Kent County Court Records Search
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Kent County occupies the central portion of Delaware, with its county seat in Dover — the state capital. The county’s judicial system reflects Delaware’s unique court structure, which does not use a traditional district court model. Instead, Kent County is served by the Superior Court, the Court of Chancery, the Family Court, the Court of Common Pleas, and multiple Justice of the Peace Courts. Each court generates records that are maintained by its own clerk or prothonotary, and understanding which court handled a given matter is essential to locating the correct file. The Kent County Courthouse at 414 Federal Street in Dover houses several of these courts under one roof, while the Family Court and Justice of the Peace courts operate from separate locations.
Individuals searching for court records in Delaware can use a combination of official clerk offices, courthouse public-access terminals, online case search tools, and written request procedures. The CourtConnect portal operated by the Delaware Judicial Branch provides online access to civil docket information across all three counties. Additional guidance on court locations, fees, and filing requirements is available through DelawareCourts.us, which may help users identify the appropriate court and locate publicly available case information.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Kent County?
Kent County offers several methods for searching court records, though the approach varies depending on the court and the type of case.
Online Through CourtConnect
The Delaware Judicial Branch maintains the CourtConnect civil case search portal, which allows users to search civil docket information by person name, business name, or case type. The system also supports searches for judgments against an individual or business and can generate docket reports. CourtConnect covers civil matters across all Delaware courts, but criminal case records are not available through this portal.
Public Access Terminals at Superior Court
The Kent County Superior Court maintains four public-access terminals at the courthouse. Access is by appointment only. To schedule a session, contact the Prothonotary’s office at (302) 735-1902 or email Kirra.Britt@delaware.gov with the subject line “Public Access”. Appointments must be made at least 24 hours in advance, and only one appointment per person per day is permitted. Searches require the full name of the individual whose records are sought.
Written Records Requests
Requests for copies of Superior Court records can be submitted using the court’s records request form, which may be delivered by mail, email, or in person at the Prothonotary’s office. After the staff locates the file and completes any required redactions, the requestor will be contacted to arrange pickup and payment.
In-Person File Review
Individuals who know which court handled their case can contact the clerk’s office to request a file review. The court may schedule a time for the requestor to examine the file at the Prothonotary’s office or the appropriate records room.
Kent County Court Locations
| Court | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Superior Court | 414 Federal St., Dover, DE 19901 | (302) 735-1900 |
| Court of Chancery | 414 Federal St., Dover, DE 19901 | (302) 735-1930 |
| Court of Common Pleas | 414 Federal St., Dover, DE 19901 | (302) 735-3900 |
| Family Court | 400 Court St., Dover, DE 19901 | (302) 672-1000 |
| Justice of the Peace Court 6 | 35 Cams Fortune Way, Harrington, DE 19952 | (302) 422-5922 |
| Justice of the Peace Court 7 | 480 Bank Lane, Dover, DE 19904 | (302) 739-4554 |
| Justice of the Peace Court 8 | 100 Monrovia Ave., Smyrna, DE 19977 | (302) 653-7083 |
The Kent County Courthouse is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. The Family Court is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. All courts are closed on state court holidays. Payments for all court fees should be made payable to “The State of Delaware”.
Are Court Records Public in Kent County?
Court records in Kent County are presumed to be public under the Delaware Judicial Branch’s public access policies. Each court within Delaware’s system operates under its own access directive, though all follow the general principle that case records are open to the public unless an exception applies.
The key access policies are:
- Superior Court:Administrative Directive No. 2000-5 governs public access to judicial records.
- Family Court: The Public Access Policy and Privacy of Proceedings chart describe which records and proceedings are open and which are restricted.
- Court of Common Pleas:Administrative Directive No. 2007-2 sets forth access rules.
- Justice of the Peace Court: A separate policy on public access to court records was adopted in 2014.
Records Exempt from Public Disclosure
Certain categories of records are restricted regardless of court. These include:
- Unexecuted or unreturned arrest and search warrants
- Juror names, addresses, and phone numbers (absent judicial approval)
- Victim and witness identifying information, including names and addresses of probation and parole officers
- Medical, psychiatric, and substance-abuse treatment records, including court-ordered evaluations
- Presentence investigation reports
- Driver’s license records maintained by the Division of Motor Vehicles
- Consolidated criminal history records spanning multiple courts (per 11 Del. C. § 8513)
- Social documents in Family Court files — psychological evaluations, custody investigations, and pre-sentence investigations — which cannot be copied without judicial authorization
The courts may also redact personal identifiers and other sensitive information before releasing records to the public.
Kent County Criminal Court Records
Criminal cases in Kent County are handled primarily by the Superior Court and the Court of Common Pleas, depending on the severity of the offense. The Superior Court exercises original jurisdiction over all felonies and drug offenses, while the Court of Common Pleas handles misdemeanor criminal matters and certain drug offenses. Justice of the Peace Courts process preliminary hearings, minor criminal matters, and arraignments.
Searching Criminal Case Records
Criminal docket information is not available through the CourtConnect online portal, which covers only civil matters. To search for criminal case records, individuals must use one of the following methods:
- Public access terminals at the Kent County Superior Court (by appointment; call (302) 735-1902)
- Written request to the Prothonotary’s office using the court’s records request form, submitted by mail or email
- In-person inquiry at the appropriate court’s clerk window during business hours
For criminal matters in the Court of Common Pleas, contact the clerk’s office at (302) 735-3900. The Kent County criminal case management unit within the Superior Court Prothonotary’s office can be reached at (302) 735-1902.
Criminal Filing Fees (Superior Court)
| Transaction | Fee |
|---|---|
| Transfer from Court of Common Pleas | $100.00 |
| Appeal from Court of Common Pleas | $100.00 |
| Indictment by true bill | $100.00 |
| New information from Attorney General | $100.00 |
| Appeal from Family Court | $100.00 |
| Expungement of criminal record | $75.00 |
| Court Security Assessment (per charge upon conviction) | $10.00 |
Criminal History Background Checks
The courts do not maintain consolidated criminal histories. Under 11 Del. C. § 8513(d), certified copies of a Delaware criminal history must be obtained from the Delaware State Police, State Bureau of Identification. Background checks are conducted via fingerprint, and requestors must present a valid photo ID. Current fees are:
- State of Delaware background check: $52.50
- Combined state and federal background check: $69.00
Acceptable payment methods include cash, credit or debit cards, bank checks, money orders, or business checks payable to Delaware State Police. The personal history report form is available for download. Walk-in requests are accepted without appointment at the Delaware State Police office at 655 South Bay Road, Dover, DE 19901 — Phone: (302) 739-5871
Employers may also request criminal history checks on prospective employees as authorized under 16 Del. C. § 1190, provided the individual has been interviewed for the position.
Kent County Civil Court Records
Civil litigation in Kent County is distributed across the Superior Court, Court of Chancery, Court of Common Pleas, and Justice of the Peace Courts, depending on the type of claim and amount in controversy. The Superior Court handles major civil actions, the Court of Chancery addresses equity matters, the Court of Common Pleas handles civil cases up to its jurisdictional limit, and the Justice of the Peace Courts adjudicate small civil claims.
Online Civil Case Searches
The CourtConnect portal allows public searches of civil dockets across all Delaware courts. Users can search by first name, last name, or business name and filter by filing date range. The portal displays case details, proceedings, and information about judgments and orders.
Requesting Copies
Civil court documents can be obtained in person at the Prothonotary’s office in the Kent County Courthouse, through the records request form, or via CourtConnect for available docket information. Staff at the Prothonotary’s office can also assist with searching the in-house index of civil cases.
Superior Court Civil Filing Fees
| Filing Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Complaint for damages, declaratory judgment, ejectment, or replevin | $200.00 |
| Justice of the Peace Court appeal | $200.00 |
| Court of Common Pleas removal | $200.00 |
| Miscellaneous petition (return of property, subpoena requests, etc.) | $75.00 |
| Transfer of judgment from another court | $50.00 |
| Foreign judgment (10 Del. C. § 4781) | $65.00 |
| Writ of execution | $65.00 |
| Request for trial date or pretrial conference | $150.00 |
| Court Security Assessment (initial civil filings) | $10.00 |
| Copy charge (per page) | $2.00 |
| Certified copy (up to 3 pages) | $15.00 |
| Exemplified copy (up to 3 pages) | $25.00 |
| Closed case retrieval | $25.00 |
| Closed case retrieval (expedited) | $50.00 |
Court of Common Pleas Civil Filing Fees
| Filing Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Civil complaint | $85.00 (includes $10.00 Court Security Assessment) |
| JP Court appeal | $135.00 |
| Petition for restoration of driving privileges | $25.00 |
| Transfer of judgment to Superior Court | $20.00 |
| Copy charge (per page) | $5.00 |
| Certified copy | $10.00 |
| Closed file retrieval | $25.00 |
Property Records
Property information can be searched through the Kent County Property Records System, which allows queries by address, owner name, or parcel identification number. The database includes ownership history, title transfer dates, legal descriptions, and assessment data. Land records such as deeds, mortgages, and easements are filed with the Kent County Recorder of Deeds:
Kent County Recorder of Deeds
555 Bay Road, Dover, DE 19901
Phone: (302) 744-2314
Email: recorder@kentcountyde.gov
Recording fees (effective October 28, 2025) include a $36.00 document fee plus $10.00 per page. A $40.00 non-conforming fee applies to documents that do not meet recording standards.
Kent County Family Court Records
The Kent County Family Court, located at 400 Court Street in Dover, handles a wide range of family-related matters including divorce and annulment, child custody and visitation, child support, adoption, termination of parental rights, guardianship of minors, protection from abuse orders, and juvenile delinquency cases.
Reviewing Family Court Files
Parties to a case may review their file in person at the Family Court Records Department during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM). Note that the Kent County Family Court Records Department is closed on the third Thursday of each month from 12:30 PM to 4:30 PM. A valid photo ID is required for all file reviews, and all records must be examined in the presence of court staff.
To schedule a file review, individuals can complete the records request form online or call the Records Department at (302) 672-1045. Walk-in requests may be accommodated if an appointment slot is available.
Most family court records cannot be copied by persons who are not parties to the case. Parties may obtain copies of legal documents — complaints, petitions, and court orders — upon payment of the applicable fee, but social documents such as psychological evaluations, custody investigations, and pre-sentence investigations require judicial authorization before copies can be released.
Family Court Assessed Costs (effective February 1, 2026)
| Transaction | Cost |
|---|---|
| Divorce filing (includes $10 Court Security Assessment) | $165.00 |
| Ancillary matters (property division, alimony, separation agreement — per matter) | $90.00 |
| Civil filing (custody, visitation, child support, guardianship, etc.) | $90.00 |
| Rule 60(b) motion | $90.00 |
| Review DeNovo or Review of Commissioner’s Order | $110.00 |
| Appeal to Supreme Court or Superior Court | $90.00 |
| Criminal court costs | $55.00 |
| Capias | $25.00 |
| Certified copy — first and additional pages | $4.00 per page |
| Document copying (per page) | $1.00 |
| Exemplified copy (per page) | $5.00 |
| Electronic audio copy (per hearing date) | $25.00 |
| Archived case retrieval | $25.00 |
| Expungement of criminal record (adult or juvenile) | No charge |
To obtain an audio recording of a hearing, parties or their attorneys must submit Form 801 — Application to Request Audio Record. The full Schedule of Assessed Costs is posted on the court’s website.
Divorce and Annulment Decree Copies
Certified copies of divorce or annulment decrees cost $4.00; non-certified copies are $1.00. Requests can be made in person at the Kent County Family Court Records Department with photo ID, or by mail with a notarized signature. Mail requests should be sent to:
Records Department — Family Court
400 Court Street, Dover, DE 19901
Phone: (302) 255-2222
Marriage Records
Marriage certificates in Delaware are maintained by the Office of Vital Statistics. Requests can be made in person at the Kent County office or by mail using the marriage request form. Online orders are available through third-party services listed on the Office of Vital Statistics webpage. Marriage records older than fifty years are held by the Delaware Public Archives and can be obtained by calling (302) 744-5000.
Office of Vital Statistics
417 Federal St., Dover, DE 19901
Phone: (302) 744-4549
Birth and Death Records
Birth and death certificates can be requested from the Office of Vital Statistics in person, by mail, or online. Mail requests require a completed birth request form or death request form, sent to the same Dover address. Older records that have been archived may be ordered through the Delaware Public Archives.
Kent County Probate Court Records
Delaware does not have a separate probate court. In Kent County, estate and probate matters are administered by the Register of Wills Office, a county-level office that operates under the Kent County Levy Court. The Register of Wills records wills after death, oversees the appointment of personal representatives, and ensures estate proceedings comply with Delaware law. All estate-related case files are maintained as permanent records.
Register of Wills Office
555 Bay Road, 2nd Floor, Room 214
Dover, DE 19901
Phone: (302) 744-2330
Email: register@kentcountyde.gov
Register of Wills: D.J. Cox
Walk-in hours are Monday through Thursday, 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM, and Friday, 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM. Phone inquiries are accepted Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Requesting Probate Records
Anyone may request probate records, though certified copies are available only to a personal representative or the estate’s attorney. To request documents, download and complete the request for documents form and submit it to the Register of Wills by mail or in person. The form requires the estate name, folio number, the requestor’s contact information, and the purpose of the request.
Opening an Estate
An estate must be opened for probate if the decedent held more than $30,000 in personal property solely in their name, or owned real estate solely in their name. To open an estate in person, bring the original death certificate, the original will (if one exists), an estimated value of assets, an estimated value of real estate, a list of next of kin with full names, relationships, and addresses, and a valid driver’s license. To open an estate by mail, send the same documents along with a completed Case Information Sheet and any required renunciations. The Probate Brochure and flowcharts on the Register of Wills page outline the full process.
Appointments are required to open and close an estate. Once a deputy reviews your paperwork, you will be contacted to schedule the appointment and informed of required fees. Fees are payable by cash, check, or money order only.
Key Register of Wills Fees
| Transaction | Fee |
|---|---|
| Filing a petition (2 or fewer) | $5.00 |
| Filing a petition (more than 2) | $10.00 |
| Granting letters (estate value $1.00–$29,999) | See fee schedule |
| Filing any paper not otherwise specified | $2.00 |
| Filing of death certificate | Listed on schedule |
| Register of Wills hearing (Rule to Show Cause) — Chief Deputy fee | $25.00 |
| Depositing a will for safekeeping | Contact office |
The complete and current fee schedule (revised February 5, 2026) is available as a downloadable PDF from the Register of Wills webpage. Additional probate and non-probate forms are available in the Forms Library.