District Of Columbia § 4-361 - Post-adoption contact agreement.
Full text of District Of Columbia D.C. Code § 4-361 — Post-adoption contact agreement., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 4-361. Post-adoption contact agreement.
4-361A prospective adoptive parent or an adoptive parent (“adoptive parent”) and the birth parent or other birth relative of a prospective adoptee or adoptee (“adoptee”) may enter into a written post-adoption contact agreement (“PAC agreement”) to allow contact, after the adoption, between the adoptee and a birth parent or other birth relative of the adoptee; provided, that written consent to the PAC agreement is obtained from an adoptee who is 14 years of age or older.
The decision to enter into a PAC agreement shall be at the sole discretion of the adoptive parent.
Failure to comply with a condition of the PAC agreement shall not be grounds for revoking consent to, or setting aside an order for, adoption.
The Family Court of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia (“Family Court”) shall enforce a PAC agreement made in accordance with this section if the Family Court finds that enforcement of the PAC agreement is in the best interest of the adoptee.
In enforcing a PAC agreement, the court shall take into consideration the written consent to the agreement of an adoptee who is 14 years of age or older.
For cases involving an adoptee who is a respondent in a child abuse or neglect case under , the court finalizing the adoption shall review and approve any PAC agreement based on whether it is in the best interest of the adoptee prior to finalizing the adoption.
If a party moves to modify a PAC agreement and satisfies the court that the modification is in the best interest of the adoptee, the court shall order that the PAC agreement be modified accordingly.
If a dispute arises between the parties to a PAC agreement, the parties shall certify that they have participated, or attempted to participate, in good faith, in mediation or other appropriate dispute resolution proceedings to resolve the dispute prior to seeking judicial resolution. The mediator shall be selected by the adoptive parent.
Annotations
Source: official District Of Columbia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About District Of Columbia § 4-361
What does D.C. Code § 4-361 cover?
Section 4-361 ("Post-adoption contact agreement.") 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 § 4-361?
A common citation format is "D.C. Code § 4-361" (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 § 4-361 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.