District Of Columbia § 16-4602.07 - Inconvenient forum.
Full text of District Of Columbia D.C. Code § 16-4602.07 — Inconvenient forum., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 16-4602.07. Inconvenient forum.
16-4602.07A court of the District which has jurisdiction under this chapter to make a child-custody determination may decline to exercise its jurisdiction at any time if it determines that it is an inconvenient forum under the circumstances and that a court of another state is a more appropriate forum. The issue of inconvenient forum may be raised upon motion of a party, the court’s own motion, or request of another court.
Before determining whether it is an inconvenient forum, a court of the District shall consider whether it is appropriate for a court of another state to exercise jurisdiction. For this purpose, the court shall allow the parties to submit information and shall consider all relevant factors, including:
Whether domestic violence has occurred and is likely to continue in the future and which state could best protect the parties and the child;
The length of time the child has resided outside the District;
The distance between the court in the District and the court in the state that would assume jurisdiction;
The relative financial circumstances of the parties;
Any agreement of the parties as to which state should assume jurisdiction;
The nature and location of the evidence required to resolve the pending litigation, including testimony of the child;
The ability of the court of each state to decide the issue expeditiously and the procedures necessary to present the evidence; and
The familiarity of the court of each state with the facts and issues in the pending litigation.
If a court of the District determines that it is an inconvenient forum and that a court of another state is a more appropriate forum, it shall stay the proceedings upon condition that a child-custody proceeding be promptly commenced in another designated state and may impose any other condition the court considers just and proper.
A court of the District may decline to exercise its jurisdiction under this chapter if a child-custody determination is incidental to an action for divorce or another proceeding while still retaining jurisdiction over the divorce or other proceeding.
Annotations
Source: official District Of Columbia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About District Of Columbia § 16-4602.07
What does D.C. Code § 16-4602.07 cover?
Section 16-4602.07 ("Inconvenient forum.") 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 § 16-4602.07?
A common citation format is "D.C. Code § 16-4602.07" (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 § 16-4602.07 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.