District of Columbia Code Division II. Judiciary and Judicial Procedure § 16-911. Pendente lite relief.

(1) require the spouse or domestic partner to pay pendente lite alimony to the other spouse or domestic partner; require one party to pay pendente lite child support, including health insurance coverage, cash medical support, or both, for his or her minor children committed to another party's care; and require the spouse or domestic partner to pay suit money, including counsel fees, to enable such other spouse to conduct the case. The Court may enforce any such order by attachment, garnishment, or imprisonment for disobedience, and all support orders shall be enforceable by withholding as provided in § 46-207 and § 46-251.07. In determining pendente lite alimony for a spouse or domestic partner, the Court shall consider the factors set forth in § 16-913(d) and may make an award of pendente lite alimony retroactive to the date of the filing of the pleading that requests alimony.

(2) enjoin any disposition of a spouse's or domestic partner's property to avoid the collection of the allowances so required;

(3) if a spouse or domestic partner fails or refuses to pay the alimony or suit money, sequestrate his or her property and apply the income thereof to such objects;

(4) if a party under court order to make payments under this section is in arrears, order the party to make an assignment of part of his or her salary, wages, earnings or other income to the person entitled to receive the payments;

(5) determine, in accordance with section 16-914, the care and custody of a minor child or children pending final determination of those issues; and

(6) award exclusive use of the family home or any other dwelling unit which is available for use as a residence pendente lite to either of the parties as is just, equitable, and reasonable, after consideration of all relevant factors, without regard to the respective interests of the parties in the property.