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
Written by the SoLongSoulmate.com Editorial Team
Researched using official state court websites, state statutes, and legal aid resources. All filing fees and procedures verified March 2026. This is general legal information — not legal advice.
Last reviewed: March 2026 · Verify current fees and forms with your local court before filing.