Jurisdiction; rules

§ 16–301. Jurisdiction; rules (a) Subject to subsection (b) of this section, the Domestic Relations Branch of the District of Columbia Court of General Sessions has jurisdiction to hear and determine petitions and decrees of adoption of any adult or child with authority to make such rules, not inconsistent with this chapter, as shall bring fully before the court for consideration the interests of the prospective adoptee, the natural parents, the petitioner, and any other properly interested party. (b) Jurisdiction shall be conferred when any of the following circumstances exist: (1) petitioner is a legal resident of the District of Columbia: (2) petitioner has actually resided in the District for at least one year next preceding the filing of the petition; or (3) the child to be adopted is in the legal care, custody, or control of the Commissioners or a child-placing agency licensed under the laws of the District.