Divorce records in Sussex County, Delaware, are available through several channels. SussexCourt.us allows you to quickly find publicly available information about divorce records in this county. Additionally, copies of divorce decrees can be requested directly from the Family Court of the State of Delaware, which handles divorce cases in Sussex County. The Clerk of the Peace office and the Office of Vital Statistics also maintain relevant records. Online case search is available through the Delaware Court Connect portal.
Sussex Divorce Records Search
In the state of Delaware, divorce cases are exclusively handled by the Family Court. This court maintains a complete set of documents: divorce decrees, property settlement agreements, child custody orders, and related procedural documents. For Sussex County, the Family Court records department is located in Georgetown.
Separate from court records, the Office of Vital Statistics at the Division of Public Health maintains a registry of divorce certificates — a short form that confirms the fact of divorce, without details of property agreements or custody terms.
Basic information about cases can be checked online through Delaware Court Connect, where searches are available by party name or case number.
Family Court — Sussex County
Where Divorce Records Are Filed in Sussex
When a Family Court judge issues a divorce decree, the decree remains in the court archive of the same court. For Sussex County, the original is stored in the Family Court records department in Georgetown. This is where you should go if you need a certified copy of the full court decree with all attachments — alimony agreements, property distribution, or custody.
If you only need a document confirming the fact of divorce (for example, for remarriage or document changes), contact the Office of Vital Statistics. This office issues a divorce verification — a short certificate without court details.
Here is where to go depending on your needs:
- Full court decree, agreements, custody orders — Family Court, Records Department
- Confirmation of divorce (divorce certificate/verification) — Office of Vital Statistics
- Historical records older than several decades — Delaware Public Archives
How to Submit a Request to Family Court:
According to the instructions on the Delaware Courts website, send a written request with the names of the parties, approximate date of divorce, and payment to the records department address:
Office of Vital Statistics — Sussex County
Divorce Record Search Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times in Sussex
| Service | Fee | Typical Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Certified copy of divorce decree (Family Court) | $10.00 per document | 2–4 weeks by mail |
| Divorce verification letter (Office of Vital Statistics) | $25.00 | 2–4 weeks |
| Online case search (Delaware Court Connect) | Free | Instant |