The Delaware Judiciary Response to Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)
This is archived content from the State of Delaware Courts website. The information here may be outdated and links may no longer function.
The spread of Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is a significant public health concern and has affected the daily operation of the Delaware Court system. The Delaware Judiciary, in conjunction with our partners at the Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) and the Department of Public Health (DPH) and our justice system partners, is continually evaluating our ongoing response to the pandemic. Please find below the latest statements and advisories from the Delaware Judiciary regarding COVID-19.
Town Hall update on COVID-19 with Chief Justice Seitz and Dr. Alfred E. Bacon, III, M.D. via Zoom. The discussion centers around the current state of COVID-19 in Delaware, an update on treatment and the vaccine.
The State of COVID-19 Town Hall slides—Dr. Alfred Bacon III
Town Hall update on COVID-19 with Chief Justice Seitz and Dr. Alfred E. Bacon, III, M.D. via Zoom. The discussion centers around the current state of COVID-19 in Delaware, an update on treatment and the vaccine.
The State of COVID-19 Town Hall slides—Dr. Alfred Bacon III
The Court of Chancery has issued Courtroom Protocols that are being implemented, effective June 8, 2020, in conjunction with the reopening of the courthouses.
06-08-2020
Updated Family Court bail update.
Bail for Family Court cases may be posted Monday through Friday between the hours of 9:00am and 4:00pm at any of the Family Court locations. Please call Family Court prior to appearing at the location so that we will be prepared when you arrive: New Castle County, Kent County, Sussex County.
06-08-2020
Updated Court of Common Pleas bail update.
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 they are able to come in. Also beginning June 8, 2020, 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 – Tomika Aiken at 302-255-0901
Kent County – Julie Brooks at 302-735-3925
Sussex County – Shelly Swafford – 302-858-5756
As a result of the COVID-19 social distancing needs, the Justice of the Peace Court is offering different ways to resolve cases including holding hearings remotely, if and when possible. Such accommodation can be made through a Request for Defendant Contact Information.
Delaware Family Court details procedures during COVID-19 restrictions
— Family Court will continue to handle emergency requests for Protection from Abuse Orders, emergency child welfare, custody, visitation, and guardianship matters, and limited adult criminal and juvenile delinquency matters.
Contact the Domestic Violence Advocacy Program (DVAP) at 302-255-2609 for help with Protection From Abuse filings. Please review this DVAP document for more information.
The Court of Chancery has issued Courtroom Protocols that are being implemented, effective June 8, 2020, in conjunction with the reopening of the courthouses.
Superior Court has issued a NOTICE TO PERSONS SUMMONED FOR JURY SERVICE.
If you are experiencing symptoms of the flu or the COVID-19 virus, or you have been exposed to someone known to have the flu or COVID-19 virus, please call jury services and they will reschedule you.
As a result of the COVID-19 social distancing needs, the Justice of the Peace Court is offering different ways to resolve cases including holding hearings remotely, if and when possible. Such accommodation can be made through a Request for Defendant Contact Information.
Delaware Nursing Home Quality Assurance Commission (DNHRQAC): Delaware Nursing Home Quality Assurance Commission (DNHRQAC) issued a statement regarding public meetings: Due to COVID-19 State of Delaware Public Health Emergency Order, the next DNHRQAC meeting has not been determined.
For general inquiries about Court operations or other legal issues, you can submit a question to Ask a Law Librarian. The law librarians are not attorneys; therefore they cannot provide any legal advice. Questions will be answered in the order they are received and it may take up to 72 hours for a response.
