{"data":{"id":"us-dc/d.c.-code-16-831.01","jurisdiction":"us-dc","citation":"D.C. Code § 16-831.01","heading":"Definitions.","body":"For the purposes of this chapter, the term:\n\n(1)\n“De facto parent” means an individual:\n(A)\nWho:\n(i)\nLived with the child in the same household at the time of the child’s birth or adoption by the child’s parent;\n(ii)\nHas taken on full and permanent responsibilities as the child’s parent; and\n(iii)\nHas held himself or herself out as the child’s parent with the agreement of the child’s parent or, if there are 2 parents, both parents; or\n(B)\nWho:\n(i)\nHas lived with the child in the same household for at least 10 of the 12 months immediately preceding the filing of the complaint or motion for custody;\n(ii)\nHas formed a strong emotional bond with the child with the encouragement and intent of the child’s parent that a parent-child relationship form between the child and the third party;\n(iii)\nHas taken on full and permanent responsibilities as the child’s parent; and\n(iv)\nHas held himself or herself out as the child’s parent with the agreement of the child’s parent, or if there are 2 parents, both parents.\n\n(2)\n“Intrafamily offense” shall have the same meaning as provided in § 16-1001(8).\n\n(3)\n“Legal custody” means legal responsibility for a child, including the right to:\n(A)\nMake decisions regarding the child’s health, education, and general welfare;\n(B)\nAccess the child’s educational, medical, psychological, dental, or other records; and\n(C)\nSpeak with and obtain information regarding the child from school officials, health care providers, counselors, or other persons interacting with the child.\n\n(4)\n“Physical custody” means a child’s living arrangements. The term “physical custody” includes a child’s residency or visitation schedule.\n\n(5)\n“Third party” means a person other than the child’s parent or de facto parent.","path":["Title 16. Particular Actions, Proceedings and Matters. [Enacted title]","Chapter 8A. Third-Party Custody."],"source_url":"https://code.dccouncil.gov/us/dc/council/code/sections/16-831.01","current_through":"2026-08-20 (D.C. Law 26-175)","vintage":"","retrieved_at":"2026-08-29T05:44:07Z","sha256":"24fd95119abf45fc95c5aa3d4867b7d07091732b3e608e52c4f817b391951347","source_id":"us-dc","stale":false,"prev":"us-dc/d.c.-code-16-809","next":"us-dc/d.c.-code-16-831.02"},"notice":"GroundRules: Original legal text. Not legal advice."}