{"id":372221,"date":"2019-03-20T12:08:42","date_gmt":"2019-03-20T17:08:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/dc-law\/child-custody-process-in-d-c-1.html"},"modified":"2025-06-10T13:31:27","modified_gmt":"2025-06-10T18:31:27","slug":"child-custody-process-in-d-c-1","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/dc-law\/child-custody-process-in-d-c-1.html","title":{"rendered":"Child Custody Process in D.C."},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Child Custody Process in D.C.<\/h1>\n
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\n By Olivia Wathne, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Laura Temme, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

Child custody decisions are rarely easy for parents, especially since these decisions often must be made in the context of a separation or divorce.<\/p>\r\n

Since parents sometimes need help sorting through child custody<\/u><\/a> issues, states give courts the authority to help make these decisions. State laws also provide guidance on how to make these decisions, which are generally based on the best interests of the child<\/u><\/a>.<\/p>\r\n

This article covers the essential steps of determining child custody in D.C.<\/p>\r\n

Establishing Paternity in D.C.<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

In D.C., there are a few different scenarios where a man is presumed to be the father of a child. The most common of these are when:<\/p>\r\n