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Divorce prep · District of Columbia
Child custody and parenting plans in District of Columbia
In DC custody cases between parents, the child's interest is the primary consideration under the law's 'best interest' standard. The DC court considers all relevant factors when deciding custody. The same standard applies when the court decides a child's care and custody.
Educational only. Not legal advice. Sources checked November 2, 2026.
What the official sources say
- In DC custody cases between parents, the child's interest is the primary consideration under the law's 'best interest' standard. Code of the District of Columbia § 16-914. Checked November 2, 2026
- The DC court considers all relevant factors when deciding custody. Code of the District of Columbia § 16-914. Checked November 2, 2026
- The same standard applies when the court decides a child's care and custody. Code of the District of Columbia § 16-914. Checked November 2, 2026
Official links
How to keep these papers
Keep dated copies of the papers you already have in one place, and write the day something happened on the same day. KeepMyProof is a private phone app for that: folders with checklists, the day it happened next to the day you saved it, and one PDF of a folder when someone asks.
- Bank, retirement and debt statements
- Pay stubs and tax returns
- Household bills and expenses
- Home, car and property papers
- Agreements and court papers you have
- Messages sent to you
- Co-parenting log: dated handoff and visit notes
Download the free printable checklist (PDF)
One page, no email needed.
Coming soon to Google Play.
More for District of Columbia
- How child support works in District of Columbia
- How to get a copy of your divorce record in District of Columbia
- Protective orders for domestic violence in District of Columbia
- Divorce residency rules and where to file in District of Columbia
- Divorce document checklist: the full guide
- Child custody and parenting plans: all states
Neighbouring states
- Child custody and parenting plans in Maryland
- Child custody and parenting plans in Virginia
- Child custody and parenting plans in Delaware
- Child custody and parenting plans in Florida
Questions
Where do these District of Columbia facts come from?
Each fact on this page is copied from an official source: Code of the District of Columbia § 16-914. We checked that each source still says it on November 2, 2026. Rules and forms change, so open the official link and read the current version before you rely on it.
Is this legal advice?
No. This page is educational only and is not legal advice. KeepMyProof is not a law firm. For advice about your situation, ask a lawyer licensed in District of Columbia or your court's self-help center.
Which papers should I keep for divorce prep?
A good start: Bank, retirement and debt statements; Pay stubs and tax returns; Household bills and expenses; Home, car and property papers; Agreements and court papers you have; Messages sent to you; Co-parenting log: dated handoff and visit notes. Keep only papers you are allowed to have, write the date on each note, and keep originals somewhere safe.
How can I keep these papers private on my phone?
KeepMyProof keeps copies of the papers you already have in folders with checklists, encrypted on your phone, with no account and no ads. It is free for the first items you save. It is coming soon to Google Play.
Educational only. Not legal advice.