Primary law and terminology
D.C. Code § 16-914. In District of Columbia, courts generally describe the schedule as a custody order. The court's decision is based on the child's best interests, not simply a parent's preferred percentage of time.
District of Columbia · DC
District of Columbia Custody Laws: Parenting Time & Relocation
A plain-English reference to District of Columbia custody terminology, joint custody, parenting time, relocation, child preferences, and order changes.
Read the District of Columbia parenting plan guide See child support guidelines Official District of Columbia courts site
Informational only—not legal advice. Laws and guidelines change. Verify the current rule with the official court resource and a licensed District of Columbia family-law attorney.
Joint custody and parenting time
Joint custody is a rebuttable presumption in the District.
Child preference
The child's wishes are a statutory best-interest factor.
Relocation and move-away cases
No relocation statute; the court applies the best-interest factors to a proposed move.
Changing an existing order
A parent must show a substantial and continuing change in circumstances since the last order, and that a change serves the child's best interests.
Where to file
Under the UCCJEA the child generally must have lived in the state for the 6 months before filing (or since birth, if younger). The DC Superior Court Family Court handles all custody proceedings.
Build a workable District of Columbia parenting plan
Put regular time, holidays, exchanges, communication, and dispute steps in one written plan. Then keep the actual schedule and handoffs organized as circumstances change.
District of Columbia custody questions
What are the custody laws in District of Columbia?
District of Columbia applies the statute or rule summarized above and decides parenting time by the child's best interests. Read the official court resource before filing.
Can a parent move with a child in District of Columbia?
No relocation statute; the court applies the best-interest factors to a proposed move.
How do I change a District of Columbia custody order?
A parent must show a substantial and continuing change in circumstances since the last order, and that a change serves the child's best interests.
More District of Columbia family-law resources
Compare the rule with your written plan, schedule, and records before you file or negotiate.
- Parenting plan guides by state
Filing venue, required classes, and the terminology each state's courts use.
- Custody schedule patterns explained
2-2-3, 2-2-5-5, week-on/week-off, and every other common rotation.
- Custody percentage calculator
Count overnights across a full cycle the way state worksheets do.
- Court-ready PDF legal exports
One-click evidence packets for your attorney or a hearing — unlimited and free.
- State-by-state child support estimator
Applies your state's own guideline model to your numbers.