Statement to elaborate on procedures in the Court of Common Pleas in accordance with the Supreme Court’s Administrative Order No. 3. Read statement.

Delaware Courts have returned to Phase Two of the reopening plan as of November 16, 2020. Learn more about the public reopening plan.

For the latest on the Delaware Judiciary response to COVID-19 – and for contact information for each court during this emergency – please visit The Delaware Judiciary Response to Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) page.

Court of Common Pleas

Court of Common Pleas Proceedings Are Now Virtual

For Zoom scheduling and instructions please visit the Court of Common Pleas Zoom page.

 Beginning June 8, 2020, bail bondsmen should use the process in place prior to COVID-19 of submitting paperwork through e-mail to the court and someone will contact them to schedule a time to come in. Data miners and media should contact the below to schedule an appointment with a one-hour time slot to enter the courthouse for research purposes.
New Castle County – Michelle Jackson at 302-255-0913
Kent County – Julie Brooks at 302-735-3925
Sussex County – Shelly Swafford – 302-858-5756

Who We

Are

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.



Message from the Chief Judge
Message from the Chief Judge

A Welcome Message From Chief Judge of the Court of Common Pleas Alex J. Smalls.


Jurisdiction
Jurisdiction

The Court of Common Pleas has a wide jurisdiction that includes Criminal and Civil cases.


Judicial Officers
Judicial Officers

There are nine judges of the Court of Common Pleas. Each Judge is nominated by the Governor for a term of 12 years.


History
History

Discover why the Court of Common Pleas has an ancient and noble lineage.


Administrative Directives
Administrative Directives

Policies and procedures that govern how the Court of Common Pleas operates.


Rules
Rules

Read the Bail, Civil, and Criminal rules of the Court of Common Pleas.


Our Court

Locations

Information and

Services


e-Filing
e-Filing

eFiling of civil cases is available in the Court of Common Pleas and is required in certain cases.


e-payments
e-Payments

New Pay your fines over the phone 24/7 with no case number required using the new Automated Payment System.


Docket Search
Docket Search

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


Mediation Program
Mediation Program

An overview of the Mediation Program including general information, pending court cases and community cases.


Transcripts
Transcripts

Information and costs on ordering transcripts of Court proceedings.


Records Access
Records Access

Policy on public access to the Court of Common Pleas judicial records.

 Civil Services

Overview of Civil Jurisdiction
A brief overview of civil jurisdiction in the Court of Common Pleas.
Filing a Civil Motion
Packet with instructions and sample forms on how to prepare for a civil motion.
Representing Yourself in Civil Lawsuit
A complete list of frequently asked questions for filing a civil lawsuit in the Court of Common Pleas including sample forms.
How to Conduct a Civil Trial - Video.
Filing an Administrative Appeal from the DMV
Answers to frequently asked questions regarding appeal from the DMV along with sample forms and documents.
Filing an Appeal from the Justice of the Peace Court
Instructions and sample forms for the plantiff and defendant on filing a civil appeal from the Justice of the Peace Court.
Restoration of Driving Privileges
Instruction packet and petition for restoration of driving privileges after being declared a habitual offender.
Appeals from Court of Common Pleas
Information explaining how to proceed with an appeal from the Court of Common Pleas along with sample forms.
Name Change Packet
Information on how to file a change of name petition and instructions for each County

 Criminal Services

Criminal Procedures and Process
Includes information on arraignment, jury and non jury trials, preliminary hearings and sentencing.
Spanish Version Available .
Filing a Criminal Motion
Packet with instructions and sample forms on how to prepare for a criminal motion.
Bail
Information explaining the types of bail, FAQs about bail bonds, and bail bond entity/agent registration.
Specialty Courts
Information about the Drug Diversion Program for non-violent offenders and the DUI Court.

 Traffic Services

Traffic Court
The Court in New Castle County has implemented a Traffic Court that combines Arraignment and Trial into a single court appearance.
Bail
Information explaining the types of bail, FAQs about bail bonds, and bail bond entity/agent registration.
Specialty Courts
Information about the Drug Diversion Program for non-violent offenders and the DUI Court.

Latest

News

January 5, 2021

Court of Common Pleas Chief Judge Alex J. Smalls to Retire in May

Court of Common Pleas Chief Judge Alex J. Smalls has informed Gov. John Carney that he plans to step down from the bench effective May 1, 2021. "I am honored and humbled to have been given the opportunity to serve the citizens of Delaware as a Judge for twenty-nine (29) years," wrote Chief Judge Smalls in his letter to the Governor. "My tenure on the Court has been enriched by the staff and Judges with whom I was fortunate to serve."


View Previous News

March 13, 2020

The Court of Common Pleas for Delaware is taking measures to protect against the spread of the COVID-19 virus

November 10, 2017

Advisory regarding Notices to Appear in criminal cases in the Court of Common Pleas

April 3, 2017

Delaware Court of Common Pleas Launches New EFiling System