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).

Court of Common Pleas

 Now Hiring: Our 2024-2025 Law Clerk Class. Visit the Judicial Clerkship page to learn more.

Some Court Proceedings Are Virtual

The Court of Common Pleas has resumed Jury and Non-Jury trials. All trials are in-person and you must appear at the courthouse as scheduled. For information on hearings proceeding via zoom, please visit the Zoom page.

Information on jury trial proceedings in New Castle County.

 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

New Email Address for Victims Receiving Restitution Payments

There is a new email address for victims receiving restitution payments. Please send change of address information to CCP_VICADDRESSCHANGE@DELAWARE.GOV

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 Carl C. Danberg.


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

New Castle County Office Judge Rotation

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

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 and instructions on how to file a change of name petition.
Civil Case Management Plan
A plan to ensure the orderly and efficient disposition of civil cases in New Castle 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

October 14, 2024

The Delaware Judiciary mourns the passing of retired Court of Common Pleas Judge Merrill C. Trader

The Delaware Judiciary mourns the passing of retired Court of Common Pleas Judge Merrill C. Trader, who served on the bench for 36 years, leaving a lasting legacy of dedication, mentorship, and judicial excellence.


View Previous News

April 01, 2024

Sussex County Class Participates in Virtual Visit with Court of Common Pleas

May 19, 2022

Court of Common Pleas for the State of Delaware Sits in Special Session for the Investiture of The Honorable Gregory R. Babowal

March 25, 2021

Delaware Judiciary bids farewell to Chief Judge Alex J. Smalls