Delaware Divorce Laws

Delaware divorce laws for people considering a Delaware divorce or filing a Delaware divorce with issues to be resolved about child custody, child support, visitation and alimony. Delaware divorce codes  can be viewed at http://www.delcode.state.de.us  . These codes cover but are not limited to the following subjects:

•Divorce Definitions

•Divorce Residency Requirements

•Grounds for Divorce

•Uncontested Divorce

•Simplified Divorce Process

•Military Divorce Laws

•Child Custody

•Child Support Considerations

•Child Support Definitions

•Child Support Guidelines

•Spousal Support, Maintenance, and Alimony guidelines

•Property Division Considerations

•Grandparents’ Rights

Delaware Divorce Definitions

These definitions will help you understand some unique characteristics to the Delaware Divorce laws, process and paperwork which is filed with the court.

Filing Party Title: Petitioner-The spouse who will initiate the Divorce by filing the required paperwork with the court.

Non-Filing Party Title: Respondent -The spouse who does not initiate the Divorce with the court.

Court Name: The Family Court of the the State of Delaware, In and for __________ County. The proper name of the court in which a Divorce is filed in the state of Delaware. Each jurisdictional court typically has a domestic relations or a family law department or division.

Child Support Enforcement Website:
http://www.state.de.us/dhss/dcse/index.html -The state run office devoted to enforcing existing child support orders and collecting any past due child support.

Document Introduction: In Re the Marriage of: The lead-in verbiage used in the legal caption or header of the documents filed with the court. The introduction typically prefaces both spouse’s names.

Initial Divorce Document: Petition for Divorce -The title and name of the legal document that will initiate the Delaware Divorce process. The filing spouse is also required to provide the non-filing spouse a copy of this document.

Final Divorce Document: -Decree of Divorce -The title and name of the legal document that will finalize the Delaware Divorce process. This document will be signed by the judge, master, or referee of the court to declare your marriage officially terminated.

Clerk’s Office Name: County Clerk’s Office of the Family Court -The office of the clerk that will facilitate the Divorce process. This is the title you would address letters to or ask for when contacting the courthouse.

Legal Separation: The respondent may file an appearance which will fulfill the requirement of service of process. In addition, a sample Petition for Divorce is contained in Delaware Code Annotated; Title 13, Chapter 1507. [Delaware Code Annotated; Title 13, Chapter 1508].

Property Distribution: Equitable Distribution -The applicable Delaware law that will dictate how property and debt is to be divided upon Divorce.

Delaware Divorce Resources -

Delaware Specific Divorce Overview

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