(a) A de facto parent may file a complaint for custody of a child or a motion to intervene in any existing action involving custody of the child.
(b) An individual who establishes that he or she is a de facto parent by clear and convincing evidence shall be deemed a parent for the purposes of §§ 16-911, 16-914, 16-914.01, and 16-916, and for the purposes of this chapter if a third party is seeking custody of the child of the de facto parent.
(c)(1) All proceedings involving a parent and a de facto parent, including an action for child support, shall be governed by §§ 16-911, 16-914, 16-914.01, and 16-916.
(2) A custody proceeding involving a third party and a de facto parent shall be governed by the provisions of this chapter.
(Sept. 20, 2007, D.C. Law 17-21, § 2(b), 54 DCR 6835; Mar. 25, 2009, D.C. Law 17-353, § 217(d), 56 DCR 1117.)
D.C. Law 17-353 validated a previously made technical correction in the section designation.
For temporary (90 day) addition, see § 2(b) of Safe and Stable Homes for Children and Youth Emergency Amendment Act of 2007 (D.C. Act 17-69, July 9, 2007, 54 DCR 6826).
Structure District of Columbia Code
Title 16 - Particular Actions, Proceedings and Matters. [Enacted title]
Chapter 8A - Third-Party Custody
§ 16–831.02. Action for custody of child by a third party
§ 16–831.03. Action for custody of a child by a de facto parent
§ 16–831.04. Third-party custody orders
§ 16–831.05. Parental presumption
§ 16–831.06. Award of custody to third party
§ 16–831.07. Findings necessary to rebut the parental presumption by clear and convincing evidence
§ 16–831.08. Factors to consider in determining best interests of child
§ 16–831.09. Pendente lite relief
§ 16–831.10. Effect of a third-party custody order
§ 16–831.11. Modification or termination of orders
§ 16–831.13. Other actions for custody not abolished, diminished, or preempted