Civil Actions Branch
The Civil Actions Branch is responsible for processing requests that exceed $10,000; matters seeking non-monetary relief, such as requiring someone to stop or to perform a certain act, and actions which may affect the title to or interest in real property.
The Civil Division is pleased to announce the creation of a Non-Jury Fast Track for vehicle cases. To qualify for the fast-track complaints must seek damages of $50,000.00 or less and all parties to the litigation must waive their right to a jury trial. Plaintiffs should serve a Notice of Intent to Seek Non-Jury Vehicle Fast Track on the defendants. The track may be requested by filing a Praecipe Requesting Scheduling Order in accordance with Super. Ct. Civ. R. 16.
Starting a Civil Actions Case
To start a Civil Actions case, you must file a Complaint, a Summons, and a case Information Sheet with the court.
Parties to the Case
- The person starting the case is called the Plaintiff
- The person being sued is called the Defendant
- A case may have more than one plaintiff or defendant
Complaint Requirements
A complaint is a document that names the parties, says what you think the other side did wrong, and what you want the court to do about it.
Your complaint must include a short and clear explanation of basic facts; you do not need to give every detail of what happened and why you are asking the court for help.
You must explain:
- Why you believe you are owed money, or
- Why the defendant should be required to do something or stop doing something
You may attach an important document, such as a contract, if it helps explain your case. Other documents, such as discovery papers, photos, or documents shared between parties, are not filed with the court unless a judge orders it.
For each person listed on the complaint, include the first name, last name, and address, if known at the time of filing. If any information is unknown, write “UNKNOWN.”
The complaint must be signed by the plaintiff or the plaintiff’s attorney.
- If you do not have a lawyer, you must:
- Sign the complaint yourself
- Use a handwritten signature (stamps are not allowed)
- The signature must include:
- First and last name
- Bar number (if filed by an attorney)
- Address
- Telephone number
- Email address (if available)
You must provide one copy of the original complaint to the court.
Summons Requirements
A summons is a document that tells the other side you’re suing them, giving a defendant formal notice of your case and a timeframe to file a response.
You must provide a separate summons for each defendant to the court.
There is no additional fee for issuing more than one initial summons at the time the complaint is filed.
A $10 fee is required to issue an alias (second) summons after an initial summons has been issued.
There is no fee to issue an initial summons for service on the District of Columbia or the Mayor.
Information Sheet
An Information Sheet is a document describes the type of case you are filing and if there are any related cases which have already been filed.
You must provide one copy of the information sheet to the court.
Payment must be made at the time of filing.
Important Information
- All papers must be on white 8½ × 11 paper
- Pages must be printed on one side only
- “DC Superior Court” must appear at the top of the first page of every filing
- Papers must be fastened at the top, unless filed electronically
Filing Documents and Fees
How Do I File Documents?
You may file documents in any of the following ways:
Option 1: Mail. You can mail them to the Civil Actions Branch Clerk’s Office Room 5000, Moultrie Courthouse, 500 Indiana Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20001.
Option 2: In Person. You can file documents in Room 5000, Moultrie Courthouse, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and from 9:00 a.m. to noon on Saturdays.
Option 3: Drop Box. You can put the documents in the drop box in the lobby of the Moultrie Courthouse at 500 Indiana Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20001. Call the Clerk’s Office a few days later to check if your documents have arrived. You can call them on (202) 879-1133 or (202) 879-1134.
Option 4: Electronically. You can file the documents electronically (efiling) on eFileDC http://efiledcsuperiorcourt.gov/. The court encourages people who represent themselves to efile if they can. For more information about efiling go to https://www.dccourts.gov/superior-court/e-filing, or call Tyler Technologies at 1-800-297-5377. eFileDC offers a training video that explains its core features in addition to best practice tips. Go to: https://efiledcsuperiorcourt.gov/training-resources-page/.
Filing Fees and Payment
Different types of civil cases have different filing fees. You must pay the filing fee when you file your case.
The court accepts the following forms of payment:
- Cash
- Credit card
- Debit card
- E-check
- Personal check (with a photo ID)
- Money order
- Cashier’s check
If you cannot afford the filing fee, you may ask the court to waive the fee. To do this, you must file a Fee Waiver Application at the same time as your complaint and summons.
Electronic Filing of Documents
Important Information about Electronic Filing of Documents – Immediate Access by the Public and Redaction of Documents
If you are filing a civil case electronically on your own (without a lawyer), please be aware that many filings will be automatically accepted and viewable right away by the public. Before you file anything, make sure to remove or hide any private information—like your social security number, driver’s license number, or other personal details. This is called redacting. The Division will not redact this information.
Instructions: Redacting Filings for Privacy Protection (Civil Rule 5.2)
When you file papers with the court, you must protect everyone’s private information. This means you must redact (hide or remove) certain personal details from your documents before you file them.
What to Leave Out of Your Papers:
- Social security numbers
- Tax ID numbers
- Driver’s license or state ID numbers
- Full birth dates
- Full names of minors (under age 18)
- Full financial account numbers (like bank or credit card numbers)
Safe Ways to Show Required Information:
If you need to refer to any of the above, use the following instead:
| Private Information | Instead, Use |
|---|---|
| Social Security Number | SS (do not use any numbers) |
| Tax ID Number | TID (do not use any numbers) |
| Driver’s or Non-Driver’s License | DL or NDL (do not use any numbers) |
| Birth Date | Only the year (e.g., 1990) |
| Name of a Minor | Initials only (e.g., J.S.) |
| Financial Account Number | Only the last 4 digits (e.g., 1234) |
You can also black out private information using a dark marker before you file your papers.
These rules help keep your personal and financial details safe when documents are shared or viewed by others.
For more information, see the Superior Court Rules of Civil Procedure – Rule 5.2.