Legal Question in Family Law in District of Columbia

Child support Jurisdiction

My Children live in MD, with their mother where they go to school, doctors, etc for over 3 yrs. I ( father) live in Washington DC, but have a contract on a house in MD and plan to move soon. She filed papers for child support in DC. Does DC have jurisdiction or should Maryland handle this case? And if I want to do a custody case should I file DC, or MD?


Asked on 7/14/09, 11:35 am

2 Answers from Attorneys
Michael Hendrickson Law Office Michael E. Hendrickson

Re: Child support Jurisdiction

DC should have jurisdiction over the issue of child support as long as you reside there if there is no previous valid order in any other jurisdiction.

Your possible custody petition should be filed in the Maryland city or county where the children have been in residence for at least six months.

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Answered on 7/14/09, 10:51 pm
Paula McGill Paula McGill Attorney at Law

Re: Child support Jurisdiction

What court issued the last child support order?

If neither MD nor DC courts issued the order, because the children live in MD, you should file in the county where the children live.

If you need additional information, please contact me. I am licensed in Maryland and DC.

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Answered on 7/14/09, 2:26 pm


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