Welcome to the Family Law Practice Area of probono.net/dc!
Join this site if you are a volunteer attorney, legal services advocate, law student or faculty representing low income and disadvantaged clients.
Announcements
No greater legal need exists in D.C. than for lawyers to represent those parents and grandmothers and immigrants attempting to stabilize and protect their families. And there is possibly no greater professional satisfaction than for a lawyer to make a difference in the life of a family in crisis.
The Children's Law Center and the D.C. Bar Pro Bono Program Co-Host this Practice Area with the generous assistance of DLA Piper.
The Family Law Practice Area provides pro bono, court-appointed and legal services lawyers with the tools necessary to be effective advocates in adoption, custody, divorce, support, abuse and neglect and special education matters. Volunteer opportunities are available through the Co-Host organizations, as well as many other legal service agencies in D.C. Most organizations provide training and support (including mentoring), and some provide malpractice insurance.
Join us!
You can join the Family Law Practice Area if you provide pro bono representation through one of the Co-Host organizations or through one of the other legal service agencies in D.C. Also, legal service practitioners are encouraged to join. Click here to join this area.
New cases
In re G.K., (April 22, 2010) (authority to consent to psychotropic medication for foster children)
In re D.A. (March 11, 2010) (termination of parental rights order affirmed)
In re W.D. (January 28, 2010) (adoption)
Wilson v. Craig (January 28, 2010) (modification of custody and child support, contempt)
In re N.N.N. (December 31, 2009) (adoption upheld)
Sudderth v. Sudderth (December 17, 2009) (alimony, division of marital property, attorney's fees)
In re S.M. et al. (December 10, 2009) (adoption reversed and remanded)
In re C.B. (November 25, 2009) (neglect guardianship order reversed and remanded)
Fields v. Mayo (October 29, 2009) (third-party custody case)
Curtis v. Gordon (October 1, 2009) (separation agreement, child support, surety bond for arrears)
N.D.McN. v. R.J.H. Sr. (September 3, 2009) (in camera interview of child in custody case)
Hackney v. Chamblee (August 27, 2009) (enforcement of separation agreement)
In re R.E.S. (August 13, 2009) (ineffective assistance of court-appointed counsel in neglect/adoption cases)
Other news
Legislative was passed by the D.C. Council that is expected to be effective in September 2010 that expands the availability of adoption and guardianship subsidies for neglect children until age 21 and authorizes guardianship subsidy for children in non-kin foster homes. The legislation also makes other changes regarding adoptions generally, including judicially enforceable post-adoption contact agreements. It also requires D.C. to establish a "voluntary foster care registry" to facilitate reconnecting foster children with birth family. To see the text of the Adoption Reform Amendment Act of 2009, click here. A copy of the legislation is also in the Adoptions and Guardianship folders.
A new court rule regarding in forma pauperis (fee waiver) applications has been promulgated effective April 11, 2010. The rule promulgation order (including the rule) and a fillable application for a fee waiver are posted in the Custody and Divorce folders.
A D.C. Superior Court Administrative Order has been issued regarding the procedure for review of Family Court magistrate judges' orders in neglect, guardianship and adoption proceedings pursuant to General Family Rule D. Click here to see the Administrative Order (10-04, March 9, 2010).
The D.C. Court of Appeals has initiated a pilot program that shortens the length of time for oral arguments. Click here to see the Administrative Order about this program.
The D.C. Superior Court judicial assignments for the first quarter of 2010 have been issued. Click here to go to the folder containing this resource.
Whats New
Resources in the Family Law Practice Area include training materials, links to relevant statutes, community resources, sample pleadings and important contact information in the following family law areas:
