Washington, D.C. Courthouses

District of Columbia Court of Appeals

Divisions: Appeals

Note: This branch hears both civil and criminal state court appeals. It is the highest state court in the district. If you are requesting an appeal, call the courthouse directly or seek legal assistance.

Superior Court for the District of Columbia

Divisions: Civil, Criminal, Domestic Violence, Family, Probate, Quality Review, Tax

Note: The Civil Branch has jurisdiction over civil cases involving more than $5000 in damages. The Criminal Branch handles all traffic and criminal matters including community and drug courts. The Domestic Violence Division handles cases in which parties request protection orders against persons related by blood, legal custody, marriage, having a child in common, sharing of the same residence (currently or in the past), having a romantic dating relationship (currently or in the past), parties with a partner in common (currently or in the past), or parties who claim they have been stalked. The Family Division handles cases involving child abuse and neglect, juvenile delinquency, adoption, divorce, custody, guardianship, visitation, paternity, child support , termination of parental rights, as well as mental health and habilitation. There’s also a Self Help Center in the building.

Court Building B

Divisions: Landlord and Tenant, Small Claims

Note: This court has a free legal information clinic for both unrepresented landlords and tenants who have residential housing disputes. The Small Claims branch handles disputes under $5000.

Court Building C

Divisions: Arbitration, Child Protection Mediation, Community Mediation and Referral, Landlord & Tenant Mediation, Probate Mediation, Small Claims Mediation, Tax Mediation

Note: The Multi-Door Dispute Resolution Division helps parties settle disputes through mediation and other types of appropriate dispute resolution (ADR).

Office of the Auditor-Master

Division: Probate, Civil, Family, and Tax

Note: The Auditor-Master states accounts, determines the value of assets and makes other financial calculations after hearing testimony and receiving documentation from parties. Cases are referred to the Auditor-Master by the courts. 


U.S. Supreme Court

Division: This is the highest court in the nation and handles appeals involving interpretations of the U. S. Constitution or federal law.

Note: Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the building if you are in the area. Go on a tour or hear oral arguments. Have fun. Take pictures. Just not in the Courtroom. It’s strictly prohibited.

U.S Court of Appeals District of Columbia Circuit

Division: Appeals, Criminal and Civil

Note: The Court has jurisdiction over all criminal appeals and most civil appeals from the United States District Court for the District of Columbia.

U.S District and Bankruptcy Court for the District of Columbia

Note: This Court handles all federal cases. If you have a criminal matter you may contact the Federal Prosecutor or the Federal Public Defender. This location also houses the U.S. Bankruptcy Court and the U.S. Probation Office.

Immigration Court

Parking: Consider taking public transportation.

Note: The Arlington Immigration Court adjudicates cases that arise in the states of Virginia and in the District of Columbia.