Sussex County, Delaware Court Records
Sussex County maintains records for civil, criminal, family, probate, and other cases filed in its trial-level courts, including the Superior Court, Court of Common Pleas, Family Court, and Court of Chancery. Records are created when a case is filed, updated during proceedings, and finalized with judgments or court orders, serving as permanent legal documentation under Delaware law.
The court clerks provide access depending on the court. The Superior Court handles felony criminal and major civil cases, the Court of Common Pleas oversees misdemeanors and smaller civil matters, Family Court manages domestic relations and juvenile cases, and the Court of Chancery addresses equity matters such as trusts and estates. Most filings are public, though records involving minors, adoptions, or sensitive matters may be sealed.
These records exist alongside other public records: vital records are maintained by the Delaware Office of Vital Statistics, arrest records by local law enforcement, and federal case records by the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware.
Are Sussex County Court Records Public?
Sussex County court records are generally available to the public under Delaware public access laws, including the Delaware Freedom of Information Act (29 Del. C. § 10001 et seq.), which promotes transparency in government institutions. Members of the public, attorneys, and researchers may typically access civil, criminal, family, and probate case filings, court proceedings, and judgments maintained by Sussex County courts through the appropriate court clerk.
Certain records are restricted to protect privacy and confidential information and may only be released with court approval or when permitted by law. These generally include juvenile matters, adoption proceedings, sealed cases, and filings protected under Delaware statutes. Individuals seeking access to restricted records should contact the appropriate court clerk to determine eligibility and learn procedures for requesting these records.
What Information is Available in Sussex County Court Records?
Sussex County court records provide information on civil, criminal, probate, family, and juvenile matters handled by the county’s trial-level courts, including the Superior Court, Court of Common Pleas, Family Court, and Court of Chancery. These records document the progress and resolution of cases and typically include:
- Case number: unique identification for a court case
- Case type: civil, criminal, probate, family, or juvenile
- Parties involved: plaintiffs, defendants, petitioners, or respondents
- Filing dates: when cases or documents were submitted
- Motions and petitions: formal legal requests filed with the court
- Hearing dates and outcomes: scheduled appearances and results
- Court rulings and judgments: orders or final decisions
- Attorney information: names of legal representatives
- Sentences, penalties, or fines: outcomes in criminal or traffic cases
- Filed exhibits and supporting documents: evidence or materials submitted in the case, some of which may be restricted
These records provide an official account of case proceedings while safeguarding confidential information, particularly in matters involving minors, sealed cases, or adoption proceedings.
Sussex County Court Records Search
Members of the public may access Sussex County court records online, in person, or via mail and phone, depending on the case type. Access varies across civil, criminal, family, probate, and misdemeanor matters, and certified copies can be obtained from the Sussex County Clerk’s Office.
- Online Access: The Delaware Courts case search system (CourtConnect)allows users to search Superior Court, Court of Common Pleas, Family Court, Court of Chancery, and Justice of the Peace Court cases by party name, case number, case type, or filing date. The portal displays docket details and case events, though sealed or confidential family and juvenile records are not available. Certified copies cannot be obtained online.
- In-Person Access: Certified copies and clerk assistance are available at:
Sussex County Superior Court - Prothonotary
1 The Circle, Suite 2
Georgetown, DE 19947
Phone: (302) 855-7055
Register in Chancery (Court of Chancery)
34 The Circle
Georgetown, DE 19947
Phone: (302) 856-5777
100 East Market Street
Georgetown, DE 19947
Phone: (302) 855-7400
Public terminals may be available, and staff can assist with locating case numbers and requesting filings.
- Mail and Phone Requests: Requests should include the case number or party names, a self-addressed stamped envelope, and payment for copies. Phone inquiries can help confirm procedures and ensure requests are complete.
Fees for Court Records in Sussex County
Accessing Sussex County court records may involve fees depending on the type of document and request method. Paper copies, certified copies, and other filings are assessed according to rates set by the Sussex County Court. Standard copies are typically charged on a per-page basis, while certified copies may include additional certification fees. Individuals should contact the appropriate court clerk to confirm current fees and accepted payment methods
Vital records, including birth and death certificates, are maintained separately by the Delaware Office of Vital Statistics and follow their own fee schedule. For example, certified birth certificates cost $25, and death certificates also cost $25. Payments are generally accepted via cash, check, money order, or credit/debit card, depending on the request method. Contacting the appropriate court clerk or office before submitting a request ensures accurate fees and proper procedures are followed.
Sussex County Courthouse Locations
The Sussex County Family Court handles divorce, child custody, child support, adoption, and other family law matters. The Sussex County Courthouse houses the Superior Court and Court of Common Pleas, while Family Court and juvenile cases are managed in a separate building. Justice of the Peace Courts serve as the entry-level judiciary for traffic violations, small claims, landlord-tenant disputes, and misdemeanors. Federal cases for county residents are handled by the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware.
County | Courthouse/Office | Address | Phone Number | Divisions/Case Type | Office Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Sussex County | 1 The Circle, Georgetown, DE 19947 | (302) 855-7055 | Superior Court & Court of Common Pleas (civil, criminal, probate) | Mon-Fri; 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. | |
Sussex County | 100 East Market Street, Georgetown, DE 19947 | (302) 855-7400 | Family Court (divorce, child custody, child support, adoption, juvenile matters) | Mon-Fri; 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. | |
Sussex County | Various locations throughout Sussex County | Varies by district | Traffic, small claims, summary offenses, landlord-tenant cases | Hours vary by district | |
Sussex County | 844 North King Street, Wilmington, DE 19801 | (302) 573-6170 | Federal civil & criminal cases | Mon-Fri; 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. |
Criminal Records Access in Sussex County
Official criminal history checks in Delaware are maintained at the state level by the Delaware State Police, State Bureau of Identification (SBI). Individuals seeking a comprehensive statewide criminal history report must request it directly from the state, as the county courts do not provide statewide criminal history information. These reports include arrests, convictions, and other criminal history data but do not determine guilt.
Local criminal case records can be accessed online via the Delaware Courts case search system or in person at the appropriate court clerk’s office, such as the Clerk of the Peace for Court of Common Pleas or Superior Court cases. Records generally show case numbers, parties, charges, filing dates, and dispositions. Most are public, though juvenile, sealed, or otherwise confidential cases are restricted. These resources allow a Sussex County criminal records search or case lookup while protecting sensitive information and avoiding any implication of guilt.
Sussex County Probate Records
Sussex County probate records document legal matters involving estates, wills, trusts, guardianships, and conservatorships. These cases are handled by the Register of Wills, with records maintained by the Sussex County Register of Wills. Probate records provide official documentation of estate administration, validation of wills, and appointment of guardians or conservators.
Recent filings, including estate records and wills, may be available online through the Delaware Courts case search system. Older or more detailed files typically require contacting the Register of Wills or visiting in person. Certain probate matters are confidential or restricted under Delaware law, particularly those involving minors, sensitive guardianships, or court-ordered privacy protections.
Common probate filings include wills, estate administrations, guardianships, and conservatorships. Individuals seeking Sussex County probate records should verify availability online and follow court procedures when requesting copies.
County | Court Name | Address | Phone Number | Office Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Sussex County | 5 E. Pine St., Georgetown, DE 19947 | (302) 855-7875 | Mon - Fri; 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. |
Sussex County Family Court Records
Sussex County family court records document cases involving divorce, child custody, child support, adoption, and other family law matters. They provide an official summary of proceedings, including case numbers, parties involved, filing dates, case status, and court orders or judgments. Records do not assign fault or determine responsibility.
Recent filings can be searched online through the Delaware Courts case search system, which provides docket information and basic details for many cases handled by the Sussex County Family Court. For certified copies or records not available online, individuals may visit the Family Court in person. Staff can assist with locating case files, verifying case details, and providing official documents such as divorce decrees or custody orders.
Some records are restricted under Delaware law, particularly those involving minors, adoptions, confidential financial information, or sealed cases. Following proper procedures ensures lawful access while protecting sensitive personal information.
Federal Court Records in Sussex County
Federal cases in Sussex County are handled by the United States District Court for the District of Delaware. This court oversees federal criminal cases, civil disputes under federal law, bankruptcy matters, and other federal proceedings. The court’s Clerk’s Office maintains official case records.
Many federal filings and dockets can be accessed online through PACER (Public Access to Court Electronic Records). Users can search by party name, case number, or filing date. PACER requires registration and generally charges $0.10 per page for most documents. The Clerk’s Office can also assist with requests for specific records or guidance on locating filings.
Certain cases or documents may be sealed or otherwise restricted from public view. Contacting the Clerk’s Office or using PACER before making a request ensures individuals access accurate information while avoiding restricted or confidential records.