Can a child custody order be obtained quickly in an emergency?
A Yes, an emergency child custody order can be obtained if there is an imminent threat that an adverse party will flee from Washington, D.C. with the child. Notice to the other party or the party’s attorney must be provided unless the notice either cannot be given in time to prevent the act or would defeat the purpose of the emergency order. A hearing on the petition for the emergency order will be held on the day that the petition is filed. If the child custody order has merit, it will be granted on that same day.
