The Courts are experiencing intermittent phone system outages, and some court operations cannot be reached via their phone numbers. In the meantime, please use their email addresses.
During the Government shutdown, all jurors should report to Court according to their jurors' summons. The Superior Court will not issue marriage licenses or perform marriage ceremonies during the shutdown. The Superior Court will continue to issue certified copies of vital records, which include certified copies of marriage certificates that were issued by the Superior Court. For more details, visit our MARRIAGE page here: https://www.dccourts.gov/services/marriage-matters As of October 14, 2025, the District of Columbia Office of the Secretary began issuing marriage licenses, certified copies of marriage licenses issued by the Secretary, and are authorizing religious and civil celebrants to perform weddings in the District of Columbia. More details here: https://os.dc.gov/page/marriage-bureau More information on the DC Courts government shutdown plan can be found here: https://www.dccourts.gov/sites/default/files/matters-docs/DC_Courts_Shutdown_Plan.pdf
The courtroom called Judge in Chambers (JIC) in the Civil Division handles a wide variety of emergency hearings, short-term cases, and administrative matters, such as adult name changes and other changes to vital records. in the Civil Division. Below you will find information about the most common matters handled in JIC, as well as applications and forms you can complete and file online or print and file in person.
In most instances, applicants/parties will be required to attend a hearing before a judge in JIC. Please note that these hearings are conducted through Webex and will rarely be on the same day that an applicant/party files their paperwork with the court.
Mondays-Fridays:
8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Exceptions
All government holidays
(202) 879 - 1133