District Of Columbia § 16-305 - Petition for adoption.
Full text of District Of Columbia D.C. Code § 16-305 — Petition for adoption., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 16-305. Petition for adoption.
16-305A petition filed for the adoption of a person shall be under oath or affirmation of the petitioner and the titling thereof shall be substantially as follows: “Ex parte in the matter of the petition of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . for adoption.” The petition or the exhibits annexed thereto shall contain the following information:
the name, sex, date, and place of birth of the prospective adoptee, and the names, addresses and residences of the natural parents, if known to the petitioner, except that in an adoption proceeding that is consented to by the Mayor or a licensed child-placing agency, the names, addresses and residences of the natural parents may not be set forth;
the name, address, age, business or employment of the petitioner, and the name of the employer, if any, of the petitioner;
the relationship, if any, of the prospective adoptee to the petitioner;
the race and religion of the prospective adoptee, or his natural parent or parents;
the race and religion of the petitioner;
the date that the prospective adoptee commenced residing with petitioner; and
any change of name which may be desired.
Annotations
Source: official District Of Columbia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About District Of Columbia § 16-305
What does D.C. Code § 16-305 cover?
Section 16-305 ("Petition for adoption.") 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 § 16-305?
A common citation format is "D.C. Code § 16-305" (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 § 16-305 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.