Superior Court Approves Amendments to Civil Procedure Rules

March 10, 2021

On March 9 the Board of Judges of the D.C. Superior Court approved amendments to Rules of Civil Procedure 4, 5, 5-III, 10-I, 12-I, 16, 40-III, and 45. The amendments take effect April 5, 2021.

Among other changes, the amendments allow for alternative methods to serve a summons where traditional service is ineffective and the alternative method is reasonably calculated to give actual notice. The amendments require electronic filing and service of the documents to be filed under seal. In addition, self-represented parties are required to provide an email address in initial pleadings. Motions practice rules relating to judges in chambers decisions and the emergency assignment of judges are eliminated.

Changes to the rules applying to collection and subrogation now more clearly define the cases covered by the rule and eliminate sections made unnecessary by other rules and amendments. Finally, an amendment eliminates the requirement that a subpoena include the calendar number and name of the assigned judge or magistrate judge.