District Of Columbia § 16-4602.01 - Initial child-custody jurisdiction.
Full text of District Of Columbia D.C. Code § 16-4602.01 — Initial child-custody jurisdiction., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 16-4602.01. Initial child-custody jurisdiction.
16-4602.01Except as otherwise provided in , a court of the District has jurisdiction to make an initial child-custody determination only if:
The District is the home state of the child on the date of the commencement of the proceeding, or was the home state of the child within 6 months before the commencement of the proceeding and the child is absent from the District, but a parent or person acting as a parent continues to live in the District;
A court of another state does not have jurisdiction under paragraph (1) of this subsection, or a court of the home state of the child has declined to exercise jurisdiction on the ground that the District is the more appropriate forum under §§ or , and:
The child and the child’s parents, or the child and at least one parent or a person acting as a parent, have a significant connection with the District other than mere physical presence; and
Substantial evidence is available in the District concerning the child’s care, protection, training, and personal relationships;
All courts having jurisdiction under paragraph (1) or (2) of this subsection have declined to exercise jurisdiction on the ground that a court of the District is the more appropriate forum to determine the custody of the child under §§ or ; or
No court of any other state would have jurisdiction under the criteria specified in paragraph (1), (2), or (3) of this subsection.
Subsection (a) of this section is the exclusive jurisdictional basis for making a child-custody determination by a court of the District.
Physical presence of, or personal jurisdiction over, a party or a child is not necessary or sufficient to make a child-custody determination.
Annotations
Source: official District Of Columbia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About District Of Columbia § 16-4602.01
What does D.C. Code § 16-4602.01 cover?
Section 16-4602.01 ("Initial child-custody jurisdiction.") 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 § 16-4602.01?
A common citation format is "D.C. Code § 16-4602.01" (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 § 16-4602.01 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.