The Delaware State Courts will be closed Wednesday, December 25, 2024 for Christmas Day. Justice of the Peace Court 11 (New Castle County) and Court 7 (Kent County) will remain open 24 hours and Justice of the Peace Court 3 (Sussex County) will be open from 6AM – 12AM (no new cases after 11:00PM).

Board of Bar Examiners

of the Supreme Court of Delaware

Board of Bar Examiners

of the Supreme Court of Delaware

Limited Permission to Practice

Military Spouse

An attorney who is admitted to practice as an attorney before the highest court in at least one state or jurisdiction in the United States may apply for a Certificate of Limited Practice as a Military Spouse.

Qualifications

Military Spouse

To be eligible to be permitted to practice under Supreme Court Rule 55.4, an applicant must:

Be the spouse of either an active-duty service member or National Guard member stationed in Delaware due to military orders.

Physically reside in Delaware due to the service member’s orders.

Be an active or inactive member in good standing in every jurisdiction in which the applicant has been admitted.

Not be currently subject to attorney discipline or the subject of a pending disciplinary matter in any other jurisdiction.

Satisfy requirements set forth in Rules Supreme Court Rules 52(a)(1)–52(a)(6), 52(a)(9) and 52(a)(10).

Not have failed the Delaware Bar Examination in the last 5 years.

Never been denied admission to the Delaware Bar.

Have a Preceptor and Supervising Attorney, as defined in Supreme Court Rule 55.4(e).

Rules Governing Admissions

Application Steps and Required Documents

Military Spouse

To be permitted to practice in Delaware under Supreme Court Rule 55.4, an applicant must:

Complete the application for permission to practice as a military spouse as described in Supreme Court Rule 55.4(b), including supplying all required documents.

Complete the NCBE Character and Fitness Application (select Delaware).

Provide State of Delaware and federal criminal background checks.

Have Questions?

Visit our comprehensive list of Frequently Asked Questions or email the Board of Bar Examiners at ARMS_BBE@delaware.gov.

Board of Bar Examiners of the Supreme Court of Delaware
The Renaissance Centre
405 North King Street, Suite 500
Wilmington, DE 19801
ARMS_BBE@delaware.gov