In Kent County, small claims cases up to $25,000 are heard by the Justice of the Peace Court 16. Here is where it is, how to reach it and how to file.
Address: 414 Federal Street, Room 173, Dover, DE 19901 · Map
Phone: 302-739-4316
Online filing: available, per the court
Court addresses, phones and hours change. Call the clerk before you go, and ask whether small claims are filed at this location.
File at a Justice of the Peace civil court in the county where the defendant lives. Out-of-state defendants need special service.
If the person or business you are suing is in another county, use that county's court instead. See all Delaware counties.
Delaware doesn't require a demand letter for debt or damage claims. Make a free demand letter.
Complaint Get the form.
$35 for claims under $1,000, $40 up to $5,000 and $45 above that; $55 to get property back (replevin). Service by the court's constable is included; a special process server costs extra. Fee waiver: Motion to proceed in forma pauperis (JP Civil Form 49), signed before a notary or judge.
The court's constable serves Delaware defendants, and the cost is in the filing fee. You can also pay a special process server; out-of-state defendants must be served that way.
The court mails a trial notice once the defendant is served and asks for a trial. Timing varies by court. Bring receipts, photos, messages, the contract and your demand letter, with copies.
Want every detail? The full Delaware filing guide covers each stage with a checklist.
Open the filing guideSmall claims in Kent County are filed with the Justice of the Peace Court 16, 414 Federal Street, Room 173, Dover, DE 19901. Phone: 302-739-4316.
Up to $25,000. The court can award up to $25,000. If you're owed more, you can sue for $25,000 and give up the rest. The court hears debt, property damage and property-return claims, but not personal injury.
$35 for claims under $1,000, $40 up to $5,000 and $45 above that; $55 to get property back (replevin). Service by the court's constable is included; a special process server costs extra.
Yes. The court says online filing is available for small claims. Check the court website for the e-filing system and any fees.