About this practice
D.C. family law is its own court system.
The D.C. Superior Court Family Division handles divorce, legal separation, annulment, child custody, child support, adoption, and civil protection orders. It operates under its own procedural rules, and the judges who sit there see these cases every day.
That familiarity cuts both ways. A lawyer who knows the division's expectations, its local rules, and its judges can move a case efficiently. One who does not can cost a client time, money, and outcomes.
Jarrett Legal Services handles family matters in the D.C. Family Division. We keep caseloads manageable so every client gets direct attorney attention — not a paralegal, not a junior associate.
What we handle
Family law matters in D.C. Superior Court
Divorce & Legal Separation
D.C. is a no-fault divorce jurisdiction. Either spouse can file after six months of separation. We handle contested and uncontested divorces, including property division, spousal support, and negotiated settlement agreements.
Child Custody & Visitation
D.C. courts decide custody based on the best interests of the child, weighing 16 statutory factors. We build custody arguments around those factors — not generic talking points — and represent parents in both initial custody proceedings and modification hearings.
Child Support
D.C. uses an income-shares model to calculate child support. We calculate guideline amounts, identify deviations that may apply, and represent clients in support establishment, modification, and enforcement proceedings.
Civil Protection Orders (CPO)
A CPO can restrict contact, require a party to leave a shared home, and affect custody arrangements. We represent both petitioners seeking protection and respondents contesting allegations, at both the temporary and final hearing stages.
Property Division & Equitable Distribution
D.C. divides marital property equitably — not necessarily equally. We identify marital versus separate property, value assets, and negotiate or litigate division of real estate, retirement accounts, business interests, and other assets.
Separation & Prenuptial Agreements
A well-drafted agreement can prevent years of litigation. We draft and review prenuptial agreements, postnuptial agreements, and separation agreements that hold up in court.
Civil Protection Orders: what you need to know
Civil Protection Orders: what you need to know
If you are seeking a CPO
- A Temporary Protection Order (TPO) can be issued the same day you file, without the other party present.
- The TPO hearing is typically scheduled within 14 days, at which point both sides appear before a judge.
- A final CPO can last up to two years and can include stay-away provisions, no-contact orders, and temporary custody arrangements.
- Violation of a CPO is a criminal offense in D.C. — it is not a civil matter.
If a CPO has been filed against you
- A TPO is issued ex parte — you were not present and had no chance to respond. That does not mean the final order is automatic.
- You have the right to contest the CPO at the full hearing. Evidence, witnesses, and cross-examination are all available to you.
- A final CPO can affect your housing, your contact with children, and — if you hold a firearms license — your right to possess a firearm.
- Do not contact the petitioner to resolve the matter informally. Any contact, even to negotiate, can be used against you.
How it works
From first call to final order
01
Free consultation
We review the facts of your situation, explain what D.C. law says about it, and tell you what realistic outcomes look like. No charge, no obligation.
02
Strategy & filing
We identify the right procedural path — negotiated agreement, mediation, or litigation — and file the appropriate documents with the Family Division.
03
Hearings & negotiation
We appear at every hearing, conduct discovery where needed, and negotiate from a position built on D.C. case law and the specific facts of your matter.
04
Resolution & enforcement
We finalize orders, draft settlement agreements, and — when the other side does not comply — return to court to enforce what was agreed or ordered.
Common questions
Family law FAQ
Questions about your specific situation? Call (877) 514-6707 — the first conversation is free.
Call now — 24/7Free consultation
Tell us what's going on.
The first conversation is free. We'll review the facts, explain what D.C. law says about your situation, and tell you what realistic outcomes look like — no charge, no obligation.
- Available 24 hours, including nights and weekends
- Flat fees quoted in writing before you hire us
- Direct attorney attention — not a paralegal