District of Columbia Filing and E-Filing

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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.

In District of Columbia, a parent without a lawyer can file family papers online, and filing on paper with the clerk is still allowed.

Official District of Columbia filing resources

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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 official filing information (District of Columbia judicial branch): The court's own page explaining how documents are filed in District of Columbia and what a parent without a lawyer is allowed to do. https://www.dccourts.gov/

DC Family Court Central Intake Center (District of Columbia judicial branch): Find the courthouse or clerk that serves your area, 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 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 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

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

Can I file my own family papers online in District of Columbia?

In District of Columbia, a parent without a lawyer can file family papers online, and filing on paper with the clerk is still allowed. 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. The District of Columbia is a single jurisdiction - one Superior Court serves the whole city.