District of Columbia Divorce Information


Property Ownership For Divorce Purposes

Equitable distribution "state," which means the court has the authority to divide marital property in any manner which is "equitable" or "just," and not necessarily 50/50. Marital fault can be considered when dividing property in Washington, D.C.

What Property is Divided?

Separate property "state." Only marital property is divided in a divorce. Separate property is generally 1) Property acquired before the marriage, 2) Property acquired by gift, 3) Property acquired by inheritance, 4) Appreciation of separate property.

Alimony

At the court's discretion. Marital fault can be considered. Terminates upon the death of either party, and upon the receiving party's remarriage.

Child Support

Percentage of income method, which means only the income of the paying parent is considered. Emancipation is age 21. Court may order payment of college education costs. Child Support Calculator.

Child Support Enforcement

The District of Columbia child support enforcement agency can be found at:

http://csed.dc.gov/csed

Divorce Related Statutes For District Of Columbia

See "Title 46" of the District of Columbia Official Code after you click on the link below.

http://government.westlaw.com/linkedslice/default.asp?SP=DCC-1000

Other Resources

The Divorce Financial Survival Series