Washington, DC Family Law Attorney
Gabrielle Best Husband | G. Best Husband Law, PLLC
Family changes rarely come at a convenient time. I'm a family law attorney licensed in Washington, DC and Virginia. I help people across the District through DC Superior Court Family Court with private, discreet counsel and a clear plan, and we talk about fees openly at your consultation.
This page is general information, not legal advice.
Family law matters I handle in DC
- Divorce and legal separation. Contested and uncontested, including property and debt division. See Divorce.
- Child custody and visitation. Legal and physical custody, parenting plans, and modifications. See Child Custody.
- Child support. Establishing and modifying support under the DC Child Support Guideline. See Child Support.
- Spousal support (alimony). Temporary and post-divorce alimony. See Know Your Worth: Spousal Support in Virginia and D.C.
- Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements. See Love and Legal Foundations.
- Protective orders. Guidance on Civil Protection Orders and how they interact with custody. See Protective Orders.
- Mediation support. Preparing you for mediation and reviewing proposed agreements before you sign.
How DC family law works: the basics
The court. Divorce, custody, and related cases in the District are heard by the Family Court of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. Filings go through the Family Court Central Intake Center in the Moultrie Courthouse (Room JM-540, 500 Indiana Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20001). Civil Protection Order cases are handled by the Superior Court's Domestic Violence Division.
Residency. To file for divorce or legal separation in DC, at least one spouse generally must have been a bona fide DC resident for at least six months before filing (D.C. Code § 16-902). Special rules apply to members of the armed forces.
No waiting period, no fault required. Since January 26, 2024, a DC divorce may be granted when one or both spouses assert that they no longer wish to remain married (D.C. Code § 16-904(a)). A legal separation may be granted when at least one spouse says they intend to pursue a separate life without divorcing (§ 16-904(b)). My post D.C. Eliminates Waiting Period for Divorce explains the change.
Property. Unless a valid prenuptial or postnuptial agreement resolves it, each spouse keeps their separate property: what they owned before the marriage, plus gifts and inheritances received during it. Other property and debt accumulated during the marriage is divided in a way that is "equitable, just, and reasonable" after the court considers a list of factors (D.C. Code § 16-910).
Alimony. The court may award alimony, indefinite or for a set term, after weighing factors such as each spouse's ability to be self-supporting, the length of the marriage, the standard of living during the marriage, and any history of physical, emotional, or financial abuse (D.C. Code § 16-913).
Custody. The child's best interest is the primary consideration. DC law presumes joint custody is in a child's best interest. That presumption is reversed when a judge finds an intrafamily offense, child abuse, child neglect, or parental kidnapping occurred (D.C. Code § 16-914). Read my full guide: Child Custody in Washington, DC. (Link goes live when the guide is published.)
Mediation and parent education. In contested custody cases, DC Superior Court typically assigns parents to a parenting-education seminar (PAC) and a mediation intake with its Multi-Door Dispute Resolution Division, unless they're already using private mediation or another form of dispute resolution.
Serving families across all of DC
I work with clients from all eight wards of the District, from Capitol Hill and Navy Yard to Petworth, Brookland, Anacostia, Georgetown, and Chevy Chase DC. Because I'm licensed in both DC and Virginia, I can help families whose lives cross the river between the two. For example, one parent may live in DC and the other in Arlington or Alexandria. In those cases, deciding which court has authority over custody (generally the child's "home state," D.C. Code § 16-4602.01) often comes first. I practice only in DC and Virginia. If your case involves Maryland, please speak with a Maryland-licensed attorney about that part of it.
What to expect when you contact me
- 1. Call or book online. Reach me at (844) 640-6100 or schedule a consultation.
- 2. Strategy session. We'll talk through your situation, your goals, and how the DC process applies to you. My post How to Prepare for Your Family Law Consultation can help you get ready.
- 3. A clear plan and an open conversation about fees. We'll discuss fees and the scope of the work at your consultation, so you know what to expect before you decide on next steps.
DC office (by appointment)
G. Best Husband Law, PLLC
300 New Jersey Ave NW, Suite 300
Washington, DC 20001
(844) 640-6100 | By appointment only
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to be separated before I file for divorce in DC?
No. Since 2024, DC law doesn't require a separation period before filing. You do still need to meet the six-month residency requirement.
Can unmarried parents get a custody order in DC?
Yes. Parents can file a complaint for custody in DC Superior Court Family Court without a divorce case, if DC has jurisdiction over the child.
My spouse and I live in DC, but we own property in Virginia. Where do we file?
If you meet DC's residency requirement, you can generally file your divorce in DC Superior Court, and the court can address marital property wherever it's located. Real estate in another state can raise extra practical steps, such as recording a deed there, so it's worth planning for at the start.
Ready to talk?
Facing a divorce, custody, or support issue in Washington, DC? Call (844) 640-6100 or schedule your consultation. You can also reach me through my contact page.
The information on this page is general information, not legal advice, and contacting the firm does not create an attorney-client relationship. Please don't send confidential details until we've confirmed we can represent you.
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