INTRODUCTION

Custody Compass is a comprehensive resource for families and practitioners navigating child custody cases in Washington, D.C. It features over 200 brief questionnaires addressing common concerns in custody disputes. Organized into 17 categories aligned with D.C. Code statutory factors—each with 10 subcategories—this framework helps users identify key issues that may impact their case. 

Developed by Jonathan Krell, Esq., with the assistance of AI, Custody Compass leverages technology to highlight common custody concerns and issue patterns. While this tool provides valuable insights, it does not replace individualized legal analysis and does not represent legal advice. Custody cases are highly fact-specific, and families should seek professional legal guidance. This resource empowers users to engage more effectively in custody proceedings.

HOW TO USE CUSTODY COMPASS

• Step 1: SCROLL THE BEST INTERESTS CUSTODY FACTORS. Go Back to the Custody Compass main page and scroll through 17 factors (in red) that the D.C. court may consider when determining the best interests of a child in a custody dispute.

• Step 2: EXPLORE OUTLINES OF QUESTIONS RELATING TO EACH FACTOR. When you click one of the red factors listed, a page will open with hyperlinks (in blue) to several outlines in downloadable Word format. Start with the "Summary" page, which includes an overall outline of 10 common subcategories and broad questions relating to each. Drill down into the sub-categories by clicking blue hyperlinks.

• Step 3: DOWNLOAD THE OUTLINES. Download any/all of these free outlines that apply to your case. Word format permits you to copy and paste into other documents or add answers to some or all of the questions on your local device, without any confidential information being shared on the website. This works on mobile/laptop/desktop.