Statutes, codes, and regulations
District of Columbia Court Rules
Superior Court Rules of District of ColumbiaSuperior Court Rules For Domestic Relations Proceedings
Title XV - DOMESTIC RELATIONS SPECIAL RULES
Rule 403 - Payment of Support

Sup. Ct. R. D.C. 403

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As amended through October 11, 2024
Rule 403 - Payment of Support
(a) CHILD SUPPORT PAYMENTS.
(1)In General. A child support order is immediately enforceable by withholding unless, under D.C. Code § 46-207 (2012 Repl.), the court finds good cause not to require immediate withholding or the court approves the parties' agreement to an alternative method of payment.
(2)Collection and Disbursement Unit. Money due under a child support order enforced by the District of Columbia Government IV-D Agency or a child support order for which withholding is ordered must be paid through the Collection and Disbursement Unit. For all other orders, the court may order payment through the Collection and Disbursement Unit or the Family Court Finance Office.
(b) SPOUSAL SUPPORT PAYMENTS. The court may order that spousal support be paid through the Family Court Finance Office.
(c) DISBURSEMENT BY FINANCE OFFICE. All money received by the Family Court Finance Office must be promptly disbursed to the persons or agencies entitled to it.

Sup. Ct. R. D.C. 403

COMMENT TO 2018 AMENDMENTS

The "IV-D Agency" is the Child Support Services Division of the Office of Attorney General for the District of Columbia or the successor organizational unit. The "Collection and Disbursement Unit," also known as the District of Columbia Child Support Clearinghouse, is operated by the IV-D Agency and is responsible for collection and disbursement of support payments.

Rule 403 allows parties in cases involving either or both child support and spousal support to agree, or the court to direct, that one spouse must make the payments through the Family Court Finance Office. Payments for only spousal support may not be made through the Collection and Disbursement Unit. Whether the payment involves child support, spousal support, or both, the Finance Office does not get involved in arranging for wage-withholding. However, a party that obtains wage-withholding of spousal support under Rule 69 -II may arrange for the employer to make the payments to the Finance Office.

COMMENT

For the statutory provision on the payment of moneys through the Court, see D.C. Code § 16-911(c).