D.C. Legal Custody, Physical Custody & Visitation
Current, source-linked D.C. terminology and rules without imported out-of-state formulas.
D.C. terminology
Legal custody
Decision responsibility and records/information rights.
Physical custody
The living arrangement and visitation schedule.
Visitation
The scheduled time with the non-custodial parent.
Superior Court
Where D.C. family cases are heard.
Core rules
- D.C. uses 'legal custody', 'physical custody', and 'visitation'
- The court decides based on the child's best interests (D.C. Code § 16-914)
- Rebuttable presumption that joint custody is in the child's best interest, except where an intrafamily offense, child abuse, child neglect, or parental kidnapping is found
- The court may order sole or joint legal custody, sole or joint physical custody, or another best-interest arrangement
- Cases are heard in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, Family Court, Domestic Relations Branch
Support and modification cautions
D.C. uses a presumptive income-shares guideline under D.C. Code § 16-916.01 — based on both parents' adjusted gross incomes, the combined-income schedule, each parent's proportional share, and adjustments for health coverage, extraordinary medical expenses, childcare, and qualifying benefits. Shared physical custody (a child spends 35% or more of the year with each parent) multiplies the basic obligation by 1.5 (§ 16-916.01(q)). Modification requires a substantial and material change in circumstances and a best-interest finding (D.C. Code § 16-914(f)).
- D.C. Code § 16-914 — custody and best interests
- D.C. Courts — Domestic Relations Branch
- D.C. Courts — family court
Always confirm current local forms, fees, and filing procedure with the Superior Court clerk handling your case.