Civil Division

Last Updated : 01/21/2026

Overview

The Civil Division has jurisdiction over any civil action or action in equity (excluding family matters) brought in the District of Columbia, except where jurisdiction is exclusively vested in the Federal Court. The Office of the Director is responsible for the overall management of all branches within the Civil Division.

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Civil Actions

Lawsuits where someone is suing another person or business for more than $10,000, in cases such as personal injury, contract disputes, medical malpractice, and discrimination.

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Small Claims

Lawsuits where someone is suing another person or business for $10,000 or less.

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Landlord and Tenant

Lawsuits where a landlord seeks to remove a tenant from rental property.

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Housing

Lawsuits involving housing code violations and mortgage foreclosure sales.

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Temporary Restraining Orders (TROs)

Emergency requests where someone is asking the court to order someone else to do, or refrain from doing, something for a period of time.

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Name Changes, Gender Marker Changes, and Vital Record Amendments

Requests to change the name, gender marker, or the birth or death certificate of persons over 21. 

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Frequently Asked Questions
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Civil Division

Leadership
Presiding Judge
Hon. Shana Frost Matini
Deputy Presiding Judge
Hon. Yvonne M. Williams
Director
Lynn Magee
Deputy Director
Thomasine Marshall
Location
Civil Actions
Moultrie Courthouse
500 Indiana Avenue NW, Room 5000
Washington
,
D.C.
20001
Landlord and Tenant
Court Building B
510 4th Street NW, Room 110
Washington
,
D.C.
20001
Small Claims
Court Building B
510 4th Street NW, Room 120
Washington
,
D.C.
20001
Hours of Operation
Monday - Tuesday: 08:30 am-05:00 pm
Wednesday: 06:30 pm-08:30 pm (Only Small Claims and Landlord & Tenant)
Thursday - Friday: 08:30 am-05:00 pm
Saturday: 09:00 am-12:00 pm All branches operate in the Moultrie Courthouse, Room 5000.
Sunday: Closed
Filings can be made in the after-hours filing box in the lobby of the Moultrie Courthouse for Civil Actions cases.
Contact Info
Civil Actions Branch
phone
202-879-1133
Landlord and Tenant Branch
phone
202-879-4879
Small Claims Branch
phone
202-879-1120
Courtroom Support Branch
phone
202-879-1148