Family Court
Who We Are
The Family Court has extensive jurisdiction over all domestic matters. Information about the most frequently heard matters can be found to the right. These links provide information on each of the topic areas as well as instruction books and forms to assist in filing with the Court. For complete information on the jurisdiction of the Family Court, visit the Mission & Jurisdiction page.
Mission & Jurisdiction
Statement of Unity
Family Court Council on Racial Equity Report
Hours & Locations
Fees & Payment Options
Judicial Officers & Staff
New Employee Information
Law Clerks
History
Governance
Rules
Frequently Asked Questions
Information and Assistance
Legal Notices
Search Family Court notices to see if something has been filed against you.
All Topics & FAQS
View all Family Court topics and frequently asked questions.
Protection from Abuse (PFA)
PFA Court Order petitioning process and the steps involved for these types of cases.
Custody
Information and steps in the process for filing a petition asking that the court award custody to him/her.
Child Support
Information on how a support action begins and the process that follows.
DFS Custody Cases
Information for parents on how to navigate a Department of Family Services (DFS) court case.
Divorce / Annulment
General information to help guide you through the process of divorce or annulment.
Guardianship
Information on filing for Guardianship by a non-parent charged with caring for a minor.
Criminal & Delinquency (including Truancy)
Adult and juvenile court process in criminal cases before Family Court.
Youth Wellness Court
A special court program for youth whose delinquency (criminal) charges are linked to their mental health needs.
Remote Hearing
If your hearing notice states the hearing will be remote or to request to participate remotely.
Support Persons
Learn more about how to request the attendance of a support person in private court proceedings.
Special Process Server
Information on the use of Special Process Servers for cases filed in Family Court.
Comfort/Facility Dog
Request our trained assistance dog that can provide quiet companionship during legal proceedings.
Access to Records
To reduce wait time to review the contents of a Court file, it would be best to schedule an appointment. Submit an on-line schedule request. You can also call the records department in each courthouse to schedule an appointment in your County. New Castle County: 302-255-0241, Kent County: 302-672-1045, Sussex County: 302-855-7411. More information on access to records.
Case Information
The Family Court Website does not contain any personal case information and your Family Court file cannot be accessed electronically. For those inquiries, please contact Family Court in your county. New Castle County: 302-255-0300, Kent County: 302-672-1000, Sussex County: 302-855-7400.
RECENT NEWS updated 11/12/2025
Family Court Completes Historic Move in Sussex County!
After many years of careful planning and efforts of many staff, Family Court successfully completed the move to their new building at the end of October. On October 27, 2025, the first floor of the building opened to the public for filing and reviewing records, and on November 3rd, all three floors opened to the public and full calendars were held!
The new address is: 100 East Market Street Georgetown, DE 19947
Family Court Holds Ceremony to Place Time Capsule For New Georgetown Courthouse
In a ceremony led by Family Court Chief Judge Michael K. Newell on Thursday August 21, 2025, a time capsule was placed inside what will become the new Family Court building in Georgetown Delaware. The expectation is that the new courthouse will be ready for occupancy by the end of October and the court hopes to hold a ribbon cutting ceremony once the facility is ready to open to the public.
The Honorable Eliza M. Hirst was sworn in for her first term as a Judge of the Family Court of the State Delaware on Friday, June 21, 2024 in Courtroom 7E at the Leonard L. Williams Justice Center in Wilmington.
The Honorable Jessica Markowski-Kelly Sworn in as Commissioner of the Family Court
On Friday, June 7th, Family Court welcomed the Honorable Jessica Markowski-Kelly as a Commissioner of the Family Court of the State of Delaware. Congratulations, Commissioner Markowski-Kelly!
FAMILY COURT ECOURTROOM
Family Court eCourtroom:
A video series introducing the functionality and use of the eCourtroom to self-represented litigants and members of the Bar.
