Dad Court Help
District of Columbia family-law guide · reviewed August 22, 2026

Preparing for D.C. Superior Court

A careful checklist that sends court-specific fees, forms, and procedure to the Superior Court of the District of Columbia.

Legal information, not legal advice. D.C. law and local practice can change. Verify forms, fees, filing methods, service, and hearing procedure with the Superior Court receiving your case.

Before filing

  • Identify the correct Superior Court division (Family Court Domestic Relations Branch for custody/support; Domestic Violence Division for CPOs)
  • Ask the Superior Court clerk for current forms, filing method, and local rules
  • Confirm the current filing fee and any fee-waiver process
  • Use the D.C. Courts forms (dccourts.gov)
  • Confirm how emergency / interim requests are presented
  • Serve the other party in the manner the court rules require and file a proof of service

Before the hearing

  • Read every notice and temporary order
  • Meet the actual exhibit, witness, disclosure, and subpoena deadlines
  • Confirm the courtroom, remote link, check-in, security, and camera rules
  • Prepare a short list of requested orders and the evidence supporting each
  • Bring only what the court permits; arrange child care unless the court directs otherwise
Official sources reviewed August 22, 2026

Always confirm current local forms, fees, and filing procedure with the Superior Court clerk handling your case.

Confirm current court fees and deadlines. Court fees, filing and response deadlines, hearing timing, notice periods, and local procedures can change. Before relying on any amount or time period on this page, confirm the current amount or deadline with the Superior Court clerk handling your case.