District of Columbia Child Custody and Parenting Time Resources

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Custody in District of Columbia is decided in the DC Superior Court, usually in the Family Court. Most states split the question in two: who makes the big decisions for the child, and what the day to day schedule looks like. Both usually end up written into one order or parenting plan the judge approves.

The wording differs from state to state, so read the official District of Columbia documents below rather than assuming a term you heard elsewhere means the same thing here. Courts decide these cases on the best interests of the child, and the official forms are written to collect the facts a judge needs.

Official District of Columbia custody resources

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District of Columbia family law forms (official index) (District of Columbia judicial branch): The official statewide collection of District of Columbia family law forms. When a direct document link stops working, this index is where the current version lives. https://www.dccourts.gov/services/forms

District of Columbia court 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

District of Columbia mediation and dispute resolution (District of Columbia judicial branch): Official information on mediation and other ways to settle a District of Columbia family case without a trial. https://www.dccourts.gov/services/family-matters/mediation

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

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

Verified official District of Columbia custody documents

These official documents cover asking for custody, setting a schedule, and putting a parenting plan in front of the judge.

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

Official 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

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. The District of Columbia is a single jurisdiction - one Superior Court serves the whole city.

Does District of Columbia favor one parent over the other?

Custody decisions are made on the best interests of the child, not on which parent asks first. Judges look at things like stability, each parent's involvement, the child's needs, and whether a parent supports the child's relationship with the other parent. Read the official District of Columbia forms and self-help material for the factors this state asks about.

Do we have to go to mediation first?

Many courts send custody disputes to mediation before a hearing, and some require it. The official District of Columbia mediation page linked above explains what this state offers and when it applies.