The Civil Division has jurisdiction over any civil action or action in equity (excluding family matters) brought in the District of Columbia, except where jurisdiction is exclusively vested in the Federal Court.
Civil cases are brought against a party, business or company when the nature of a suit involves an alleged wrongful act. Generally, civil suits are non-criminal actions and result in a party owing money or performing an action ordered by the Court. Common Court actions arise from disputes involving unpaid loans, unpaid rent, and breach of contract.
To learn more about civil matters at the DC Courts, click here.
Please click here to complete a Confidential Information form. Once completed, you can attach it at the end of the online interactive interview that you are completing. Once you attach the Confidential Information form, it will be submitted with your completed online interactive interview forms.
Nonpayment of Rent Complaint for Residential Property
Renter's Complaint about Housing Conditions
Use this free program to create a Verified Complaint that you can file with the DC Civil Actions Clerk's office about a Housing Regulation violation. The court may order your landlord to do repairs or maintenance. The clerk will charge you $15 to file your complaint. If you cannot afford the fee, ask for a waiver.
Click Here to Start Your Online Interview
Proof of Service
Service is making sure the other person (or people) in your case has received the papers you filed. You must "serve" the other person (or people) so your case can move forward. Use this program to create the forms you need to serve and create Proof of Service forms.
Click Here to Start Your Online Interview
Application to Stay Writ of Restitution
Small Claims Statement of Claim
Motion to Continue Civil Hearing
Motion for Civil Restraining Order
Writ Motion for Exemption
Notice to Appear in Person for a Remote Hearing
Motion to Appear Remotely for an In Person Hearing