Washington, D.C. Divorce Lawyer

Trusted divorce attorneys with decades of experience.

The District of Columbia governs divorce under its own statutes, its own procedural framework, and through judges who sit in the Family Court of the D.C. Superior Court. Property is classified and distributed under D.C.’s equitable distribution rules. Custody disputes are resolved by applying D.C. best interest factors. Alimony is evaluated against nine statutory criteria that, as of January 2024, include the history of physical, emotional, or financial abuse between the parties. None of this follows Maryland or Virginia law, even though the jurisdictions share a border and many of the same families. Our Washington, D.C. divorce lawyer has handled contested and complex divorce cases in D.C. for decades. Contact Fait & DiLima Family Law to schedule a consultation.

Divorce Lawyer Washington, D.C.

A divorce attorney in Washington, D.C. handles every component of the dissolution: property classification and division, spousal support, child custody and access, child support, and temporary relief while the case is pending. The Family Court’s Domestic Relations Branch manages these proceedings, and its judges expect thorough preparation and full financial transparency from both sides.

Types of Divorce Cases We Handle in Washington, D.C.

Fait & DiLima Family Law represents clients in D.C. divorce proceedings across all levels of financial and interpersonal complexity. Some cases settle within months through negotiated agreements. Others require a year or more of discovery, motions practice, and trial preparation. We build every case with the possibility of trial in mind, even when resolution through negotiation is the goal.

• Contested divorce. When spouses disagree about property division, custody, support, or any combination of these issues, the case moves through a structured litigation process. We prepare contested cases for the courtroom from day one, while pursuing settlement when the terms are favorable.
• Complex divorce. Business ownership, investment portfolios with multiple asset classes, executive compensation packages, and real estate in more than one jurisdiction all demand financial analysis beyond standard discovery. We coordinate with forensic accountants and business valuation professionals to produce defensible numbers.
• High net worth divorce. When a marital estate involves millions of dollars in assets, every classification decision carries outsized consequences. Retirement accounts, stock options, deferred compensation, trust interests, and hidden assets all require precise identification, valuation, and division.
• Child custody. Parents who cannot reach an agreement on physical or legal custody face a separate evidentiary proceeding within the divorce. D.C. courts apply best interest factors to determine custody arrangements and parenting schedules, and those determinations directly affect child support obligations.
• Alimony. The court weighs nine statutory factors, and the 2024 amendment added the history of abuse as a consideration. We handle cases involving both the pursuit and the defense of alimony claims.
• Uncontested divorce. When both parties agree on every issue, the case proceeds on a streamlined path. We draft and review settlement agreements, confirm enforceability under D.C. law, and manage the filing through the Domestic Relations Branch.
• Divorce involving domestic violence. Abuse alters the calculus of every issue in a divorce. It affects custody determinations, may justify immediate protective orders, and can influence both property distribution and support. We represent survivors whose physical safety must be addressed in parallel with the dissolution itself.

Why Choose Fait & DiLima Family Law for Divorce in Washington, D.C.?

Financial Depth in Complex Divorce Cases

Washington, D.C. divorces frequently involve federal employees, government contractors, military personnel, and professionals whose compensation structures include pensions, Thrift Savings Plans, deferred bonuses, and benefits tied to agencies and institutions headquartered in the District. These cases require an attorney who can navigate financial complexity as effectively as legal complexity.

Marjorie G. DiLima, Managing Partner of Fait & DiLima Family Law, earned both a J.D. and M.B.A. with honors in 1994, then completed a Masters in Taxation at Georgetown University Law. That education gives her the ability to read financial statements, evaluate settlement proposals for their after-tax consequences, and challenge opposing valuations on cross-examination. Marjorie is admitted to the U.S. District Court, the Maryland Court of Special Appeals, and the U.S. Tax Court.

She is certified in mediation and collaborative law, providing an alternative process when both parties are willing to negotiate constructively. In certain cases, she also serves as a Best Interest Attorney for the children, a role that gives her direct insight into how D.C. and Maryland courts evaluate custody when conflict is high. Her focus areas include cases where substance abuse disrupts family stability and cases involving narcissistic or high-conflict personalities.

Recognized Credentials

Super Lawyers has recognized Marjorie for 10 consecutive years. Best Lawyers named her in 2023 and 2024. U.S. News & World Report included the firm in its “Best Law Firms” rankings in 2021, 2023, and 2024. Marjorie was named a Bethesda Magazine Top Attorney for 2025 and holds a lifetime position in the American Inns of Court. She has also received multiple recognitions from the Maryland Bar for her dedication to legal service delivery.

The firm’s appellate practice further distinguishes its approach. Marjorie has argued cases before the Maryland Court of Special Appeals, and that appellate work shapes how we construct trial records in contested divorce cases. The firm has earned consistently favorable outcomes in contested custody, property division, and support matters.

Divorce Case Overview

Grounds for Divorce, Property Division, and Alimony in Washington, D.C.

D.C.’s divorce framework underwent a material change in January 2024 that anyone filing or responding to a divorce in the District needs to understand. The prior system required separation periods. The current one does not.

• Grounds for divorce: Under D.C. Code §16-904, a divorce may be granted upon the assertion by one or both parties that they no longer wish to remain married. That language replaced prior provisions requiring mutual voluntary separation for six months or a one-year living-apart period.
• Residency: Under §16-902, at least one spouse must have been a bona fide D.C. resident for six months before filing.
• Equitable distribution: §16-910 directs the court to assign each party their separate property, then distribute all property accumulated during the marriage in a manner that is equitable, just, and reasonable. The court considers the duration of the marriage, contributions of each party, economic circumstances, and, since 2024, the history of abuse.
• Alimony: Under §16-913, the court may award alimony if it deems it just and proper. Awards can be indefinite or structured with a defined term. The court weighs nine factors, including income, marital standard of living, duration of the marriage, age and health, and the paying party’s ability to meet their own needs while paying support.
• Pendente lite relief: The court may order temporary alimony, exclusive use of the family home, and interim custody arrangements while the case is pending.

Important Aspects in Your D.C. Divorce Case

Several features of D.C. divorce law distinguish it from neighboring jurisdictions. Knowing these differences early prevents costly strategic errors.

Financial disclosure is mandatory and, in contested cases, exhaustive. Both parties produce income documentation, asset inventories, debt schedules, and tax returns. Discovery may include subpoenas to banks and employers, depositions of financial advisors, and retention of forensic accountants. Courts impose sanctions for incomplete or dishonest disclosures, and judges in the Family Court take those obligations seriously.

• D.C. classifies property differently from Maryland. Property acquired during the marriage is subject to equitable distribution regardless of how title is held. Property obtained before the marriage or by gift, bequest, or inheritance is assigned to the owning party.
• The 2024 amendment added the history of physical, emotional, or financial abuse as a factor in both alimony and property distribution. That addition gives survivors an evidentiary basis to seek a larger share of the marital estate.
• Federal pensions, TSP accounts, and military retirement pay require specialized court orders to divide. Errors in drafting these orders can result in permanent loss of benefits.
• Couples who own property in both D.C. and Maryland sometimes face jurisdictional questions about which law applies to specific assets.
• Retirement accounts in D.C. divorce cases often involve FERS pensions, TSP balances, and military retirement credits that require specialized knowledge to divide properly.

Divorce Case Timeline in Washington, D.C.

The duration of a D.C. divorce depends on whether the case is contested, the volume of assets involved, and whether custody is disputed. Uncontested cases can be resolved in months. Contested cases with substantial financial complexity may take a year or longer.

• Filing: One party files a Complaint for Absolute Divorce with the D.C. Superior Court. The respondent has 20 days to file an answer after being served.
• Pendente lite motions: Either party can request temporary support, custody, or exclusive possession of the home. These motions are typically heard within 30 to 60 days.
• Discovery: Financial disclosures are exchanged. In complex cases, discovery extends to subpoenas, depositions, and engagement of valuation professionals. This phase ranges from three to eight months.
• Negotiation and mediation: The D.C. Superior Court’s Multi-Door Dispute Resolution Division offers mediation services. Many cases settle during this phase, particularly when both parties prefer to control the outcome.
• Trial: If no agreement is reached, the court schedules a merits hearing. Expert reports are filed, exhibits organized, witnesses prepared. Complex contested divorces in D.C. can take 12 to 18 months or more from filing to final decree.
• Post-judgment: Asset transfers, pension division orders, and property conveyances are executed after the decree is entered.

What to Bring to Your Divorce Consultation

The first meeting with a divorce attorney in Washington, D.C. is about establishing a clear financial picture. Bring whatever documentation you have access to.

• Federal and state tax returns for the past three years
• Recent pay stubs and documentation of all income sources
• Statements for bank, brokerage, and retirement accounts
• Real estate deeds, mortgage documents, and property appraisals
• Any existing prenuptial or postnuptial agreement
• TSP statements, FERS pension estimates, or military retirement documentation, if applicable

Many clients walk in without financial records because their spouse managed the money. The purpose of the initial consultation is to assess your situation and identify the issues that will matter most, not to arrive with a complete set of financial records.

Washington, D.C. Legal Resources for Divorce

Several District agencies and court resources provide information for individuals navigating the divorce process in D.C.

• The D.C. Superior Court publishes filing instructions, required court forms, and procedural guidance for divorce and legal separation through the Family Court’s Domestic Relations Branch.
• The D.C. Code, Title 16, Chapter 9 contains the complete statutory text governing divorce, annulment, legal separation, property distribution, alimony, and child support in the District.
• The Family Court Self-Help Center in Room JM-570 of the Superior Court assists individuals with completing court forms and provides referrals to legal resources for those without representation.

Reach Out to Fait & DiLima Family Law to Schedule a Consultation

If you are facing a divorce in Washington, D.C., Fait & DiLima Family Law is prepared to represent your interests at every stage of the proceeding. We handle contested and complex divorce cases involving significant assets, custody disputes, and spousal support claims across the District. Contact our office to schedule a consultation and begin building a clear strategy for your D.C. divorce case.

Divorce Statistics in Washington, D.C.

The District of Columbia’s divorce landscape has shifted substantially. According to CDC vital statistics, the national divorce rate sits at approximately 2.4 per 1,000 people. D.C.’s rate runs lower than the national average, but that figure is misleading. The District’s smaller population, higher median income, and later average marriage age all depress the raw number. What the rate does not capture is the complexity of cases that move through the system. D.C. divorces disproportionately involve federal pensions, dual-income professional households, and real estate in one of the most expensive markets in the country.

Census Bureau data shows that about 65% of family groups with children under 18 were maintained by married parents as of 2022. When those marriages end, property and custody stakes in D.C. tend to run higher than in most other jurisdictions. The January 2024 revision to D.C.’s divorce statute eliminated prior separation requirements, which has accelerated filings. A divorce lawyer in Washington, D.C. can explain how the current framework applies to your specific situation.

Mistakes That Can Damage Your Washington, D.C. Divorce Case

Some of the most damaging moves in a divorce happen before an attorney is involved. A divorce attorney in Washington, D.C. can help you avoid costly errors, but only if you reach out early. These are the ones that cause the most harm.

• Leaving the marital home without a plan. Moving out before filing can affect your claim to the property, weaken your argument for primary custody, and change how the court views the status quo. Sometimes leaving is necessary for safety. But when it is not, the decision should be made with an attorney’s input, not in a moment of frustration. Where you live at the time of filing often shapes the temporary orders that follow.
• Hiding assets or income. D.C. courts require complete financial disclosure. Concealing accounts, underreporting income, or transferring property to relatives before filing will eventually surface. Forensic accountants and subpoenaed bank records make concealment difficult to sustain. Courts impose sanctions and adjust the division against the dishonest party. If you suspect your spouse is hiding assets, a forensic approach to protect your business is the appropriate response.
• Using social media during the case. Posts, check-ins, photographs, and comments are admissible evidence. Assume everything you post will be read by the other side’s attorney.
• Making major financial moves. Opening new accounts, liquidating investments, taking on large debt, or making substantial gifts during the divorce creates a paper trail courts will scrutinize. These transactions can be treated as wasteful dissipation, and the court may reimburse the other party from your share. Discuss any significant financial decisions through your attorney first.
• Communicating poorly with your co-parent. If children are involved, every text message, email, and voicemail between you and your spouse is potential evidence. Hostile, sarcastic, or threatening language damages your custody position. It is important to keep communication factual. Courts favor parents who can manage conflict without escalating it.
• Ignoring tax consequences. Property settlements, alimony payments, and retirement account transfers all carry tax implications. An agreement that looks favorable on paper can become a bad deal after taxes. This matters even more in D.C., where federal employment benefits and deferred compensation add layers to every calculation. Analysis should happen before you sign, not after.
• Refusing to consider settlement. Going to trial is sometimes necessary. But refusing to negotiate because of anger or principle almost always increases costs and extends the timeline. D.C. Family Court judges expect parties to attempt resolution before trial, and a party who obstructs that process creates a negative impression. Settlement does not mean surrender.

Washington, D.C. Divorce Lawyer FAQs

Do I still need to be separated before filing in D.C.?

No. As of January 2024, D.C. no longer requires a separation period. Either spouse can file by asserting they no longer wish to remain married. That change replaced a prior requirement of six months of mutual voluntary separation or a one-year living-apart period. The elimination of the waiting period has simplified the filing threshold significantly.

Can my spouse prevent the divorce?

No. D.C. permits unilateral no-fault divorce. If one party asserts the marriage is irretrievably broken, the court may grant the divorce regardless of whether the other party agrees. The respondent can contest property division, custody, and alimony, but cannot block the dissolution itself.

How does D.C. handle debt in a divorce?

Debts incurred during the marriage are subject to equitable distribution, just like assets. The court examines who incurred the debt, its purpose, and each party’s ability to repay. Joint debts like mortgages and credit cards are divided based on the same statutory factors that apply to asset division. Student loans taken during the marriage may also qualify as marital debt depending on the circumstances.

What happens to the family home?

The court may award the home to one spouse, order a sale with the proceeds divided, or grant exclusive use for a defined period. That period often runs until the youngest child reaches a certain age. The decision depends on each party’s financial capacity, the custody arrangement, and whether other assets offset the home’s equity. Our divorce lawyer in Washington, D.C. can analyze whether keeping or selling the home produces the better long-term outcome and talk with you further about common divorce mistakes to avoid.

Can I keep my inheritance in a D.C. divorce?

Generally yes. D.C. treats inherited property as separate, which means it is not subject to equitable distribution. But if you deposited the inheritance into a joint account, commingled it with marital funds, or used it to purchase marital property, the court may classify part or all of it differently. Financial preparation early in the case helps trace inherited assets back to their source.

What if my spouse refuses to respond to discovery?

The court can compel compliance. Sanctions, adverse inferences about the missing information, and default rulings on contested issues are all available remedies. Discovery obstruction is taken seriously in D.C. Family Court. Your attorney files a motion to compel, and if the other side still does not cooperate, the consequences escalate.

Is mediation required before trial in D.C.?

Not automatically. But the court may order it. D.C. Superior Court’s Multi-Door Dispute Resolution Division offers family mediation services, and judges frequently refer contested cases there. Even when mediation does not resolve everything, it narrows the disputed issues. That saves time and money at trial.

Can I change my name as part of the divorce?

Yes. You may request a name change in your divorce complaint or countercomplaint, and the court typically grants it as part of the final decree. No separate petition is necessary. This applies to restoring a maiden name or any prior legal name.

How are stock options and RSUs handled in a D.C. divorce?

Stock options and restricted stock units earned during the marriage are marital property subject to division. Vested and unvested portions are treated differently. The court assigns value to what has vested and may use a coverture fraction to allocate unvested awards. Cases involving equity compensation require careful valuation because market fluctuations and vesting schedules change the numbers.

What questions should I ask before hiring a divorce lawyer?

Ask about their experience with D.C. Family Court specifically. Inquire about how many contested divorces they have tried to conclude. Ask about their approach to financial discovery and whether they coordinate with forensic accountants. And ask about communication: how frequently you will receive updates and how quickly the attorney returns calls. A divorce lawyer in Washington, D.C., who cannot answer these key questions clearly may not be the right fit.

What documents should I start gathering now?

Start gathering three years of tax returns, recent pay stubs, retirement account statements, bank and brokerage records, mortgage details, insurance policies, prenuptial or postnuptial agreements, and any other related documents. If your spouse controls the finances, bring whatever you have access to. Your attorney can subpoena the rest. Starting early gives you an advantage that procrastination does not.

Additional Local Resources for Washington, D.C. Divorce

D.C. Courts and Community Resources

Divorce cases in Washington, D.C. are filed with the Family Court of the D.C. Superior Court, located at 500 Indiana Avenue NW. The Domestic Relations Branch handles contested and uncontested divorce proceedings. The Family Court Self-Help Center, in Room JM-570, assists with court forms and filing procedures for self-represented litigants. The D.C. Attorney General’s office can assist with child support establishment and enforcement in cases where support is part of the divorce.

Important Local Resources for Washington, D.C. Divorce

The following organizations provide services relevant to divorce matters in Washington, D.C. Fait & DiLima Family Law does not endorse these organizations and provides this list for informational purposes only.

• Bread for the City: (202-265-2400). Provides free legal representation in family law matters, including divorce, custody, and support, for low-income D.C. residents. Offices in Northwest and Southeast Washington.
• D.C. Bar Pro Bono Center: (202-737-4700). Connects qualifying residents with volunteer attorneys for family law matters, including divorce, property disputes, and custody.
• D.C. Superior Court Family Court Self-Help Center: (202-879-0096). Walk-in assistance with divorce forms, filing procedures, and hearing preparation. Located at 500 Indiana Avenue NW, Room JM-570.
• D.C. Family Court Mediation Services: (202-879-1549). Court-affiliated mediation for contested property and custody disputes, available through the Multi-Door Dispute Resolution Division.

About Fait & DiLima Family Law

Fait & DiLima Family Law serves Washington, D.C. families from its Rockville office and handles divorce cases throughout the District. Managing Partner Marjorie G. DiLima teaches professionalism and legal ethics to paralegals at Montgomery College, a commitment that reflects the firm’s standards in its own practice. She was recognized as one of the “10 Most Inspiring Women Leaders of 2021” by Women Industry Era Leaders and was selected as Attorney of the Month by Attorney at Law Magazine. Washingtonian magazine has included her among its “Best Lawyers” for family law. Ms. DiLima handles both high-conflict and negotiation-focused divorce cases across D.C.

What Our Clients Say

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“I highly recommend these divorce attorneys. Marjorie provided me with dedicated attention to my divorce case. This has absolutely been one of the most trying times of my life. Marjorie took the time to ease my mind, answer my questions, remind me that I wasn’t alone, and that she always had my back. Our divorce got very messy.” – Aleecia Foo

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Contact Fait & DiLima Family Law

If you are facing divorce, a divorce attorney in Washington, D.C. is prepared to handle your case from filing through final decree. The firm represents clients in contested and uncontested divorce proceedings, property division disputes, custody matters, and spousal support claims throughout the District. Your initial consultation is an opportunity to review your situation with an attorney who can explain your options and the steps involved. Contact Fait & DiLima Family Law to schedule your consultation today.