Rules Governing Proceedings in the Domestic Violence Division – 2026
Civil protection order practice in the Domestic Violence Division, from the petition and temporary order through the hearing and the CPO itself. Rule 12 requires the court to make the findings of fact essential to its conclusion of law at the close of a trial or hearing. The Division is one of the two parts of the court still filing through CaseFileXpress rather than eFileDC.
Browse all 15 rules of the 2026 edition below. Each rule includes the full text, a plain-English summary, committee notes, amendment history, and cross-references to related rules. Use the search box to find rules by keyword or number.
Rule 1
Scope; Purpose; Title; Applicability of Civil Rules; Other Proceedings
Rule 2
Commencing an Action; Amending or Supplementing Petition; Related
Rule 3
Pleadings Allowed; Form of Pleadings, Motions, and Other Documents
Rule 4
Privacy Protection for Filings Made with the Court
Rule 5
Serving a Petition or Other Filing
Rule 6
Temporary Protection Orders
Rule 7
Motions
Rule 8
Discovery
Rule 9
Subpoenas
Rule 10
Dismissal of Petition
Rule 11
Failure to Appear
Rule 12
Conduct of Trials or Hearings
Rule 13
Issuance of Orders
Rule 14
Contempt
Rule 15
Appeal