Washington, D.C. Child Custody Lawyer

If you’re going through a divorce, you have to protect what matters. And if you have children, you have to make sure you can stay in their lives. Your Washington, D.C. child custody lawyer can help. And at Fait & DiLima Family Law, we’re ready to use our 100+ years of combined experience to get you the best possible outcome. Read on to see why you need a custody dispute attorney, and contact us today to get started.

Child Custody Lawyer Washington, D.C.

Don’t miss out on raising your kids. It may be possible for you and your spouse to agree on joint custody, but depending on the reasons for your divorce, this may not be a viable option. Instead, one of you will be awarded custody, and one of you will only get visitation rights. And if you want to play an active part in helping your children grow up, you’ll need to fight for more time and a greater role in their lives.

Some divorces can be simple and straightforward, but when kids are caught in the middle, it can turn into a lengthy and frustrating process. You’ll need to prove to the court that you’re a responsible parent, and that you can provide a safe and nurturing environment for your children. This means gathering evidence that can support your claims, and negotiating with your spouse’s lawyers to come to an agreement about parenting time and a workable schedule.

If you don’t have proper legal representation during your divorce hearings, these negotiations can turn against you very quickly. Your spouse may be able to successfully argue that you deserve less time with your own children, and to top it all off, you may have to make steep child support payments for many years.

Your Washington, D.C. child custody lawyer can help you hold on to your kids. When you contact a parenting time lawyer, you’re getting a helpful advocate who can head to the negotiating table on your behalf. Your legal team can demonstrate how you can provide a stable upbringing for your kids, and an experienced co-parenting lawyer can even help you and your ex come to an agreement for joint custody.

Why Experience Matters In Child Custody Cases

When you’re going through a divorce, an experienced attorney can make the difference between full custody and years of child support payments. At Fait & DiLima Family Law, here’s how our experience can help:

• Our team has over 100 years of combined legal experience. We know the best strategies to use if you want to gain custody of your children, and we’re ready to prove that you’re a responsible and stable parent.
• Fait & DiLima Family Law provides award-winning service. We’ve been featured in US News & World Report, and managing partner Marjorie G. DiLima was recognized by Super Lawyers.
• We’ve assisted our clients with a broad range of family law services, from child custody to high-asset divorces. We’re ready to walk you through every step of the process, no matter the specifics.

Don’t miss out on raising your kids. And don’t hesitate to contact a law firm you can count on.

Contact Us Today

At Fait & DiLima Family Law, we know you deserve custody of your children. Contact us today, and see how a Washington, D.C. child custody lawyer from our office can help.

Types Of Child Custody Cases We Handle

When families face changes that affect their children, it is important to have a clear plan in place. Child custody matters can take many forms, depending on the situation and the needs of the child. Our Washington, D.C. child custody lawyer works closely with families to address a wide range of custody-related issues while keeping the focus on stability and long-term well-being.

Establishing Parenting Arrangements After Separation

When parents separate or divorce, one of the first steps is creating a parenting plan. This includes determining where the child will live, how time will be shared, and how decisions will be made. Some families choose joint arrangements, while others may need a primary residence with scheduled visitation. Our Washington child custody lawyer helps build practical plans that reflect each family’s routine and priorities.

Adjusting Existing Agreements Over Time

Life changes, and parenting plans often need to change with it. A parent may relocate, change jobs, or face new responsibilities that affect their ability to follow an existing order. In these cases, we assist with modifying custody agreements so they remain fair and workable. Courts look at what has changed and whether an update supports the child’s best interests.

Addressing Disputes Between Parents

Disagreements can arise even after a plan is in place. Parents may not agree on schedules, communication, or decisions involving school or healthcare. When conflicts escalate, we step in to help resolve them through negotiation or court action if needed. With over a century of combined legal experience, our goal is to bring clarity and reduce ongoing tension so families can move forward.

Handling Sole Decision-Making Requests

In some situations, one parent may seek sole authority over major decisions. This may be due to concerns about the other parent’s involvement, reliability, or ability to act in the child’s best interest. Our Washington child custody lawyer guides clients through the process of presenting their case and helps the court understand why a different arrangement may be necessary.

Working Through Relocation Matters

When a parent plans to move, especially out of the area, it can impact existing custody arrangements. Relocation cases often require court approval and careful review. We help families present clear reasons for the move and address how it will affect parenting time, schooling, and relationships. These cases require thoughtful planning and detailed proposals.

Supporting Unmarried Parents Seeking Orders

Custody cases are not limited to divorce. Unmarried parents often need legal orders to establish rights and responsibilities. This includes setting parenting time, decision-making authority, and financial obligations. Our legal professionals help parents create structured agreements that provide clarity and prevent future disputes.

Responding To Urgent Situations

There are times when immediate action is needed to protect a child. This may involve concerns about safety, stability, or sudden changes in living conditions. We assist with emergency custody requests and temporary orders that address urgent needs while a longer-term solution is developed.

Contact Us Today

Child custody matters can feel overwhelming, but having the right guidance makes a difference. At Fait & DiLima Family Law, we work with families to create clear, workable solutions that support both parents and children. If you are dealing with a custody issue or need help updating an existing arrangement, our award-winning team is here to help you take the next step with confidence.

Child Custody Statistics in Washington, D.C.

Custody disputes are among the most common family law matters filed in the District. The D.C. Superior Court Family Court processes thousands of cases each year involving custody, visitation, child support, and related family matters. According to U.S. Census Bureau data, roughly one in four children under 21 nationwide lives with only one parent. In D.C., where the population is transient and dual-income households are common, parenting disputes often involve relocation concerns, demanding work schedules, and cross-jurisdictional complications with Maryland and Virginia. The CDC’s national vital statistics reported approximately 672,502 divorces and annulments in 2023 across reporting areas. Washington, D.C. actually had one of the lowest divorce rates in the country at 2.6 per 1,000 in 2022, but the custody cases that do arise here tend to be complex, often involving high-income households and contested parenting arrangements. Many of these cases also involve overlapping child support disputes and disagreements over decision-making authority.

Factors That Affect the Outcome of Your Child Custody Case

Every custody case in Washington, D.C. centers on what the court calls the “best interest of the child.” That phrase gets used a lot. But what it actually means in practice depends on the specific facts a judge reviews under D.C. Code § 16-914. There are at least 17 enumerated factors, and the statute makes clear the court can consider anything else that bears on the child’s welfare. Here are the ones that matter most in our experience.

• The child’s wishes. If the child is old enough and mature enough to express a preference, the court will consider it. This does not mean a 7-year-old picks where to live. It means the judge weighs the child’s stated preference alongside everything else.
• Each parent’s involvement. Courts look at who has been the primary caregiver. Who takes the kids to school? Who schedules doctor appointments? Who helps with homework? A parent who has been actively involved day to day has a stronger position than one who has not.
• Ability to communicate. The court examines whether both parents can cooperate on decisions about health, education, and welfare. If one parent consistently refuses to share information or blocks the other from decision-making, that works against them. Co-parenting difficulties can become a significant factor at trial.
• Stability of the home environment. Judges consider where the child currently lives, how well adjusted they are to that home, their school, and their community. Disrupting a stable routine requires strong justification. Custody disputes that involve competing claims about stability require detailed evidence.
• Mental and physical health. The mental and physical health of every person involved, not just the parents, is reviewed. This includes anyone living in the household who interacts with the child regularly.
• History of domestic violence. Under D.C. law, evidence of an intrafamily offense creates a rebuttable presumption that joint custody is not in the child’s best interest. This is one of the most consequential factors in any custody case.
• Willingness to share custody. A parent who actively encourages the child’s relationship with the other parent tends to fare better. Courts look unfavorably on parental alienation or attempts to limit the child’s time with the other parent without cause.
• Geographic proximity. How close the parents live to each other matters for practical reasons. A parenting schedule that works when both parents are in D.C. falls apart if one parent moves to another state. Relocation cases often require court approval and a revised custody arrangement.
• The parenting plan. D.C. courts can require each parent to submit a detailed parenting plan covering scheduling, decision-making authority, holiday arrangements, and conflict resolution methods. A well-prepared plan signals to the court that you have thought carefully about your child’s needs. Plans can be modified later if circumstances change significantly.
• Evidence of abuse or neglect. Beyond intrafamily offenses, the court considers any evidence of child abuse or neglect as defined under D.C. law. These cases can result in supervised visitation or sole custody being awarded to the other parent.

No single factor controls the outcome. Judges weigh all of them together. That is why working with a child custody attorney in Washington, D.C. who understands how these factors interact is critical.

Washington, D.C. Child Custody Lawyer FAQs

How does D.C. determine custody?

The court applies the best interest standard under D.C. Code § 16-914, weighing factors like parental involvement, the child’s adjustment to home and school, each parent’s willingness to share custody, and the mental and physical health of everyone involved. There is a presumption favoring joint custody unless domestic violence, abuse, or neglect is present.

What is the difference between legal custody and physical custody?

Legal custody refers to the right to make major decisions about a child’s health, education, and welfare. Physical custody determines where the child lives. A parent can have joint legal custody while the child primarily resides with the other parent. Many D.C. custody arrangements involve shared legal custody with one parent designated as the primary physical custodian. The non-custodial parent typically receives a child access schedule that provides regular parenting time.

Can fathers get custody in D.C.?

Yes. D.C. law does not favor one parent over the other based on gender. The court evaluates both parents under the same best interest factors. Fathers who have been actively involved in their child’s life and can demonstrate a stable home environment have the same standing as mothers.

What if we are not married?

Unmarried parents have the same right to seek custody orders. However, establishing paternity may be a required first step. Once paternity is established, the court applies the same custody factors it would in a D.C. divorce case.

How long does a custody case take?

It depends on whether the case is contested. An agreed-upon custody arrangement can be finalized in a few months. A fully contested case with discovery, custody evaluations, and trial can take a year or longer. Cases involving high-conflict dynamics tend to move more slowly.

Can I modify an existing custody order?

Yes, but you must show a substantial and material change in circumstances. The change also has to be in the child’s best interest. Common reasons include a parent’s relocation, a significant shift in work schedules, or safety concerns that were not present when the original order was entered. Preparing for a modification requires gathering documentation that shows why the current arrangement no longer serves the child.

Does D.C. require mediation in custody cases?

The court can order mediation through the Multi-Door Dispute Resolution Division, and many judges encourage it. Family mediation is free and confidential. It is not mandatory in every case, but the court often refers contested custody disputes to mediation before scheduling a trial.

What role does a guardian ad litem play?

A guardian ad litem is an attorney the court appoints to represent the child’s best interests. The GAL conducts an independent investigation, interviews both parents, may visit each home, and submits a recommendation to the court. Their input carries significant weight.

Will the court consider my child’s preference?

If the child is mature enough to express a meaningful preference, the court will consider it as one factor. There is no fixed age threshold. The judge assesses the child’s maturity and whether the preference reflects genuine feeling rather than coaching by one parent.

How much does a custody lawyer cost in Washington, D.C.?

Fees vary based on case complexity. At Fait & DiLima Family Law, we do not offer free consultations, but we provide a thorough initial assessment so you understand your options and what the process involves. Our approach focuses on resolving matters efficiently, which often reduces overall legal costs.

Local Information for Washington, D.C. Child Custody Cases

D.C. Family Court and Local Resources

All child custody cases in Washington, D.C. are heard at the D.C. Superior Court, Family Court Operations Division. The courthouse is located at the Moultrie Courthouse, 500 Indiana Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20001. The Family Court Central Intake Center handles all filings, including custody petitions, parenting plan submissions, and motions to modify existing orders. Cases are assigned to judges within the Family Court division, and hearings are scheduled through that court’s calendar.

The court also operates the Family Fathering Court Initiative, which helps non-custodial parents reconnect with their children and address child support obligations. D.C.’s Multi-Door Dispute Resolution Division provides free family mediation services for custody and visitation disputes as an alternative to litigation.

What Are Important Local Resources for Washington, D.C. Child Custody?

The following organizations provide services that may be relevant during a child custody case in D.C. Inclusion on this list does not constitute an endorsement by Fait & DiLima Family Law.

• D.C. Superior Court Family Court Operations – (202) 879-1212
• Child Support Services Division (CSSD) – (202) 442-9900
• D.C. Bar Pro Bono Center Family Law Program – (202) 737-4700
• DC Volunteer Lawyers Project – (202) 425-7573
• My Sister’s Place – (202) 529-5261
• National Center for Children and Families – (202) 636-4700

About the Attorney

Marjorie G. DiLima earned her J.D. and M.B.A. with honors in 1994, followed by a Masters in Taxation from Georgetown University Law. She has been recognized by Super Lawyers for 10 consecutive years and was named among Best Lawyers in 2023 and 2024. In addition to representing parents in contested custody matters, Marjorie serves as a Best Interest Attorney for children in cases where the court needs an independent advocate focused solely on the child’s welfare.

What Our Clients Say

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“I cannot thank Fait & DiLima team enough for their exceptional representation in my custody case. My daughter’s father was seeking more time and was reluctant to reach an agreement. The attorneys guided me through every step of the process, from initial consultations to courtroom appearances and follow-ups.”

— Suaimeliz Pinero Saez

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Contact Fait & DiLima Family Law

If you are facing a custody dispute in Washington, D.C., Fait & DiLima Family Law is ready to help. Our attorneys have handled custody cases involving parenting plan negotiations, contested hearings, modifications, and emergency petitions. We take the time during your initial consultation to review the facts of your situation and explain what to expect going forward. Contact us to schedule a consultation with a Washington, D.C. child custody attorney from our firm.