Court of Common Pleas

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

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

Jurisdiction

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

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

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

Administrative Directives

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

Rules

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

Our Court

Locations

Information and

Services

e-Filing

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

e-Payments

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

Docket Search

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

Mediation Program

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

Transcripts

Information and costs on ordering transcripts of Court proceedings.

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

March 20, 2017

Amendments to Rule 72.3 of the Court of Common Pleas Rules of Civil Procedure

Effective May 1, 2018, the Court of Common Pleas has amended Civil Rule 72.3 by abolishing the Mirror Image Rule as a basis for lack of jurisdiction. However, it still requires that the necessary parties be joined and the same issues be raised that were before the Court below. Further, upon motion of the parties or sua sponte, the Court may add or dismiss parties or claims in accordance with the Rules of the Court. These amendments allow the judges to hear cases on their merits in order to eliminate any harsh outcome or unfair decision for failure to comply with the "mirror-image rule."

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November 10, 2017