Code of the District of Columbia

§ 16–4604.02. Definitions.

For the purposes of this subchapter, the term:

(1) “Abduction” means the wrongful removal or wrongful retention of a child.

(2) “Child” means an unemancipated individual who is less than 18 years of age.

(3) “Child-custody proceeding” means a proceeding in which legal custody, physical custody, or visitation with respect to a child is at issue. The term includes a proceeding for divorce, dissolution of marriage, separation, neglect, abuse, dependency, guardianship, paternity, termination of parental rights, or protection from domestic violence.

(4) “Petition” includes a motion or its equivalent.

(5) “Record” means information that is inscribed on a tangible medium or that is stored in an electronic or other medium and is retrievable in perceivable form.

(6) “Travel document” means records relating to a travel itinerary, including travel tickets, passes, reservations for transportation, or accommodations. The term “travel document” does not include a passport or visa.

(7) “Wrongful removal” means the taking of a child that breaches rights of custody or visitation given or recognized under the law of this state.

(8) “Wrongful retention” means the keeping or concealing of a child that breaches rights of custody or visitation given or recognized under the law of this state.