D.C. Code § 16-2343.03: Default order.

If a respondent fails to appear at a hearing in any case in which parentage is at issue, a default order shall be entered upon a showing that (1) the respondent was served with notice of the action by any method permitted pursuant to section 46-206(b) , and (2) that the respondent received actual notice of the first, or any other hearing, where parentage is at issue which the respondent failed to attend. An ex parte hearing shall not be required before the entry of a default order.