Kent County Court Records
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Kent County sits in central Delaware, with Dover — the state capital — as its county seat. Delaware's court system doesn't follow the traditional district court model used in most states. Instead, Kent County is served by the Superior Court, the Court of Chancery, the Family Court, the Court of Common Pleas, and several Justice of the Peace Courts. Each court maintains its own records through a clerk or prothonotary, so knowing which court handled your case is the key to finding the right file. Several of these courts share the Kent County Courthouse at 414 Federal Street in Dover, while the Family Court and Justice of the Peace courts operate from separate locations.
You can access Kent County court records through official clerk offices, courthouse public-access terminals, online case search tools, and written requests. The CourtConnect portal run by the Delaware Judicial Branch provides online access to civil docket information across all three counties. DelawareCourts.us can also help you identify the right court and find publicly available case information.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Kent County?
There are several ways to search for court records in Kent County. The best approach depends on which court handled the case and whether you're looking for civil or criminal records.
Online Through CourtConnect
The Delaware Judicial Branch operates the CourtConnect civil case search portal, which lets you search civil docket information by person name, business name, or case type. You can also search for judgments against an individual or business and generate docket reports. CourtConnect covers civil matters across all Delaware courts — but criminal case records are not available here.
Public Access Terminals at Superior Court
The Kent County Superior Court has four public-access terminals at the courthouse. Access is by appointment only. To schedule a session, call the Prothonotary's office at (302) 735-1902 or email Kirra.Britt@delaware.gov with the subject line "Public Access". You'll need to book at least 24 hours in advance, and only one appointment per person per day is allowed. Searches require the full name of the person whose records you're looking for.
Written Records Requests
To request copies of Superior Court records, use the court's records request form, which you can submit by mail, email, or in person at the Prothonotary's office. Once staff locates the file and completes any required redactions, they'll contact you to arrange pickup and payment.
In-Person File Review
If you know which court handled your case, contact that court's clerk office to request a file review. The court may schedule a time for you 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 generally presumed public under the Delaware Judicial Branch's public access policies. Each court operates under its own access directive, but all follow the broad principle that case records are open unless a specific exception applies.
The key access policies for each court 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 out the 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 across all courts. 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
Courts may also redact personal identifiers and other sensitive information before releasing records.
Kent County Criminal Court Records
Criminal cases in Kent County are divided between the Superior Court and the Court of Common Pleas based on the severity of the offense. The Superior Court has 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 portal, which covers only civil matters. To search for criminal case records, you'll need to use one of these options:
- 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, call 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 don't maintain consolidated criminal histories. Under 11 Del. C. 8513(d), certified copies of a Delaware criminal history must be obtained through the Delaware State Police, State Bureau of Identification. Background checks are conducted by fingerprint, and you'll need a valid photo ID. Current fees are:
- State of Delaware background check: $52.50
- Combined state and federal background check: $69.00
Accepted 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 an 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 cases in Kent County are spread across the Superior Court, Court of Chancery, Court of Common Pleas, and Justice of the Peace Courts, depending on the type of claim and the amount in dispute. 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 lets you search civil dockets across all Delaware courts by first name, last name, or business name, with the option to 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 help you search 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
You can search property information through the Kent County Property Records System by address, owner name, or parcel identification number. The database includes ownership history, title transfer dates, legal descriptions, and assessment data. Deeds, mortgages, easements, and other land records 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 don't meet recording standards.
Kent County Family Court Records
The Kent County Family Court at 400 Court Street in Dover handles 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
If you're a party to a case, you can review your 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. Bring a valid photo ID — all records must be reviewed in the presence of court staff.
To schedule a file review, 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 open.
Most family court records cannot be copied by people who are not parties to the case. Parties can obtain copies of legal documents — complaints, petitions, and court orders — upon payment of the applicable fee. However, 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. You can request them in person at the Kent County Family Court Records Department with photo ID, or by mail with a notarized signature. Mail requests should go 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. You can request them 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 archived records may be ordered through the Delaware Public Archives.
Kent County Probate Court Records
Delaware doesn't have a separate probate court. In Kent County, estate and probate matters are handled 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 kept 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, your 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 following:
- 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
- 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'll be contacted to schedule the appointment and told what fees apply. 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.