Sussex County Court Records Search
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Sussex County is the largest county by area in Delaware and is home to a network of state courts that handle criminal, civil, family, and probate matters. The county seat is Georgetown, where most court facilities are concentrated around the historic Circle. Court records generated by Sussex County courts include complaints, motions, orders, judgments, docket entries, exhibits, and other case documents maintained by each court’s clerk or administrative office. These records serve as the official documentation of the judicial branch’s work in the county and are central to verifying case outcomes, enforcing judgments, and conducting legal research.
Individuals looking for Sussex County court records can begin by identifying the court that handled the relevant case and then using that court’s specific search tools and request procedures. Delaware court records are accessible through official clerk offices, public-access terminals at courthouses, and online portals. The Delaware Judiciary website provides centralized access to court locations, calendars, opinions, and the CourtConnect civil case database. Additional resources, including court directories and case information, may be located through DelawareCourts.us.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Sussex County?
The method for locating a court case in Sussex County depends on the type of case and the court in which it was filed. Sussex County has multiple courts, each with its own jurisdiction and records system. The following courts operate within the county:
| Court | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Superior Court | 1 The Circle, Suite 2, Georgetown, DE 19947 | (302) 855-7055 |
| Court of Chancery | 34 The Circle, Georgetown, DE 19947 | (302) 856-5777 |
| Court of Common Pleas | 1 The Circle, Suite 1, Georgetown, DE 19947 | (302) 858-5700 |
| Family Court | 100 East Market Street, Georgetown, DE 19947 | (302) 855-7400 |
| Justice of the Peace Court 2 | 16283 Willow Creek Road, Lewes, DE 19958 | (302) 645-6163 |
| Justice of the Peace Court 3 | 23730 Shortly Road, Georgetown, DE 19947 | (302) 856-1445 |
| Justice of the Peace Court 4 | 408 East Stein Highway, Seaford, DE 19973 | (302) 628-2036 |
| Justice of the Peace Court 14 | 5 East Pine Street, Georgetown, DE 19947 | (302) 856-4657 |
Sussex County also has four alderman’s courts in Rehoboth Beach, Bethany Beach, Dewey Beach, and Laurel. These courts are municipal bodies operating under their respective town charters rather than as part of the state judicial system. They handle local ordinance violations, traffic matters, and misdemeanors within their municipal boundaries.
To look up a case, follow these steps:
- Identify the court. Determine whether the matter was criminal (Superior Court, Court of Common Pleas, or Justice of the Peace), civil, equity (Court of Chancery), or family-related (Family Court).
- Search online. For civil cases in the Superior Court, Court of Common Pleas, or Justice of the Peace Courts, use CourtConnect, the Delaware Judiciary’s free civil docket search tool. Searches can be conducted by party name, business name, case type, or case number.
- Check court opinions. Written opinions from the Superior Court, Court of Chancery, and other courts can be viewed through the Delaware Opinions and Orders page.
- Review court calendars. Upcoming hearing schedules are posted on the Calendars page.
- Visit the courthouse. Public-access terminals at the Sussex County Courthouse allow in-person viewing of case docket information at no charge. The courthouse is open to the public Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Contact the clerk. For records that are not available online, contact the Prothonotary’s office (Superior Court) or the relevant court clerk directly. Phone numbers are listed in the table above.
For Superior Court records specifically, requests can be made using the records request form found on the last page of Administrative Directive 2000-5. The court also maintains a list of approved document retrieval providers authorized to search dockets and supply copies.
Are Court Records Public in Sussex County?
Most court records in Sussex County are open to public inspection under Delaware’s Freedom of Information Act, codified at 29 Del. C. §§ 10001–10008. This statute establishes a presumption that government records, including those produced through the courts’ adjudicative functions, are accessible to any person who requests them.
However, several categories of records are exempt from public disclosure under FOIA and other Delaware statutes. Records that are closed to the public or subject to restricted access include:
- Sealed or expunged court records
- Grand jury testimonies and proceedings
- Adoption records
- Juvenile case records (with limited exceptions)
- Medical and psychological evaluations
- Presentence investigation reports
- Mediation proceedings
- Judicial work product such as notes, drafts, and internal memoranda
- Information identifying certain crime victims or witnesses
- Involuntary commitment proceedings
The Delaware Attorney General’s office publishes a FOIA manual that includes a non-exhaustive list of statutory exemptions. The most recent versions are available on the AG’s Open Government website. Court-specific access policies, such as the Family Court’s Public Access Policy, may impose additional restrictions or procedural requirements for reviewing files.
When records are available, requesters should expect to pay reproduction fees. These vary by court. In Superior Court, copies cost up to $2.00 per page, certified copies are $15.00 (up to three pages), and exemplified copies are $25.00 (up to three pages). The Court of Common Pleas charges up to $5.00 per page for copies and $10.00 for a certified copy. A closed-case retrieval fee of $25.00 (or $50.00 for expedited retrieval in Superior Court; $35.00 in Common Pleas) may also apply.
Sussex County Criminal Court Records
Criminal cases in Sussex County are adjudicated across several courts depending on the severity of the charge. The Superior Court has exclusive jurisdiction over felonies and most drug offenses. The Court of Common Pleas handles misdemeanors, and Justice of the Peace Courts process certain lower-level criminal matters, including initial appearances and preliminary hearings.
Criminal court case records in Delaware are generally not available through the CourtConnect online portal, which is limited to civil dockets. Anyone seeking criminal case records must contact the appropriate court directly.
To request criminal case records from the Sussex County Superior Court:
- In person: Visit the Prothonotary’s office at 1 The Circle, Suite 2, Georgetown, during business hours (Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; public access begins at 8:30 a.m.).
- By written request: Complete the records request form from Administrative Directive 2000-5 and submit it to the Prothonotary.
Key criminal filing fees at the Superior Court include $100.00 for commitments, transfers, appeals, and new informations from the Attorney General’s office. A $10.00 Court Security Assessment is added upon conviction. Copy costs are up to $2.00 per page, and certified copies are $15.00 for up to three pages.
For arrest records—as opposed to court case files—individuals should contact the relevant local police department. Sussex County has multiple municipal police departments, including those in Georgetown, Rehoboth Beach, Seaford, and other towns.
Cumulative criminal history records are not available to the general public in Delaware. Individuals who need a certified personal criminal history for employment, licensing, or personal review must submit fingerprints through the Delaware State Bureau of Identification’s service provider, IdentoGO. The current fees are:
- State of Delaware criminal history: $72.00
- State and federal criminal history: $85.00
Appointments and registration are handled online through the SBI’s certified criminal history page. A personal-use service code (27RVGT) is available for individuals requesting their own record.
The initial fee to apply for an expungement through the SBI is $72.00, with an additional $75.00 payable if a mandatory expungement is granted. Expungement petitions filed with the Superior Court carry a $75.00 filing fee.
Sussex County Civil Court Records
Civil cases in Sussex County are distributed among several courts based on the nature of the dispute and the amount in controversy. The Superior Court serves as the court of general jurisdiction for civil matters, with no monetary cap on damages. The Court of Common Pleas handles civil claims within its jurisdictional limits, and Justice of the Peace Courts adjudicate civil disputes involving amounts under $25,000. The Court of Chancery, seated at 34 The Circle in Georgetown, has exclusive jurisdiction over equity matters such as corporate disputes, trusts, and injunctions.
The most accessible way to search Sussex County civil case records online is through CourtConnect. This free tool covers civil dockets from the Superior Court, Court of Common Pleas, and Justice of the Peace Courts. Searches can be performed by party name, case number, or case type, and the system displays case information, docket entries, and party names.
For records not available through CourtConnect, requesters can visit the appropriate clerk’s office during business hours or submit a written request. The following fees apply at the Superior Court for civil matters:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Filing a civil complaint | $200.00 |
| Court Security Assessment (initial filing) | $10.00 |
| Request for trial date | $150.00 |
| Copy charge (per page) | Up to $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 |
At the Court of Common Pleas, a civil complaint filing costs $85.00 (inclusive of the $10.00 Court Security Assessment). Copy charges are up to $5.00 per page, and certified copies are $10.00 per document. Full fee schedules for both courts are published on the Delaware Judiciary’s Superior Court fees page and Court of Common Pleas fees page.
All payments to the Superior Court should be made payable to “The State of Delaware”. Payments may be made by check, money order, or credit card depending on the court.
Property-related civil records—including deeds, mortgages, and liens—are maintained by the Sussex County Recorder of Deeds at 2 The Circle, Georgetown, DE 19947, Phone: (302) 855-7785 Remote searches of recorded documents are available through the Recorder’s Official Records portal. Guest users can view indexed and watermarked information, while registered subscribers can print and download documents for a fee.
Sussex County Family Court Records
The Sussex County Family Court handles divorce, annulment, child custody, child support, visitation, guardianship, adoption, juvenile delinquency, domestic violence protection orders, and paternity matters. The court is located at:
Sussex County Family Court
Address: 100 East Market Street, Georgetown, DE 19947
Phone: (302) 855-7400
Director of Operations: (302) 855-7478
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Family Court records are not available through CourtConnect or any other online case search tool. All requests must be made in person at the courthouse Records Room. The court recommends scheduling an appointment through its Online Records Review Request form or by calling the Records Department at (302) 855-7411.
When reviewing a file, requesters must present valid photo identification and may only examine records in the presence of court staff. Copies of legal documents such as complaints, petitions, and court orders can be obtained upon payment, but social documents—including psychological evaluations, custody investigations, and presentence reports—require a judicial order for release.
Key fees from the Family Court’s Schedule of Assessed Costs, effective February 1, 2026:
- Divorce filing: $165.00 (plus $10.00 Court Security Assessment)
- Custody, child support, or visitation petition: $90.00
- Certified copy: $4.00 per page
- Exemplified copy: $5.00 per page
- Document copying: $1.00 per page
- Archived case retrieval: $25.00
- Electronic copy of audio record (per hearing date): $25.00
Certain Family Court proceedings are confidential by statute. The court’s Privacy of Proceedings chart (available from the court’s Records Access FAQ page) identifies which case types are open, partially restricted, or fully closed to public review. Adoption, child abuse, and certain juvenile matters are among those restricted to the parties involved.
Divorce and annulment decree copies can be obtained in person or by mail from the Family Court Records Department. A certified copy costs $4.00 and a non-certified copy costs $1.00. In-person requests require photo identification. Mail requests must include the requester’s name, date of birth, notarized signature, and payment by check or money order. Additional details are available on the court’s decree copies page.
Marriage records in Sussex County are maintained by the Clerk of the Peace, located at the Sussex County Administrative Building, 2 The Circle, Room 226, Georgetown. The Marriage Bureau’s phone number is (302) 853-1717, and hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The Clerk holds Sussex County marriage records from March 2002 forward. Records from 1975 through March 2002 should be requested from the Office of Vital Statistics at (302) 515-3190. Records predating 1975 may require a request to the Delaware Public Archives at (302) 744-5000.
Under Delaware law, marriage records remain closed to the public for 50 years from the event date. During that period, only the parties listed on the record (or their attorney or agent) may obtain copies. Certified copies from the Clerk of the Peace cost $25.00 and can be requested by mail using the Request for Certified Copies form or through an approved online vendor. The Clerk’s office advises calling (302) 853-1717 before submitting any request to verify the record is on file.
Birth and death records are issued by the Delaware Office of Vital Statistics, a division of the Department of Health and Social Services. The nearest in-person location for Sussex County residents is:
Thurman Adams State Service Center
Address: 546 South Bedford Street, Georgetown, DE 19947
Phone: (302) 515-3190
Certified copies cost $25.00 and require valid photo identification. Application forms for birth certificates and death certificates are available on the DHSS website. Under 16 Del. C. § 3110(f), birth records in Delaware remain closed for 72 years from the date of birth, and death records are restricted for 40 years from the date of death.
Sussex County Probate Court Records
Probate matters in Sussex County are administered by the Register of Wills, which functions as the county’s probate office under the Court of Chancery. The Register oversees the appointment of personal representatives, the filing of inventories and accountings, and the orderly distribution of decedents’ estates.
Sussex County Register of Wills
Address: Sussex County Courthouse Annex, 5 East Pine Street, P.O. Box 743, Georgetown, DE 19947
Phone: (302) 855-7875
Fax: (302) 853-5871
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (closes to the public at 3:00 p.m. on the last Monday of each month)
Appointments are required for opening and closing probated estates, ancillary estates, and depositing wills for safekeeping. Walk-ins are accepted for other services but will be worked around scheduled appointments.
The Register’s office maintains an online search tool—the Probate Search System—which allows the public to search probate case records by last name, first name, docket number, or case type.
To request copies of probate documents that are not available online, individuals may visit the office in person or submit a request by mail using the Document Request Form for wills, inventories, claims, or other filed papers. For estate searches, use the Estate Search Request Form and mail it with a $5.00 check (per estate) payable to the Register of Wills.
Selected probate fees include:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Estate search | $5.00 per estate |
| Copies (per page) | $1.00 |
| Certified copies | $5.00 + $2.00 per page |
| Exemplified copies (per page) | $2.00 |
| Exemplification | $25.00 |
| Short certificates | $3.00 each |
| Will (file and record, per page) | $2.00 |
| Inventory (7 pages) | $15.00 |
| Accounts (recording and indexing) | $20.00 |
| Adjusting, setting, and certifying accounts | 1.25% of net estate |
| Letters of administration/testamentary | $5.00 (one personal rep) / $10.00 (two or more), plus scaled fee based on estate value |
The scaled granting-of-letters fee is based on estate value: $25.00 for estates under $30,000; $50.00 for $30,000–$99,999; $75.00 for $100,000–$499,999; $100.00 for $500,000–$999,999; and an additional $100.00 for each $500,000 increment thereafter.
The Register of Wills also publishes a comprehensive probate packet for personal representatives handling estates without an attorney. The packet includes timeline instructions, an inventory form, accounting forms, and beneficiary notification templates. Additional forms are available on the Register’s website for document requests, renunciations, life estate terminations, small estate affidavits, and tax clearance filings.