Welcome to the Delaware Court of Common Pleas

Delaware State Courts

Court of Common Pleas Home

Message from the
Chief Judge

Jurisdiction

Judicial Officers

Administrative
Directives

Welcome to the Delaware Court of Common Pleas

Quick Connect: Click topic and Go!

The mission of the Delaware Court of Common Pleas is to provide a neutral forum for the people and institutions of Delaware, in the resolution of everyday problems, disputes, and more complex legal matters in a fair, professional, efficient, and practical manner. Legal Jurisdiction of the Court of Common Pleas is explained in the Jurisdiction section. Information about the most frequently requested information can be found below.

NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS:
·	After considering comments submitted by members of the bar, the Court has revised its Administrative Directive on Consumer Debt Collection Actions, effective September 2, 2012.
·	Effective September 1, 2012, the Court has issued a Standing Order for the processing of Driving Under the Influence cases in New Castle County.
·	The telephone number for the Court in Sussex County has changed to (302) 858-5700. The address remains as 1 The Circle, Suite 1, Georgetown, Delaware 19947-1504.
·	Although the historic Kent County Courthouse is still located at 38 The Green, Dover, Delaware, the main entrance to the courthouse has been moved to 414 Federal Street, Dover, Delaware. The mailing address for the Court is now 414 Federal Street, Dover, DE 19901. The telephone number is (302) 735-3900.
·	Administrative Directive 2010-3 Special Election and Expedited Docket (SPEED Docket) is now available for civil cases where the amount in controversy is $10,000 to $50,000.

Court Services and Information:
	Overview of Civil Jurisdiction A brief overview of civil jurisdiction in the Court of Common Pleas	Criminal Procedures and Process Includes information on arraignment, trials, hearings, Grand Jury and sentencing. Spanish version available
	Representing Yourself in a Civil Lawsuit A complete list of frequently asked questions for filing a civil lawsuit in the Court of Common Pleas including sample forms	Mediation Program An overview of the Mediation Program including general information, pending court cases and community cases
	Filing a Civil Motion Packet with instructions and sample forms on how to prepare for a civil motion	Name Change Packet Information on how to file a change of name petition and instructions for each County
	Appeals from the Court of Common Pleas Information explaining how to proceed with an appeal from the Court of Common Please along with sample forms.	Transcripts of Court Proceedings Information and costs on ordering transcripts of Court proceedings.
	Filing a Civil Appeal from the Justice of the Peace Court Instructions and sample forms for the plaintiff and the defendant on filing a civil appeal from the Justice of the Peace Court	Prior Plea Agreement Complete this form to enter a NOT GUILTY plea to the charge(s) without appearing in Court for arraignment
	Filing an Administrative Appeal from the Division of Motor Vehicles Answers to frequently asked questions regarding appeals form the Division of Motor Vehicles along with sample forms and documents	Restoration of Driving Privileges After Being Declared an Habitual Offender Instruction packet and petition for restoration of driving privileges available in a pdf download
	Legal Assistance General information and a list of legal services available to you if you choose to represent yourself in the Court process	Records Access Policy on public access to the Court of Common Pleas judicial records
	Survey Forms Help us improve customer service by filling out one of the online survey forms. Feedback is also welcome on our feedback form.	Volunteer at the Court If you are interested in volunteering with the Court of Common Pleas, please submit a cover letter and resume to Stephanie Fitzgerald at Stephanie.Fitzgerald@state.de.us

Online Services:

eFiling
eFiing of civil cases is available in the Court of Common Pleas and is required in certain cases. Visit the welcome page to learn more!

ePayment
The Court offers web payment of fines by credit card only. Avoid paying by telephone or visiting the Court for payment of fines.

Docket Search
Access civil case information 24-hours a day by searching a person's name, business name or case type on CourtConnect.

Traffic Court
The Court in NCC has implemented a procedure for handling most motor vehicle cases. Intended to reduce the number of court appearances required by the public and to expedite the disposition of motor vehicle cases, the Court combines arraignment and trial into a single appearance. Learn more...