties and the assisted reproduction center or by hand delivery with a witness to each hand delivery; and
  (B) The Superior Court of the District of Columbia, if an order of parentage has been issued; and
(4) In the case of a child born by a traditional surrogate, within 48 hours after the birth of the child.
D.C. Code § 16-401 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 4 / § 16-401
§ 16-401. Definitions.
Status: in_force

For the purposes of this chapter, the term:
(1) "Ancillary expenses" means those expenses that a surrogate incurs due to the surrogacy, including legal and counseling expenses, actual lost wages, compensation for risk, inconvenience, forbearance, or restriction from usual activities, insurance premiums, expenses associated with recovery, childcare expenses, housekeeping expenses, birthing classes, nutritional expenses, maternity clothing, and travel expenses incurred during the pregnancy and directly related to the surrogacy.
(2) "Assisted reproduction" or "assisted reproductive technology" means the treatments or procedures that include handling both eggs and sperm and embryos by a medical professional for the purpose of establishing a pregnancy.
(3) "Assisted reproduction center" means the medical facility that performs the medical procedures related to collaborative reproduction.
(4) "Child" means a child who is born as the result of collaborative reproduction.
(5) "Collaborative reproduction" means assisted reproduction that involves a surrogate or a donor and an intended parent or parents. The term "collaborative reproduction" does not include the birth of a child conceived by means of sexual intercourse or the birth of a child conceived through assisted reproduction by an individual or couple who use their own gametes and intend to gestate and parent the child themselves.
(6) "Domestic partner" shall have the same meaning as provided in [ [§ 32-701(3)] ].
(7) "Domestic partnership" shall have the same meaning as provided in [ [§ 32-701(4)] ].
(8) "Donor" means a person other than an intended parent who contributes gametes or embryos for use in collaborative reproduction, including a traditional surrogate.
(9) "Embryo" means one or more fertilized eggs before week 8 of a pregnancy.
(10) "Embryo transfer" means the medical procedure of transferring an embryo to a uterus.
(11) "Fertilization" means a multi-step process that results in the formation of a zygote by the union of a sperm and an egg.
(12) "Fetus" means an embryo that has developed during the period of gestation between 8 weeks and the birth of the child.
(13) "Gamete" means a male (sperm) or female (egg) human reproductive cell.
(14) "Gestational surrogate" means an individual who is not the intended parent,  who has not provided the egg used to form any embryo that is transferred to the gestational surrogate's uterus, and who agrees to become pregnant, gestate, and deliver, through collaborative reproduction, the intended parent's child on behalf of the intended parent.
(15) "Insemination" means either intracervical insemination, the fertility treatment that involves the placing of sperm inside a vagina to facilitate fertilization, or intrauterine insemination, the fertility treatment that involves the placing of sperm inside a uterus to facilitate fertilization. The term "insemination" does not include the placement of sperm inside a vagina through sexual intercourse.
(16) "Intended parent" means an individual, married or unmarried, who manifests the intent in a written agreement to be legally bound as the parent of a child.
(17) "Medical evaluation" means an evaluation and consultation by a medical professional.
(18) "Medical expenses" means those expenses not otherwise covered by medical insurance that a surrogate incurs due to the medical effects of surrogacy, including expenses directly related to the pregnancy and expenses related to complications or other medical issues arising from the pregnancy.
(19) "Order of parentage" means a judgment by a court of competent jurisdiction in which the parent of a child is declared.
(20) "Parent" means an individual who is legally recognized to have all rights provided under District law with respect to a child.
(21) "Surrogacy agreement" means a written contract between a surrogate, the surrogate's spouse or domestic partner, if any, and the intended parent or parents, pursuant to which the intended parent or parents shall be recognized as the parent or parents of the child.
(22) "Surrogate" means an individual who is not the intended parent and does not intend to parent the child, but who agrees to become pregnant on behalf of an intended parent through collaborative reproduction with the intention of gestating and delivering the intended parent's child. The term "surrogate" includes a gestational and traditional surrogate.
(23) "Traditional surrogate" means an individual who is not the intended parent and does not intend to parent the child, but who agrees to donate their own egg and to become pregnant, gestate, and deliver, through collaborative reproduction, the intended parent's child on behalf of the intended parent.
(24) "Zygote" means a single cell resulting from fertilization of an egg by sperm.
D.C. Code § 16-4523 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 45 / § 16-4523
§ 16-4523. International application.
Status: repealed

Repealed.
D.C. Code § 16-2823 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 28 / § 16-2823
§ 16-2823. Mediators.
Status: in_force

(a) The court shall assign the parties to court-provided mediation and provide a roster of medical malpractice mediators from which the parties may hire an eligible medical malpractice mediator. In the alternative, all parties can agree to hire another individual outside the roster. To be eligible for inclusion in the roster of medical malpractice mediators, an individual shall be a judge or lawyer with at least 10 years of significant experience in medical malpractice litigation.
(b) If the parties cannot agree on the selection of a mediator, the court shall appoint one.
D.C. Code § 16-906 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 9 / § 16-906
§ 16-906. Causes for absolute divorce arising after decree for separation.
Status: in_force

Where a legal separation has been decreed the court may afterwards decree an absolute divorce between the parties for any cause arising since the first decree and sufficient to entitle the complaining party to the second decree.
D.C. Code § 16-2702 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 27 / § 16-2702
§ 16-2702. Party plaintiff; statute of limitations.
Status: in_force

An action pursuant to this chapter shall be brought by and in the name of the personal representative of the deceased person, and within 2 years after the death of the person injured.
D.C. Code § 16-4516 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 45 / § 16-4516
§ 16-4516. Registry of out-of-state custody decrees and proceedings.
Status: repealed

Repealed.
D.C. Code § 16-2932 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 29 / § 16-2932
§ 16-2932. Applicability.
Status: in_force

(a) Real property shall be partitioned under this subchapter unless all the cotenants agree otherwise in a record.
(b) This subchapter shall apply to partition actions filed on or after [February 23, 2023].
D.C. Code § 16-507 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 5 / § 16-507
§ 16-507. Property subject to attachment; liens; priorities.
Status: in_force

(a) An attachment may be levied on the lands and tenements, and personal chattels of the defendant not exempt by law, whether in the defendant’s or a third person’s possession, and whether the defendant’s title to the property is legal or equitable, and upon his credits in the hands of a third person, whether due and payable or not, and upon his undivided interest in a partnership business.
(b) An attachment shall be a lien on the property attached from the date of its delivery to the marshal. When different persons obtain attachments against the same defendant the priorities of the liens of the attachments shall be according to the dates when they were so delivered to the marshal.
D.C. Code § 16-4306 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 43 / § 16-4306
§ 16-4306. Representation by attorney.
Status: repealed

Repealed.
D.C. Code § 16-1904 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 19 / § 16-1904
§ 16-1904. Forfeiture and penalty for failure to produce.
Status: in_force

If an officer or other person to whom a writ of habeas corpus is directed neglects or refuses to:
(1) make return of the writ; or
(2) bring the body of the person detained —
according to the command of the writ, he shall forfeit to the person detained the sum of $500, and be liable to attachment and punishment as for a contempt.
D.C. Code § 16-4603.09 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 46 / § 16-4603.09
§ 16-4603.09. Service of petition and order.
Status: in_force

Except as otherwise provided in §§ 16-306 (adoptions), 16-2306 (neglect proceedings), 16-2357 (termination of parental rights), and 16-4603.11 (custody under emergency circumstances), the petition and order must be served upon respondent and any person who has physical custody of the child by any method authorized for the service of complaints under the rules for domestic relations proceedings adopted by the Board of Judges of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia.
D.C. Code § 16-4522 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 45 / § 16-4522
§ 16-4522. Request for court records of another state.
Status: repealed

Repealed.
D.C. Code § 16-3731 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 37 / § 16-3731
§ 16-3731. Jurisdiction; form of complaint.
Status: repealed

Repealed.
D.C. Code § 16-2322 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 23 / § 16-2322
§ 16-2322. Limitation of time on dispositional orders.
Status: in_force

(a) (1) A dispositional order vesting legal custody of a neglected child in a department, agency, or institution shall remain in force for an indeterminate period not exceeding two years. Unless the order specifies that release is permitted only by order of the Division, the department, agency, or institution may release the child at any time that it appears the purpose of the disposition order has been achieved.
  (2) An order vesting legal custody of a child in an individual other than his or her parent shall remain in force for two years unless sooner terminated by order of the Division.
  (3) An order of probation or a protective supervision order shall remain in force for a period not exceeding one year from the date entered, but the Director of Social Services or the agency providing supervision may terminate supervision at any time that it appears the purpose of the order has been achieved.
  (4) A dispositional order vesting legal custody of a child adjudicated delinquent  in a department, agency, or institution shall remain in force for an indeterminate period not to exceed the youth’s twenty-first birthday. Unless the order sets a minimum period for commitment of the child, or specifies that release is permitted only by order of the Division, the department, agency, or institution may release the child at any time that it appears the purpose of the disposition order has been achieved.
  (5) Subject to subsection (f) of this section, a dispositional order vesting legal custody of a child adjudicated in need of supervision in a department, agency, or institution shall remain in force for an indeterminate period not to exceed the child's 18th birthday. Unless the order sets a minimum period for commitment of the child, or specifies that release is permitted only by order of the Division, the department, agency, or institution may release the child at any time that it appears the purpose of the disposition order has been achieved.
(b) A dispositional order vesting legal custody of a neglected child in an agency or institution may be extended for additional periods of one year upon motion of the department, agency, or institution to which the child was committed, if, after notice and hearing, the Division finds that the extension is necessary to safeguard the welfare of the child.
(c) Any other dispositional order may be extended for additional periods of one year, upon motion of the Director of Social Services or the Attorney General, if, after notice and hearing, the Division finds that extension is necessary to protect the interest of the child.
(d) A release or termination of an order prior to expiration of the order pursuant to subsection (a)(1) or (3), shall promptly be reported in writing to the Division.
(e) Upon termination of a dispositional order a child shall be notified in writing of its termination. Upon termination of an order or release a child shall be notified, in accordance with rules of the Superior Court, of his or her right to move for the sealing of his or her records as provided in section 16-2335.
(f) (1) Unless sooner terminated, all orders of the Division under this subchapter in force with respect to a child terminate when the child reaches twenty-one years of age, except that orders under this subchapter in force with respect to a child adjudicated in need of supervision, but not delinquent, terminate when the child reaches 18 years of age.
  (2) Orders in force as of May 10, 2019, with respect to a child who is adjudicated in need of supervision, but not delinquent, shall terminate immediately for any child who is 18 years of age or older and, for any other child, when that child reaches 18 years of age.
D.C. Code § 16-4428 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 44 / § 16-4428
§ 16-4428. 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 § 16-3709 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 37 / § 16-3709
§ 16-3709. Notice to officer of intention to move for return; duty of officer; time of motion.
Status: in_force

If the defendant in an action of replevin notifies the officer taking possession of the property, in writing, of his intention to make either of the motions specified by section 16-3708  , the officer shall retain possession of the property until the motion is disposed of, if the motion is filed and notice given, as provided by section 16-3708  , to the plaintiff or his attorney, within two days thereafter.
D.C. Code § 16-2336 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 23 / § 16-2336
§ 16-2336. Unlawful disclosure of records; penalties.
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 sections 16-2331   through 16-2335 and 16-2335.02  , shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof, shall be fined of not more than the amount set forth in [ § 22-3571.01 ] or imprisoned not more than ninety days, or both. Violations of this section shall be prosecuted by the Corporation Counsel in the name of the District of Columbia.
D.C. Code § 16-2363 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 23 / § 16-2363
§ 16-2363. Confidentiality of records.
Status: in_force

The provisions of §§ 16-2332 and 16-2333 shall apply to all juvenile case records and juvenile social records as defined therein which are created pursuant to the proceedings under this subchapter.
D.C. Code § 16-5603 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 56 / § 16-5603
§ 16-5603. Scope.
Status: in_force

(a) This chapter governs arbitration of a family law dispute.
(b) This chapter does not authorize an arbitrator to make an award that:
  (1) Grants a legal separation, divorce, or annulment;
  (2) Terminates parental rights;
  (3) Grants an adoption or a guardianship of a child or incapacitated individual; or
  (4) Determines the status of a child in need of protection.
D.C. Code § 16-916.03 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 9 / § 16-916.03
§ 16-916.03. Proceedings in which child support matters may be considered.
Status: in_force

The court may consider child support matters, as it deems appropriate, in any proceeding to determine the care and custody of a minor child or children.
D.C. Code § 16-1025 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 10 / § 16-1025
§ 16-1025. Prosecution by Attorney General.
Status: in_force

Prosecutions under this subchapter shall be brought in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia in name of the District by the Corporation Counsel.
D.C. Code § 16-4808 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 48 / § 16-4808
§ 16-4808. Notice.
Status: in_force

(a) The petitioner shall notify any person named in the designation within 10 days of the filing of the petition of any hearing on that petition. Notice shall be attempted on all other persons who are entitled to notice under §§ 16-4501 through 16-4524 [repealed].
(b) Notice shall be by summons, including a copy of the designation, the petition, and documents required by this section.
(c) Notice is sufficient by mailing a copy of the executed copy of the petition, the designation, and other documents required by § 16-4805(b) to those persons entitled to notice under this section. The mailing shall be by certified mail, restricted delivery, return receipt requested to the current or last-known address of a person entitled to notice.
(d) Notice may also be given in any other manner calculated to give notice and not prohibited by statute or court rule.
(e) If the petition alleges that a parent, legal custodian, or guardian cannot be located, reasonable efforts, such as those required in legal custody cases as described in § 13-336 , shall be made by the petitioner to locate the other parents. Such efforts must be reported to the court.
D.C. Code § 16-2302 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 23 / § 16-2302
§ 16-2302. Transfer of criminal matters to Family Division.
Status: in_force

(a) If it appears to a court, during the pendency of a criminal charge and before the time when jeopardy would attach in the case of an adult, that a minor defendant was a child at the time of an alleged offense, the court shall forthwith transfer the charge against the defendant, together with all papers and documents connected therewith, to the Division. All action taken by the court prior to transfer of the case shall be deemed null and void unless the Division transfers the child for criminal prosecution under section 16-2307.
(b) If at the time of an alleged offense, a minor defendant was a child but this fact is not discovered by the court until after jeopardy has attached, the court shall proceed to verdict. If judgment has not been entered, the court shall determine on the basis of the criteria in section 16-2307(e) whether to enter judgment or to refer the case to the Division for disposition. If judgment has been entered, it shall not be set aside on the ground of the defendant’s age unless the court, after hearing, determines that (1) neither the defendant nor his counsel, prior to the entry of judgment, had reason to believe that defendant was under the age of eighteen years, and (2) the defendant would not have been transferred for criminal prosecution if his age had been known and the procedure set forth in section 16-2307 had been followed. If the judgment is set aside, the case shall be referred to the Division for disposition. The disposition and all prior proceedings in any court of any case referred to the Division for disposition pursuant to this section shall be subject to the confidentiality provisions of sections 16-2331 through 16-2336.
(c) The court making a transfer shall order the minor to be taken forthwith to the Division or to a place of detention designated for children by the Division. The Division shall then proceed as provided in this subchapter.
(d) Nothing in this section shall affect the jurisdiction of a court over a person twenty-one years of age or older.
D.C. Code § 16-5613 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 56 / § 16-5613
§ 16-5613. Powers and duties of arbitrator.
Status: in_force

(a) An arbitrator shall conduct an arbitration in a manner the arbitrator considers appropriate for a fair and expeditious disposition of the dispute.
(b) An arbitrator shall provide each party a right to be heard, to present evidence material to the family law dispute, and to cross-examine witnesses.
(c) Unless the parties otherwise agree in a record, an arbitrator's powers include the power to:
  (1) Select the rules for conducting the arbitration;
  (2) Hold conferences with the parties before a hearing;
  (3) Determine the date, time, and place of a hearing;
  (4) Require a party to provide:
    (A) A copy of a relevant court order;
    (B) Information required to be disclosed in a family law proceeding under law of the District other than this chapter ; and
    (C) A proposed award that addresses each issue in arbitration;
  (5) Meet with or interview a child who is the subject of a child-related dispute;
  (6) Appoint a private expert at the expense of the parties;
  (7) Administer an oath or affirmation and issue a subpoena for the attendance of a witness or the production of documents and other evidence at a hearing;
  (8) Compel discovery concerning the family law dispute and determine the date, time, and place of discovery;
  (9) Determine the admissibility and weight of evidence;
  (10) Permit deposition of a witness for use as evidence at a hearing;
  (11) For good cause, prohibit a party from disclosing information;
  (12) Appoint an attorney, guardian ad litem, or other representative for a child at the expense of the parties;
  (13) Impose a procedure to protect a party or child from risk of harm, harassment, or intimidation;
  (14) Allocate arbitration fees, attorney's fees, expert-witness fees, and other costs to the parties; and
  (15) Impose a sanction on a party for bad faith or misconduct during the arbitration according to standards governing imposition of a sanction for litigant misconduct in a family law proceeding.
(d) An arbitrator may not allow ex parte communication except to the extent allowed in a family law proceeding for communication with a judge.
D.C. Code § 16-5103 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 51 / § 16-5103
§ 16-5103. Penalties.
Status: in_force

Any violation of § 16-1502 shall be a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not more than the amount set forth in [ § 22-3571.01 ] or imprisonment of up to 180 days, or both.
D.C. Code § 16-1118 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 11 / § 16-1118
§ 16-1118. Judgment for damages in excess of improvements.
Status: in_force

When the damages of the plaintiff, assessed as provided by section 16-1116  , exceed the value of the permanent improvements as ascertained by the jury, the plaintiff shall be entitled to a judgment for the excess in like manner as directed by section 16-1109  .
D.C. Code § 16-1317 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 13 / § 16-1317
§ 16-1317. Objections to jurors; appraisement.
Status: in_force

The court, before accepting the jury in a condemnation proceeding pursuant to this subchapter, shall hear any objections that may be made to any member thereof, and may pass upon any objection, and may excuse any juror or cause any vacancy in the jury, when empaneled, to be filled. After the jury is organized and have viewed and examined the land and premises affected by the condemnation proceeding, they shall proceed, in the presence of the court, to hear and receive any evidence offered or submitted on behalf of the District of Columbia and by any person having an interest in the proceeding. When the hearing is concluded, the jury, or a majority of them, shall return to the court, in writing, their appraisement of the value of the interests of all persons, respectively, in the real property, where the appraisement shall be recorded. In making their decision, the jury shall take into consideration, when a part only is taken, the benefit to the remainder of the tract, and shall give their appraisement accordingly.
D.C. Code § 16-3739 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 37 / § 16-3739
§ 16-3739. Determination and measure of plaintiff’s damages.
Status: repealed

Repealed.
D.C. Code § 16-2389 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 23 / § 16-2389
§ 16-2389. Effect of guardianship order.
Status: in_force

(a) Unless the court specifies otherwise, the permanent guardian shall maintain physical custody of the child and shall have the following rights and responsibilities concerning the child:
  (1) Protect, nurture, discipline, and educate the child;
  (2) Provide food, clothing, shelter, education as required by law, and routine health care for the child;
  (3) Consent to health care without liability by reason of the consent for injury to the child resulting from the negligence or acts of third persons unless a parent would have been liable in the circumstances;
  (4) Authorize a release of health care and educational information;
  (5) Authorize a release of information when consent of a parent is required by law, regulation, or policy;
  (6) Consent to social and school activities of the child;
  (7) Consent to military enlistment;
  (8) Obtain representation for the child in legal actions; and
  (9) Determine the nature and extent of the child’s contact with other persons.
(b) The permanent guardian is not liable to third persons by reason of the relationship for acts of the child.
(c) Entry of a guardianship order does not terminate the parent and child relationship, including:
  (1) The right of the child to inherit from his or her parents;
  (2) The parents’ right to visit or contact the child (except as limited by the court);
  (3) The parents’ right to consent to the child’s adoption;
  (4) The parents’ right to determine the child’s religious affiliation; and
  (5) The parents’ responsibility to provide financial, medical, and other support for the child.
(d) The guardianship order may specify the frequency and nature of visitation or contact between relatives and the child. The court may determine whether the visitation or contact is in the child’s best interest.
(e) Except as required by a motion under subsection (f) of this section, upon entry of a guardianship order, and during the period of time such an order remains in effect, the requirements of sections 16-2322 and 16-2323 shall be suspended.
(f) The court shall make a permanency determination and close the neglect case upon motion by any party to the permanent guardianship proceeding if the court finds that such a determination is in the child’s best interest.
D.C. Code § 16-2335.02 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 23 / § 16-2335.02
§ 16-2335.02. Sealing of records on ground of actual innocence.
Status: in_force

(a) Notwithstanding section 16-2335, a person who has been arrested for violation of the District of Columbia Official Code or the District of Columbia Municipal Regulations, or has been the subject of a petition filed pursuant to section 16-2305 and whose prosecution has been terminated without adjudication may file a motion with the Family Court at any time to seal all of the records of the arrest and related court proceedings on grounds of actual innocence.
(b) The burden is on the movant to establish that:
  (1) The violation for which the person was arrested or petitioned did not occur; or
  (2) The movant did not commit the offense.
(c) If the motion is filed within 4 years after the prosecution has been terminated, the movant must satisfy the burden described in subsection (b) of this section by a preponderance of the evidence.
(d) If the motion is filed more than 4 years after the prosecution has been terminated, the movant must satisfy the burden described in subsection (b) of this section by clear and convincing evidence.
(e) In determining such motions, the Family Court may, but is not required to, employ a rebuttable presumption that the movant is not entitled to relief if the court finds that the government has been substantially prejudiced in its ability to respond to the motion by the delay in its filing, unless the movant shows that the motion is based on grounds which the person could not have raised by the exercise of reasonable diligence before the circumstances prejudicial to the government occurred.
(f) An acquittal does not establish a presumption that the movant is innocent or entitled to relief pursuant to this section.
(g) A person whose adjudication has been vacated pursuant to section 16-2335.01(g)(2), and whose subsequent prosecution is terminated without adjudication, may file a motion with the Family Court pursuant to subsection (a) of this section or any other provision of law.
(h) A person who is found to be actually innocent pursuant to this section or section 16-2335.01(g)(3) shall be entitled to the following relief with respect to such count or counts:
  (1) (A) The Family Court shall summarize in the order the factual circumstances of the challenged arrest and any post-arrest occurrences it deems relevant, and, if the facts support such a conclusion, shall rule as a matter of law that the movant did not commit the offense for which the movant was arrested or that no offense had been committed.
    (B) A copy of the order shall be provided to the movant or his or her counsel.
    (C) The movant may obtain a copy of the order at any time from the Family Court, upon proper identification, without a showing of need.
  (2) (A) In a case involving co-respondents or co-defendants in which the Family Court orders the movant’s records sealed, the Family Court may order that only those records, or portions thereof, relating solely to the movant be sealed.
    (B) The Family Court shall order that the movant’s name be redacted to the extent practicable from records that are not sealed. The Family Court may make an in camera inspection of these records in order to make this determination.
    (C) The Family Court need not order the redaction of references to the movant that appear in a transcript of court proceedings involving the co-defendants.
    (D) After references to the movant have been redacted as provided for in this paragraph, the Court shall order those records relating to co-defendants returned to the prosecutor or the Clerk of the Superior Court (“Clerk”).
  (3) The Court shall not order the redaction of the movant’s name from any published opinion of the trial or appellate courts that refer to the movant.
  (4) The Court shall:
    (A) Order the prosecutor, any relevant law enforcement agency, the Department of Youth Rehabilitative Services, and any other public or private agencies or institutions that provided supervision or treatment, or had custody of the person, if the supervision, treatment, or custody was under an order issued by the Family Court to seal any records that identify the movant as having been arrested, prosecuted, or adjudicated;
    (B) Order the prosecutor to arrange for any computerized record of the movant’s arrest, prosecution, or adjudication to be eliminated except for a restricted-access file that would permit the prosecutor and law enforcement agencies to retrieve sealed records if ordered to do so by the Court; and
    (C) Expressly allow the prosecutor and law enforcement agencies to maintain a publicly available record so long as it is not retrievable by the identification of the movant.
  (5) The Family Court shall order the prosecutor, any relevant law enforcement agency, the Department of Youth Rehabilitative Services, and any other public or private agencies or institutions that provided supervision or treatment, or had custody of the person, if the supervision, treatment, or custody was under an order issued by the Family Court to file a certification with the Court within 90 days of an order to seal the records that, to the best of its knowledge and belief, all references that identify the movant as having been arrested, prosecuted, or adjudicated have been sealed.
  (6) The Family Court shall:
    (A) Order the Clerk to collect all Family Court records pertaining to the movant’s arrest, record, or adjudication and cause to be purged any computerized record;
    (B) Expressly allow the Clerk to maintain a record so long as the record is not retrievable by the identification of the movant; and
    (C) Order the Clerk to file under seal all Family Court records retrieved pursuant to this section, together with the certifications filed pursuant to this subsection by the prosecutor, any relevant law enforcement agency, the Department of Youth Rehabilitative Services, and any other public or private agencies or institutions that provided supervision or treatment, or had custody of the person, if the supervision, treatment, or custody was under an order issued by the Family Court, within 7 days after receipt of such records.
  (7) The Clerk shall place the records ordered sealed by the Family Court in a special file, appropriately and securely indexed in order to protect its confidentiality. Unless otherwise ordered by the Family Court, the Clerk shall reply in response to inquiries concerning the existence of records which have been sealed pursuant to this chapter that no records are available.
  (8) Once notified, any District agency in possession of a person’s record shall seal, expunge, and otherwise maintain the record so that the record is in compliance with any order issued by the Family Court pursuant to this section.
(i) The effect of relief pursuant to this section shall be to restore the movant, in the contemplation of the law, to the status he or she occupied before being arrested or charged. No person as to whom such relief has been granted shall be held thereafter under any provision of law to be guilty of perjury or otherwise giving a false statement by reason of failure to recite or acknowledge his or her arrest, or charge, or trial in response to any inquiry made of him or her for any purpose.
(j) A motion to seal filed with the Family Court pursuant to this chapter shall state grounds upon which eligibility for sealing is based and facts in support of the person’s claim. It shall be accompanied by a statement of points and authorities in support of the motion, and any appropriate exhibits, affidavits, and supporting documents. A copy of the motion shall be served upon the prosecutor. The prosecutor shall not be required to respond to the motion unless ordered to do so by the Family Court pursuant to subsection (l) of this section.
(k) 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 is not entitled to relief, the Family Court may dismiss or deny the motion.
(l) If the motion is not dismissed or denied after initial review, the Family Court shall order the prosecutor to file a response to the motion. The prosecutor shall file the response within 60 days of the issuance of the order except where the arrest was not presented to the prosecutor for a charging decision, in which case the prosecutor shall file the response within 90 days of the issuance of the order.
(m) Upon the filing of the prosecutor’s response, the Family Court shall determine whether a hearing is required.
(n) If the Family Court determines that a hearing is required, the hearing shall be scheduled promptly.
(o) At the hearing, the movant and the prosecutor may present witnesses and information by proffer or otherwise. Hearsay evidence shall be admissible.
(p) An order dismissing, granting, or denying the motion shall be in writing and include reasons.
(q) The Family Court shall not be required to entertain a second or successive motion for similar relief on behalf of the same movant regarding the same offenses or arrests unless the previous motion was dismissed or denied without prejudice.
(r) An order dismissing, granting, or denying a motion for sealing is a final order for purposes of appeal.
(s) Records sealed pursuant to this section shall be opened only on order of the Family Court upon a showing of compelling need, except that, upon request, the movant shall be entitled to a copy of the sealed records to the extent that such records would have been available to the movant before relief under this section was granted. A request for access to sealed court records may be made ex parte.
(t) Any person, upon making inquiry of the Family Court concerning the existence of records of arrest, court proceedings, or adjudications involving an individual, shall be entitled to rely, for any purpose under the law, upon the clerk’s response that no records are available under subsection (h)(7) of this section with respect to any issue about that person’s knowledge of the individual’s record.
D.C. Code § 16-923 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 9 / § 16-923
§ 16-923. Abolition of action for breach of promise, alienation of affections, and criminal conversation.
Status: in_force

Causes of action for breach of promise, alienation of affections, and criminal conversation are hereby abolished.
D.C. Code § 16-3712 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 37 / § 16-3712
§ 16-3712. Verdict where goods are eloigned.
Status: in_force

If the defendant in an action of replevin has eloigned the things sued for, the court may instruct the jury, if they find for the plaintiff, to assess such damages as may compel the defendant to return the things.
D.C. Code § 16-4512 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 45 / § 16-4512
§ 16-4512. Binding force and res judicata effect of custody decree.
Status: repealed

Repealed.
D.C. Code § 16-4414 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 44 / § 16-4414
§ 16-4414. Immunity of arbitrator; competency to testify; attorney’s fees and costs.
Status: in_force

(a) An arbitrator is immune from civil liability to the same extent as a judge of a court of the District of Columbia acting in a judicial capacity.
(b) The immunity afforded by this section supplements any immunity under other law.
(c) The failure of an arbitrator to make a disclosure required by § 16-4412 does not cause any loss of immunity under this section.
(d) In a judicial, administrative, or similar proceeding, an arbitrator is not competent to testify, and may not be required to produce records as to any statement, conduct, decision, or ruling occurring during the arbitration proceeding, to the same extent as a judge of a court of the District of Columbia acting in a judicial capacity. This subsection does not apply:
  (1) To the extent necessary to determine the claim of an arbitrator against a party to the arbitration proceeding; or
  (2) To a hearing on a motion to vacate an award under § 16-4423(a)(1) or (2) if the movant establishes prima facie that a ground for vacating the award exists.
(e) If a person commences a civil action against an arbitrator arising from the services of the arbitrator or if a person seeks to compel an arbitrator to testify or produce records in violation of subsection (d) of this section, and the court decides that the arbitrator is immune from civil liability or that the arbitrator is not competent to testify, the court shall award to the arbitrator reasonable attorney’s fees and other reasonable expenses of litigation.
D.C. Code § 16-4601.04 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 46 / § 16-4601.04
§ 16-4601.04. International application of chapter.
Status: in_force

(a) A court of the District shall treat a foreign country as if it were a state of the United States for the purpose of applying subchapters I and II of this chapter.
(b) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (c) of this section, a child-custody determination made in a foreign country under factual circumstances in substantial conformity with the jurisdictional standards of this chapter must be recognized and enforced under subchapter III of this chapter .
(c) A court of the District need not apply this chapter if the child custody law of a foreign country violates fundamental principles of human rights.
D.C. Code § 16-2355 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 23 / § 16-2355
§ 16-2355. Consideration of termination of the parent and child relationship at review hearings.
Status: in_force

(a) After a child adjudicated neglected by the Division pursuant to this chapter has been committed by the Division to the custody of a department, agency or institution for more than eighteen (18) months and no hearing on a motion for the termination of the parent and child relationship has been held within the preceding twelve (12) months, the Division shall, at a review hearing, determine why a motion to terminate the parent and child relationship has not been filed.
(b) For each child who remains in custody for three (3) years or more, the Division shall, at each annual review hearing, determine why a motion to terminate the parent and child relationships has not been filed.
D.C. Code § 16-1363 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 13 / § 16-1363
§ 16-1363. Judgment.
Status: in_force

Judgment upon a verdict returned pursuant to section 16-1361   or any award contained therein shall be entered against the United States in favor of the parties entitled for the sums awarded as just compensation, respectively, for the property condemned for the use of the United States.
D.C. Code § 16-4602.07 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 46 / § 16-4602.07
§ 16-4602.07. Inconvenient forum.
Status: in_force

(a) A court of the District which has jurisdiction under this chapter to make a child-custody determination may decline to exercise its jurisdiction at any time if it determines that it is an inconvenient forum under the circumstances and that a court of another state is a more appropriate forum. The issue of inconvenient forum may be raised upon motion of a party, the court’s own motion, or request of another court.
(b) Before determining whether it is an inconvenient forum, a court of the District shall consider whether it is appropriate for a court of another state to exercise jurisdiction. For this purpose, the court shall allow the parties to submit information and shall consider all relevant factors, including:
  (1) Whether domestic violence has occurred and is likely to continue in the future and which state could best protect the parties and the child;
  (2) The length of time the child has resided outside the District;
  (3) The distance between the court in the District and the court in the state that would assume jurisdiction;
  (4) The relative financial circumstances of the parties;
  (5) Any agreement of the parties as to which state should assume jurisdiction;
  (6) The nature and location of the evidence required to resolve the pending litigation, including testimony of the child;
  (7) The ability of the court of each state to decide the issue expeditiously and the procedures necessary to present the evidence; and
  (8) The familiarity of the court of each state with the facts and issues in the pending litigation.
(c) If a court of the District determines that it is an inconvenient forum and that a court of another state is a more appropriate forum, it shall stay the proceedings upon condition that a child-custody proceeding be promptly commenced in another designated state and may impose any other condition the court considers just and proper.
(d) A court of the District may decline to exercise its jurisdiction under this chapter if a child-custody determination is incidental to an action for divorce or another proceeding while still retaining jurisdiction over the divorce or other proceeding.
D.C. Code § 16-2399.01 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 23 / § 16-2399.01
§ 16-2399.01. Definitions.
Status: in_force

(a) For purposes of this subchapter , the term:
  (1) "Guardian" means a person designated by the court pursuant to this subchapter as the guardian of a vulnerable youth.
  (2) "Guardianship order" means the court document that establishes legal guardianship and enumerates the guardian's rights and responsibilities concerning the care and custody of the vulnerable youth.
  (3) "Noncitizen" means a person who is not a United States citizen.
  (4) "Proposed guardian" means a person seeking to be appointed guardian of a vulnerable youth. The term "proposed guardian" includes a business or nonprofit entity, public corporation, government or governmental subdivision, agency, or instrumentality, or other legal entity whether or not a citizen or domiciliary of the District of Columbia and whether or not organized under the laws of the District of Columbia.
  (5) "Similar basis" means conditions that have an effect on a vulnerable youth comparable to abuse, neglect, or abandonment, including the death of a parent.
  (6) "Vulnerable youth" means an unmarried noncitizen who is at least 18 but younger than 21 years old.
(b) Except when inconsistent with this subchapter , the terms found in this subchapter shall have the same meaning as provided in §16-2301 .
D.C. Code § 16-1360 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 13 / § 16-1360
§ 16-1360. Trial; evidence; measure of compensation.
Status: in_force

After the inspection provided for by section 16-1359  , and the jury has returned to the court, the trial of the cause shall be proceeded with before the court and jury. Any person who has appeared in the cause claiming any right, title, interest, or estate in the land to be taken, or compensation on account of its taking, has the right to submit evidence concerning the value of the property, parcel by parcel, the nature and extent of his right, interest, or estate therein, and the compensation justly due for the taking of the property. A new structure or substantial alteration of a permanent nature, the purpose or natural effect of which is to enhance the value of the property to be taken, erected, or made thereon after the institution of the condemnation proceedings may not be taken into consideration in assessing and awarding compensation for the property. When the property to be valued has been taken by virtue of a declaration of taking, as provided by section 16-1353  , it shall be valued for the purposes of compensation as of the date of the taking. When, by act of the owner or other party claiming to be entitled to compensation, the value of the property for the use for which it is to be taken has been diminished, as by cutting trees, excavating, grading, or otherwise altering its physical condition, allowance, if the plaintiff so elects, shall be made in assessing compensation for the diminution in value.
D.C. Code § 16-2338 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 23 / § 16-2338
§ 16-2338. Emergency medical treatment.
Status: in_force

Nothing in this subchapter shall prevent a public agency having custody of a child who is under jurisdiction of the Division from providing the child with emergency medical treatment.
D.C. Code § 16-2936 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 29 / § 16-2936
§ 16-2936. Partition procedures.
Status: in_force

(a) (1) If no cotenant requested partition by sale, or, if after completion of the procedures described in § 16-2935 , a cotenant remains that has requested partition in kind, the court shall order partition in kind unless the court, after consideration of the factors listed in § 16-2937 , finds that partition in kind will result in great prejudice to the cotenants as a group.
  (2) In considering whether to order partition in kind, the court shall approve a request by 2 or more parties to have their individual interests aggregated.
(b) If the court does not order partition in kind pursuant to subsection (a) of this section, the court shall order partition by sale pursuant to § 16-2938 , or, if no cotenant requested partition by sale, the court shall dismiss the action.
(c) If the court orders partition in kind pursuant to subsection (a) of this section, the court may require that one or more cotenants pay one or more other cotenants amounts so that the payments, taken together with the value of the in-kind distributions to the cotenants, will make the partition in kind just and proportionate in value to the fractional interests held.
(d) If the court orders partition in kind, the court shall allocate to the cotenants that are unknown, unlocatable, or the subject of a default judgment, if their interests were not bought out pursuant to § 16-2935(g) , a part of the real property representing the combined interests of these cotenants as determined by the court, and this part of the real property shall remain undivided.
D.C. Code § 16-2701 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 27 / § 16-2701
§ 16-2701. Liability; damages; prior recovery as precluding action.
Status: in_force

(a) When, by an injury done or happening within the limits of the District, the death of a person is caused by the wrongful act, neglect, or default of a person or corporation, and the act, neglect, or default is such as will, if death does not ensue, entitle the person injured, or if the person injured is married or domestic partnered, entitle the spouse or domestic partner, either separately or by joining with the injured person, to maintain an action and recover damages, the person who or corporation that is liable if death does not ensue is liable to an action for damages for the death, notwithstanding the death of the person injured, even though the death is caused under circumstances that constitute a felony.
(b) The damages shall be assessed with reference to the injury resulting from the act, neglect, or default causing the death, to the spouse or domestic partner and the next of kin of the deceased person; and shall include the reasonable expenses of last illness and burial. Where there is a surviving spouse or domestic partner, the jury shall allocate the portion of its verdict payable to the spouse or domestic partner and next of kin, respectively, according to the finding of damage to the spouse or domestic partner and next of kin. If, in a particular case, the verdict is deemed excessive, the trial judge or the appellate court, on appeal of the cause, may order a reduction of the verdict. An action may not be maintained pursuant to this chapter if the party injured by the wrongful act, neglect, or default has recovered damages therefor during his life.
(c) For the purposes of this section, the term “domestic partner” shall have the same meaning as provided in § 32-701(3) .
D.C. Code § 16-3522 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 35 / § 16-3522
§ 16-3522. Parties who may institute; ex rel. proceedings.
Status: in_force

The United States attorney or the Corporation Counsel 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 § 16-4313 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 43 / § 16-4313
§ 16-4313. Judgment or decree on award.
Status: repealed

Repealed.
D.C. Code § 16-711.01 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 7 / § 16-711.01
§ 16-711.01. Restitution or reparation — Enforcement.
Status: in_force

(a) An order of restitution or reparation requiring a person convicted of the criminal conduct to pay restitution or reparation constitutes a judgment and lien against all property of a liable defendant for the amount the defendant is obligated to pay under the order and may be recorded in any office for the filing of liens against real or personal property.
(b) A judgment of restitution or reparation may be enforced by the United States Attorney for the District of Columbia, the Attorney General for the District of Columbia, a victim entitled under the order to receive restitution or reparation, a deceased victim’s estate, or any other beneficiary of the judgment in the same manner as a civil judgment.
(c) The court shall provide each victim in a criminal case with a notarized and sealed copy of the Order of Restitution or Reparation.
(d) The name and address of the victim shall not be disclosed to the defendant or any representative of the defendant.
D.C. Code § 16-4804 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 48 / § 16-4804
§ 16-4804. Authority of the standby guardian.
Status: in_force

(a) Upon the occurrence of a triggering event, the standby guardian shall have authority to act and shall assume the rights, powers, duties, and obligations existing under law between a legal custodian and a child. The designator shall retain concurrent authority over the child as the designator's health or immigration status permits.
(b) If a clinician determines, at the request of the designator, that the designator is no longer incapacitated, or the designator withdraws the consent that acknowledged debilitation, the standby guardian shall no longer have authority to act as the child’s legal custodian. Failure of a standby guardian to comply with this provision and to immediately return the child to the designator’s care shall entitle the designator to an emergency hearing in a court of competent jurisdiction.
(c) The designation of a standby guardian does not extinguish or limit any rights, powers, duties, or obligations of the parent, legal custodian, or legal guardian, or of any other individual with parental or custodial rights existing at the time of the designation. The standby guardianship shall be construed so as to enable the designator to plan for the future care of a child, without terminating parental or legal rights, and to give the standby guardian the authority to act in a manner consistent with the known wishes of the designator regarding the care, custody, and support of the minor child.
(d) The commencement of the standby guardian’s authority to act shall not divest the designator of any parental rights. A standby guardian shall assure the designator frequent and continuing contact with and physical access to the child and, to the greatest extent possible, the involvement of the designator in the decision-making on behalf of the child.
(e) At the death of the designator, the standby guardian shall become the legal custodian of the child as defined in District of Columbia statutes.
D.C. Code § 16-3703 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 37 / § 16-3703
§ 16-3703. Affidavit; contents.
Status: in_force

At the time of filing a complaint in replevin, the plaintiff, his agent, or attorney shall file an affidavit stating that —
(1) according to affiant’s information and belief, the plaintiff is entitled to recover possession of chattels proposed to be replevied, being the same described in the complaint;
(2) the defendant has seized and detained or detains the chattels; and
(3) the chattels were not subject to the seizure or detention and were not taken upon a writ of replevin between the parties.
D.C. Code § 16-2325.01 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 23 / § 16-2325.01
§ 16-2325.01. Participation order.
Status: in_force

(a) In any proceedings under this chapter, the court shall enter an order specifically requiring a parent or guardian to participate in the rehabilitation process of a juvenile, including, but not limited to, mandatory attendance at a juvenile proceeding, parenting class, counseling, treatment, or an education program, unless the court determines that such an order is not in the best interests of the child.
(b) The court shall, when the court determines that it is in the best interests of the child, issue an order applicable to a parent or guardian of a child and the person with whom the child resides, if other than the child’s parent or guardian. The order shall require the parent or guardian and the person with whom the child resides, if other than the parent or guardian, to be present at any juvenile proceeding or court ordered program concerning the child.
(c) A person failing to comply with an order issued under this section without good cause may be found in civil contempt of court.
(d) The court shall issue a bench warrant for any parent or guardian or person with whom the child resides, if other than the parent or guardian, who, without good cause, fails to appear at any juvenile proceeding or court ordered program.
(e) For the purposes of this section, good cause for failing to appear shall include, but not be limited to, a situation where a parent, guardian, or person with whom the child resides:
  (1) Has an employment obligation that would result in the loss of employment if not complied with;
  (2) Does not have physical custody of the child and resides outside the District of Columbia; or
  (3) Resides in the District of Columbia, but is outside the District of Columbia at the time of the juvenile proceeding or court ordered program for reasons other than avoiding participation or appearance before the court, and participating or appearing in court will result in undue hardship to such parent or guardian.
(f) It is the intent of this section that every parent or guardian whose child is the subject of a juvenile proceeding and any court ordered program under this chapter should attend any such proceeding or program as often as is practicable.
(g) Nothing in this section shall be construed to create a right for any juvenile to have his or her parent or guardian present at any juvenile proceeding or court ordered program at which such juvenile is present.
D.C. Code § 16-3501 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 35 / § 16-3501
§ 16-3501. Persons against whom issued; civil action.
Status: in_force

A quo warranto may be issued from the United States District Court for the District of Columbia in the name of the United States against a person who within the District of Columbia usurps, intrudes into, or unlawfully holds or exercises, a franchise conferred by the United States or a public office of the United States, civil or military. The proceedings shall be deemed a civil action.
D.C. Code § 16-553 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 5 / § 16-553
§ 16-553. Traverse of garnishee’s answers; trial of issue; costs and attorney’s fee.
Status: in_force

If a garnishee answers to interrogatories that he does not have property or credits of the defendant, or has less than the amount of the plaintiff’s judgment, the plaintiff may traverse the answer as to the existence or amount of the property or credits, and the issue thereby made may be tried as provided by section 16-551  . In such a case, where judgment is rendered for the garnishee, the plaintiff shall be adjudged to pay to the garnishee, in addition to the taxed costs, a reasonable attorney’s fee. If the issue is found for the plaintiff, judgment shall be rendered for him in accordance with the finding.
D.C. Code § 16-4408 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 44 / § 16-4408
§ 16-4408. Provisional remedies.
Status: in_force

(a) Before an arbitrator is appointed and is authorized and able to act, the court, upon motion of a party to an arbitration proceeding and for good cause shown, may enter an order for provisional remedies to protect the effectiveness of the arbitration proceeding to the same extent and under the same conditions as if the controversy were the subject of a civil action.
(b) After an arbitrator is appointed and is authorized and able to act:
  (1) The arbitrator may issue such orders for provisional remedies, including interim awards, as the arbitrator finds necessary to protect the effectiveness of the arbitration proceeding and to promote the fair and expeditious resolution of the controversy, to the same extent and under the same conditions as if the controversy were the subject of a civil action; and
  (2) A party to an arbitration proceeding may move the court for a provisional remedy only if the matter is urgent and the arbitrator is not able to act timely or the arbitrator cannot provide an adequate remedy.
(c) A party does not waive a right of arbitration by making a motion under subsection (a) or (b) of this section.
D.C. Code § 16-4427 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 44 / § 16-4427
§ 16-4427. Appeals.
Status: in_force

(a) An appeal may be taken from:
  (1) An order denying or granting a motion to compel arbitration;
  (2) An order granting a motion to stay arbitration;
  (3) An order confirming or denying confirmation of an award;
  (4) An order modifying or correcting an award;
  (5) An order vacating an award without directing a rehearing; or
  (6) A final judgment entered pursuant to this chapter.
(b) An appeal under this section shall be taken as from an order or a judgment in a civil action.
D.C. Code § 16-317 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 3 / § 16-317
§ 16-317. Recognition of foreign adoptions and elective petitions for District adoption.
Status: in_force

(a) (1) A final judgment of adoption granted by a judicial, administrative, or executive body of a jurisdiction or country other than the United States shall have the same force and effect in the District as that given to a judgment of adoption entered by the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, without additional proceedings or documentation if the:
    (A) Adopting parent is a resident of the District of Columbia; and
    (B) Validity of the foreign adoption has been verified by the granting of an IR-3 immigrant visa, or a successor immigrant visa, for the child by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services.
  (2) The foreign adoption that meets the requirement of paragraph (1) of this subsection shall be considered final under the laws of the District of Columbia and, notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, no further petition for an adoption decree shall be required in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia.
  (3) The Department of Health shall issue a birth certificate for the child upon:
    (A) Request by the adoptive parent;
    (B) Presentation of evidence that the adoptive parent is a resident of the District of Columbia; and
    (C) Presentation of evidence that the child was granted an IR-3 immigrant visa, or a successor immigrant visa, by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services.
(b) (1) Notwithstanding subsection (a) of this section, an adoptive parent may elect to file a petition for a District adoption decree with the Superior Court of the District of Columbia.
  (2) If the foreign adoption meets the requirements of subsection (a) of this section, notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the court shall issue:
    (A) A finding of fact on the foreign adoption, including the:
      (i) Name of the adoptive parent;
      (ii) Name or names of the child;
      (iii) Reported birth date of the child;
      (iv) Country of the child’s birth;
      (v) Country and the date of the foreign adoption; and
      (vi) Date and issuance of an IR-3 immigrant visa, or a successor immigrant visa, for the child by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services; and
    (B) An adoption decree to the petitioner.
  (3) A petition for a District adoption decree pursuant to this subsection may be combined with a petition for a name change.
  (4) A petition for an adoption decree issued pursuant to this subsection shall be placed on an expedited calendar to ensure minimal expense of time and money to the petitioning party in attaining a adoption decree.
D.C. Code § 16-1362 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 13 / § 16-1362
§ 16-1362. Fixing date for new trial; new jurors.
Status: in_force

If a verdict rendered pursuant to section 16-1361  , or any award contained therein, is set aside or vacated, the court shall —
(1) grant a new trial with respect to the property as to which the verdict or award is set aside or vacated;
(2) fix a date for the new trial; and
(3) order a new panel of prospective jurors to be drawn, certified, or summoned as provided by section 16-1357.
The court shall then proceed with the cause as if a verdict or award had not been rendered.
D.C. Code § 16-2333.02 — DC Code / Title 16 / Chapter 23 / § 16-2333.02
§ 16-2333.02. Juvenile Abscondence Review Committee.
Status: in_force

(a) For the purposes of this section, the term “abscondence” means the status of a youth who is in the custody of the Department and:
  (1) Has escaped from detention at New Beginnings or the Youth Services Center and for whom the Department has requested a custody order from the court; or
  (2) Has violated his or her Community Release Agreement with the Department by not maintaining contact with his or her case manager or by leaving the place of community placement and for whom the Department has requested a custody order from the court.
(b) (1) There is established, as part of the District of Columbia government, a Juvenile Abscondence Review Committee (“Committee”). Facilities and other administrative support may be provided in a specific department or directly to the Committee, as determined by the Mayor.
  (2) The Committee shall:
    (A) Identify cases in which a homicide, assault with intent to kill, or assault with a deadly weapon (firearm), was committed by or to a juvenile in abscondence;
    (B) Examine what steps could have been taken to prevent the juvenile from absconding; and
    (C) Recommend systemic improvements to identify and locate high risk youth that are in abscondence and have the propensity to commit or be involved in a homicide, assault with intent to kill, or assault with a deadly weapon.
(c) (1) The following shall be members of the Committee:
    (A) The Director of the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services, or his or her designee;
    (B) The Chief of the Metropolitan Police Department, or his or her designee;
    (C) The Chief Judge of the Superior Court, or his or her designee;
    (D) The United States Attorney for the District of Columbia, or his or her designee; and
    (E) A public member, appointed by the Mayor, with advice and consent of the Council, who shall serve a 2-year term.
  (2) All members of the Committee (including their designees) shall have expertise in programs providing services to children or in locating high-risk youth who are in abscondence and have the propensity to commit or be involved in a violent crime.
  (3) The chairman of the committee of the Council responsible for public safety and the judiciary and the chairman of the committee responsible for oversight of the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services (but not their designees) shall serve as ex officio members.
  (4) Vacancies in membership shall be filled in the same manner in which the original appointment was made.
  (5) The Committee shall establish quorum and other procedural requirements as it considers necessary.
(d) (1) Notwithstanding the confidentiality requirements of sections 16-2331 and 16-2333, the Committee shall make a report available to the public of its findings and information related to a juvenile in abscondence within 6 months of the occurrence of the crime for which the juvenile was the victim or the alleged perpetrator.
  (2) The report shall include only information that could be released under and in accordance with section 16-2333(e).
  (3) The report shall not include any information that:
    (A) Interferes with an ongoing law enforcement investigation or proceeding pertaining to the homicide, assault with intent to kill, or assault with a deadly weapon;
    (B) Deprives a person of a right to a fair trial or an impartial adjudication;
    (C) Endangers the life or safety of any person; or
    (D) Is in violation of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, approved August 21, 1996 (Pub. L. No. 104-191; 110 Stat. 1936).