District Of Columbia § 16-1042 - Judicial enforcement of order.
Full text of District Of Columbia D.C. Code § 16-1042 — Judicial enforcement of order., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 16-1042. Judicial enforcement of order.
16-1042A person authorized by the law of the District to seek enforcement of a protection order may seek enforcement of a valid foreign protection order in a tribunal of the District. The tribunal shall enforce the terms of the order, including terms that provide relief that a tribunal of the District would lack power to provide but for this section. The tribunal shall enforce the order, whether the order was obtained by independent action or in another proceeding, if it is an order issued in response to a complaint, petition, or motion filed by or on behalf of or for the benefit of an individual seeking protection. In a proceeding to enforce a foreign protection order, the tribunal shall follow the procedures of the District for the enforcement of protection orders.
Except for cases brought under or (g), a tribunal of the District may not enforce a foreign protection order issued by a tribunal of a State that does not recognize the standing of a protected individual to seek enforcement of the order.
A tribunal of the District shall enforce the provisions of a valid foreign protection order that governs custody and visitation, if the order was issued in accordance with the jurisdictional requirements governing the issuance of custody and visitation orders in the issuing State.
A foreign protection order is valid if it:
Identifies the protected individual and the respondent;
Is currently in effect or was in effect at the time of the violation;
Was issued by a tribunal that had jurisdiction over the parties and subject matter under the law of the issuing State; and
Was issued after the respondent was given reasonable notice and had an opportunity to be heard before the tribunal issued the order or, in the case of an ex parte order, the respondent was given notice and has had or will have an opportunity to be heard within a reasonable time after the order was issued, in a manner consistent with the rights of the respondent to due process.
A foreign protection order valid on its face is prima facie evidence of its validity.
Absence of any of the criteria for validity of a foreign protection order is an affirmative defense in an action seeking enforcement of the order.
A tribunal of the District may enforce provisions of a mutual foreign protection order which favor a respondent only if:
The respondent filed a written pleading seeking a protection order from the tribunal of the issuing State; and
The tribunal of the issuing State made specific findings in favor of the respondent.
Annotations
Source: official District Of Columbia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About District Of Columbia § 16-1042
What does D.C. Code § 16-1042 cover?
Section 16-1042 ("Judicial enforcement of order.") is part of the D.C. Code, the codified statutory law of District Of Columbia. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite District Of Columbia § 16-1042?
A common citation format is "D.C. Code § 16-1042" (District Of Columbia). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of District Of Columbia law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the District Of Columbia official source linked on this page or consult a licensed District Of Columbia attorney.
How does District Of Columbia § 16-1042 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in District Of Columbia can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in District Of Columbia.