Superior Court Amends Domestic Relations Rule 52

September 16, 2024

On September 12 the District of Columbia Superior Court issued Promulgation Order 24-04 amending Rule 52 of the Rules Governing Domestic Relations Proceedings.

This rule has been amended to give the court discretion to make findings of fact and conclusions of law orally on the record along with a short, written order, or to issue a written opinion or memorandum of decision. Of note, new subsection (a)(2) makes clear that the court must issue written findings on particular matters where required by D.C. Code. New subsection (a)(3) clarifies that regardless of whether the court issues written or oral findings and conclusions, the court must issue a written order setting forth each party’s resulting rights and obligations, if any. New subsection (a)(4) requires the court to issue a separate judgment of divorce, decree of annulment or legal separation, or determination as to the validity of a marriage, as applicable.

The amendments take effect September 16, 2024.