District of Columbia Family Court Forms and Filing Resources
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District of Columbia publishes its own official family law forms, filing instructions, and self-help materials, but they are spread across several government sites. This page organizes the official District of Columbia sources in one place so you can go straight to the right court page for forms, e-filing, rules, and locations.
District of Columbia's core family statutes live in the DC Code Division II - Family Law. E-filing is optional if you do not have a lawyer. For divorce and custody you can register for CaseFileXpress for free, or file in person at the Family Court Central Intake Center.
How the District of Columbia court system handles family cases
Family cases in District of Columbia are heard in the DC Superior Court, usually in the Family Court. The Family Court division of DC Superior Court hears all family matters.
The District of Columbia is a single jurisdiction - one Superior Court serves the whole city.
District of Columbia's highest court is the DC Court of Appeals. DC has one appeals court - the DC Court of Appeals - that family cases go to directly.
Besides the judge, a Magistrate / Commissioner may handle parts of a family case. Besides the judge, a magistrate, commissioner, or referee may hear temporary orders, child support, and uncontested matters - usually subject to a judge's review.
Official District of Columbia resources
Official links below open in a new tab. You are leaving FamilyCourtHelp and opening an external government or court website.
District of Columbia state courts website (District of Columbia judicial branch): The official home of the District of Columbia court system, with statewide news, rules, and links to every court. https://www.dccourts.gov
District of Columbia family law forms (District of Columbia judicial branch): The official statewide collection of family law forms published for District of Columbia cases. Start here when you need the current version of a form. https://www.dccourts.gov/services/forms
District of Columbia self-help resources (District of Columbia courts self-help): Official self-help information for people handling their own District of Columbia family case, including instructions and plain-language guides. https://www.dccourts.gov/services/family-matters/self-help-center
eFileDC (DC Courts): DC Superior Court is moving to the new eFileDC system in phases. Civil, tax, and probate cases are already on it, while family and domestic relations cases still e-file through the older CaseFileXpress system until they are moved over. https://www.dccourts.gov/superior-court/e-filing
DC Family Court Central Intake Center (District of Columbia judicial branch): Find the courthouse or clerk that serves your county, with locations and contact details. https://www.dccourts.gov/superior-court/superior-court-divisions/family-court-operations-division/family-court-central-intake-center
District of Columbia rules of procedure (District of Columbia judicial branch): The court rules that control deadlines, service, and how family cases move in District of Columbia. https://www.dccourts.gov/rules
District of Columbia mediation and dispute resolution (District of Columbia judicial branch): Official information on mediation and alternative dispute resolution options for District of Columbia family cases. https://www.dccourts.gov/services/family-matters/mediation
District of Columbia financial affidavit and disclosure forms (dccourts.gov): The official source for the financial disclosure paperwork most District of Columbia family cases ask for. https://www.dccourts.gov/services/family-matters/forms
District of Columbia child support guideline resources (dccourts.gov): Official District of Columbia child support guideline materials, worksheets, or calculators. https://cssd.dc.gov/service/child-support-guideline-calculator
Frequently used official District of Columbia forms
These links open official District of Columbia government form documents directly. Courts revise forms, so if a direct link stops working, use the statewide forms collection above to find the current version.
Complaint for Absolute Divorce (Divorce / Dissolution), official document: https://www.dccourts.gov/sites/default/files/2022-01/complaint-for-absolute-divorce.pdf
Consent Answer to Complaint for Absolute Divorce (Divorce / Dissolution), official document: https://www.dccourts.gov/sites/default/files/pdf-forms/AbsoluteDivorce_ConsentAnswer.pdf
Contested Answer to Complaint for Absolute Divorce and Counterclaim (Divorce / Dissolution), official document: https://www.dccourts.gov/sites/default/files/2019-07/ABSOLUTE%20DIVORCE%20CONTESTED%20ANSWER%20AND%20COUNTERCLAIM.pdf
Complaint for Legal Separation (Divorce / Dissolution), official document: https://www.dccourts.gov/sites/default/files/pdf-forms/LegalSeparation_Complaint.pdf
Complaint for Annulment of Marriage (Divorce / Dissolution), official document: https://www.dccourts.gov/sites/default/files/pdf-forms/Annulment_Complaint.pdf
Complaint for Custody and/or Visitation (Child Custody / Parenting), official document: https://www.dccourts.gov/sites/default/files/2017-10/Complaint%20for%20Custody%20and-or%20Visitation.pdf
Contested Answer to Complaint for Custody and/or Visitation (Child Custody / Parenting), official document: https://www.dccourts.gov/sites/default/files/2019-07/CONTESTED%20ANSWER%20TO%20COMPLAINT%20FOR%20CUSTODY%20AND%20OR%20VISITATION.pdf
Petition to Establish Parentage and/or for Child Support (Paternity), official document: https://www.dccourts.gov/sites/default/files/2022-01/Petition_to_Establish_Parentage_andor_Child_Support_02-2021.pdf
Answer to Petition to Establish Parentage and/or for Child Support (Child Support), official document: https://www.dccourts.gov/sites/default/files/2019-07/ANSWER%20TO%20PETITION%20TO%20ESTABLISH%20PATERNITY%20AND%20OR%20FOR%20CHILD%20SUPPORT_0.pdf
Petition and Affidavit for Civil Protection Order (Domestic Violence), official document: https://www.dccourts.gov/sites/default/files/2021-07/CPO-Petition-and-Affidavit-For-Civil-Protection-Order.pdf
Application to Waive Court Costs and Fees (Fee Waiver), official document: https://www.dccourts.gov/sites/default/files/2024-01/DCSC_Courtwide_Fee_Waiver%20Application.pdf
Filing fees: Divorce filing fee: ~$120.
E-filing link data for District of Columbia was last verified June 2026. Report anything outdated through our contact page and we will re-check the official source.
Frequently asked questions
Where do I find official District of Columbia family court forms?
The official statewide source is the District of Columbia judicial branch forms collection linked on this page. Always download forms from the official site so you have the current version, and check whether your county adds local forms or cover sheets.
Can I e-file my own family case in District of Columbia?
DC Superior Court is moving to the new eFileDC system in phases. Civil, tax, and probate cases are already on it, while family and domestic relations cases still e-file through the older CaseFileXpress system until they are moved over. E-filing is optional if you do not have a lawyer. For divorce and custody you can register for CaseFileXpress for free, or file in person at the Family Court Central Intake Center.
How much does it cost to file a family case in District of Columbia?
Divorce filing fee: ~$120. If you cannot afford the fee, ask the clerk about a fee waiver or indigency application; every state has a process for requesting one.
Which court hears family cases in District of Columbia?
Family cases in District of Columbia are heard in the DC Superior Court, usually in the Family Court. The Family Court division of DC Superior Court hears all family matters.