District Of Columbia § 16-910 - Assignment and equitable distribution of property.
Full text of District Of Columbia D.C. Code § 16-910 — Assignment and equitable distribution of property., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 16-910. Assignment and equitable distribution of property.
16-910Upon entry of a final decree of legal separation, annulment, or divorce, or upon the termination of a domestic partnership pursuant to or and the filing of a petition for relief available under this section, in the absence of a valid antenuptial or postnuptial agreement resolving all issues related to the property of the parties, the court shall:
assign to each party his or her sole and separate property acquired prior to the marriage or domestic partnership, and his or her sole and separate property acquired during the marriage or domestic partnership by gift, bequest, devise, or descent, and any increase thereof, or property acquired in exchange therefor; and
value and distribute all other property and debt accumulated during the marriage or domestic partnership that has not been addressed in a valid antenuptial or postnuptial agreement or a decree of legal separation, regardless of whether title is held individually or by the parties in a form of joint tenancy or tenancy by the entireties, in a manner that is equitable, just, and reasonable, after considering all relevant factors, including, but not limited to:
the duration of the marriage or domestic partnership;
the age, health, occupation, amount, and sources of income, vocational skills, employability, assets, debts, and needs of each of the parties;
provisions for the custody of minor children;
whether the distribution is in lieu of or in addition to alimony;
each party’s obligation from a prior marriage, a prior domestic partnership, or for other children;
the opportunity of each party for future acquisition of assets and income;
each party’s contribution as a homemaker or otherwise to the family unit;
each party’s contribution to the education of the other party which enhanced the other party’s earning ability;
each party’s increase or decrease in income as a result of the marriage, the domestic partnership, or duties of homemaking and child care;
each party’s contribution to the acquisition, preservation, appreciation, dissipation, or depreciation in value of the assets which are subject to distribution, the taxability of these assets, and whether the asset was acquired or the debt incurred after separation;
the effects of taxation on the value of the assets subject to distribution; and
the circumstances which contributed to the estrangement of the parties.
The Court is not required to value a pension or annuity if it enters an order distributing future periodic payments.
Annotations
Source: official District Of Columbia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About District Of Columbia § 16-910
What does D.C. Code § 16-910 cover?
Section 16-910 ("Assignment and equitable distribution of property.") 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 § 16-910?
A common citation format is "D.C. Code § 16-910" (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 § 16-910 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.