Delaware Divorce Filing Fees and Costs (2026)
Court Filing Fee
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Petition for Divorce | $165 |
| Certified copies of Final Decree | $1–$5 per page |
Service Costs
| Method | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Acceptance of Service (spouse signs) | Free |
| Sheriff's service | $30–$60 |
| Process server | $50–$125 |
Fee Waiver — Financial Hardship
Delaware waives filing fees for qualifying low-income filers.
How to apply:
- Complete the Application to Proceed In Forma Pauperis (Family Court form)
- File with the Petition
- Judge approves; fee waived
Forms: courts.delaware.gov/selfhelp
Delaware Legal Help: delawarelegalhelp.org — free legal assistance for qualifying individuals. Community Legal Aid Society: clasi.org — free civil legal services.
Recorder of Deeds — Deed Recording
After divorce, real estate deed changes are recorded at the Delaware Recorder of Deeds in the county where the property is located:
- New Castle County Recorder of Deeds
- Kent County Recorder of Deeds
- Sussex County Recorder of Deeds
Fee: approximately $30–$50 per document. Realty Transfer Tax may apply (divorce transfers may be exempt — confirm with the Recorder's office).
Ancillary Costs
| Item | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Separation Agreement (attorney) | $500–$2,500 |
| QDRO for retirement plan | $500–$2,000 per plan |
| Real estate appraisal | $400–$750 |
| Recorder of Deeds | ~$30–$50 per document |
| Business valuation | $3,000–$15,000 |
| Mediator | $150–$400/hour |
Total Cost Estimates
| Scenario | Estimated Total (self-represented) |
|---|---|
| Agreed, no children, no real estate | $170–$400 |
| Agreed, with children | $300–$700 |
| With real estate and retirement accounts | $600–$3,000 |
| Contested divorce | $7,000–$60,000+ |
Last reviewed: March 2026 | $165 filing fee | Fee waiver available | Delaware Recorder of Deeds — county level | delawarelegalhelp.org | clasi.org | courts.delaware.gov/selfhelp
SoLongSoulmate.com Editorial Team
Researched using official state court websites and verified legal aid resources. Filing fees and procedures verified June 2026. General legal information only — not legal advice.
Last reviewed: March 2026 · Verify current fees and forms with your local court before filing.