Group VIII: Provisional and Final Remedies · Last amended 2017 · Last verified July 14, 2026
In one sentenceRule 69 provides that a money judgment is generally enforced through a writ of execution following the District of Columbia's own execution practice unless the court orders otherwise, and that the judgment creditor may obtain post-judgment discovery from any person, including the debtor, under Rule 69-I.
(1)Money Judgment; Applicant Procedure. A money judgment is enforced by a writ of execution, unless the court directs otherwise. The procedure on execution—and in proceedings supplementary to and in aid of a judgment or execution—must accord with the procedure of the District of Columbia, but a federal statute governs to the extent that it applies.
(2)Obtaining Discovery. In aid of the judgment or execution, the judgment creditor or a successor in interest whose interest appears of record may obtain discovery from any person—including the judgment debtor—as provided in Rule 69-I.
This rule has been amended consistent with the 2007 stylistic changes to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 69.
Comment:
[Moved from the comment to Rule 69-II.] Rule 69 is identical to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 69 except for the substitution in section (a) of "District of Columbia" for "state in which the district court is held", and modification of the last sentence of section (a) to indicate that discovery in aid of judgment or execution may be had as provided in Rule 69-I. The writ of execution referred to in Rule 69 includes, of course, the writ of fieri facias provided for in D.C. Code § 15-311 (1973 Ed.).
Plain-English Summary
Winning a money judgment and collecting on it are two different things, and Rule 69 governs the second step. Unless the court directs a different approach, the standard enforcement tool is a writ of execution. The mechanics of that process — and of any supplementary proceedings brought to aid the judgment or the execution — follow the District of Columbia's own established practice and procedure, not a separate procedure invented by this rule, except that a federal statute controls whenever one applies.
Rule 69(a)(2) then opens the door to discovery aimed at finding assets to satisfy the judgment. A judgment creditor, or a successor in interest whose stake appears of record, can obtain discovery from any person — not just the judgment debtor — in aid of the judgment or execution, using the detailed procedure set out in Rule 69-I. That companion rule is where the real limits and mechanics live, since Rule 69 itself authorizes the discovery and points to it.
The rule leaves subsection (b) blank, marked “[Omitted],” reflecting that the Superior Court has not adopted a local counterpart to that portion of its federal analogue. What the writ of execution reaches under DC practice includes tools with old roots, such as the writ of fieri facias recognized under the D.C. Code — a reminder that “execution” in this rule is not a single fixed form but whatever collection instrument District of Columbia law and practice make available.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is a money judgment normally enforced under Rule 69?
Through a writ of execution, unless the court directs some other means of enforcement. The procedure for carrying out execution follows the practice and procedure of the District of Columbia, subject to any applicable federal statute.
Can I get discovery from someone other than the judgment debtor to track down assets?
Yes. Rule 69(a)(2) allows the judgment creditor, or a successor in interest of record, to obtain discovery from any person in aid of the judgment or execution, following the procedure set out in Rule 69-I.
Does Rule 69 create its own special execution procedure?
No. It directs that execution follow the existing practice and procedure of the District of Columbia rather than establishing a separate federal-style procedure, except where a federal statute governs.
What is a writ of fieri facias, and does it matter under Rule 69?
It is one of the collection instruments recognized under the D.C. Code that falls within the writ of execution referenced in Rule 69, illustrating that the rule's reference to a writ of execution reaches the specific collection tools available under District of Columbia law.
Why does Rule 69(b) just say '[Omitted]'?
It means the Superior Court has not adopted a local rule at that subsection, leaving that portion of the numbering blank rather than filling it with substantive text.
Source & verification. Rule text and official Comments are
reproduced verbatim from the District of Columbia Superior Court Rules of Civil
Procedure, adopted by the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. Last verified July 14, 2026.
· Official source
Also known as:writ of execution dc superior courtenforcing a money judgment dcdiscovery in aid of executionwrit of fieri facias dcpost judgment discovery from debtor