SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

FAMILY COURT – DOMESTIC RELATIONS BRANCH

MOTHER )

ADDRESS )

ADDRESS )

Plaintiff, )

)

v. ) Case No. XXXX DRB XXX

)

FATHER )

ADDRESS )

Defendant. )

FINDINGS OF FACT, CONCLUSIONS OF LAW, AND JUDGMENT OF CUSTODY OF MINOR CHILD

This matter came before the Court on DATE for a Default/Exparte Hearing for Plaintiff’s Complaint for Custody (“Complaint”). Service on Defendant was accomplished by posting in the Clerk’s Office of the Family Division of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. Based upon the evidence and testimony adduced during the hearing, and the record herein, the Court makes the following:

FINDINGS OF FACT

1.  The Plaintiff (“NAME”) and the Defendant (“Mr. NAME”) have two minor children in common, CHILD 1 (DOB XX/XX/XXXX) and CHILD 2 (DOB XX/XX/XXXX).

2.  CHILD 1 is currently a resident of the District of Columbia and has been a resident of the District of Columbia for at least six months prior to the filing of the Complaint. A copy of CHILD 1’s birth certificate was entered into evidence.

3.  CHILD 2 is currently living in El Salvador. Plaintiff has not requested that this Court grant her custody of CHILD 2 at this time.

4.  Plaintiff has been the primary caretaker and provider of CHILD 1 since he was born. Defendant’s contact with CHILD 1 has been minimal since he moved out of the home in October 2002, three months after CHILD 1 was born.

5.  Plaintiff is in all respects a fit and proper parent.

6.  It is in the best interest of the child for Plaintiff to have permanent sole legal and sole physical custody of CHILD 1.

7.  There are no other parties who have not been joined in the custody proceeding and no other litigation exists concerning the custody of said child.

CONCLUSIONS OF LAW

1.  This Court has jurisdiction to award Plaintiff sole permanent legal and physical custody of the parties’ minor child, CHILD 1 (DOB XX/XX/XXXX), because the minor child was a resident of the District of Columbia for at least 6 months preceding the filing of the Complaint.

2.  It is in the best interests of the child for Plaintiff to have sole permanent legal and physical custody of CHILD 1.

JUDGMENT FOR CUSTODY

WHEREFORE, it is this ______day of ______, 2014, hereby

1. ORDERED that Plaintiff, be awarded sole permanent legal and physical custody of the parties’ minor child, CHILD 1 (DOB XX/XX/XXXX).

______

Date JUDGE, D.C. Superior Court

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