District Of Columbia § 16-4803 - Designation of a standby guardian.
Full text of District Of Columbia D.C. Code § 16-4803 — Designation of a standby guardian., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 16-4803. Designation of a standby guardian.
16-4803A designator may designate a standby guardian at any time.
The designation of a standby guardian shall be in writing and shall contain the following information:
The full name, address, birth date, and gender of the child affected;
The full name, address, and telephone number of the designator; and
If known, the names and addresses of any other persons having legal rights to the care, custody, or control of the child.
The designation shall be signed by the designator. Another adult may sign the designation on behalf of the designator if the designator is physically unable to do so, the designator expressly requests that the adult sign the designation, and the adult signs the designation in the presence of the designator. The designated standby guardian or alternate standby guardian may not sign on behalf of the designator.
The designation shall be signed and dated by the designator or the designator’s proxy in the presence of 2 witnesses who shall be over 18 years of age and who cannot be the standby guardian or the alternate standby guardian. The witnesses shall indicate their witnessing of the signing of the designation by signing the designation.
The designation shall include a statement that the designation is not valid until it is signed and witnessed as required by subsection (d) of this section.
The standby guardian, and the alternate standby guardian, if one is designated, shall sign the executed designation to indicate acceptance of the standby guardianship.
Annotations
Source: official District Of Columbia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About District Of Columbia § 16-4803
What does D.C. Code § 16-4803 cover?
Section 16-4803 ("Designation of a standby guardian.") 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 § 16-4803?
A common citation format is "D.C. Code § 16-4803" (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 § 16-4803 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.