Delaware Court Case Search: Find Your Debt Lawsuit Fast

By Talk About Debt Team
Reviewed by Ben Jackson
Last Updated: February 17, 2026
5 min read
The Bottom Line

Delaware gives you free online access to court records through CourtConnect. You have only 20 days to respond to debt lawsuits, so finding your case quickly is critical. Filing an Answer protects your rights and forces creditors to prove their case in court.

Answer Your Lawsuit

Getting sued for debt is stressful. You need to know how to track your case online.

Delaware makes it easy to access court records. You can search online or visit your local courthouse.

Delaware Gives You Only 20 Days to Respond

Don't let LVNV Funding, Midland Credit, or other collectors win by default. Draft and file your Answer before the deadline expires.

Respond to Lawsuit Now

Finding your case quickly helps you prepare a strong defense. You’ll have more time to respond and protect your rights.

Delaware Court Structure Explained

Understanding which court handles your case is crucial. Debt collection lawsuits are civil matters in Delaware.

Delaware’s court system has six levels working in hierarchy. Here’s what you need to know:

  • Justice of Peace Court: Handles civil disputes up to $25,000. Your debt lawsuit likely starts here.
  • Court of Common Appeals: Reviews civil cases up to $75,000. Hears appeals from Justice of Peace Court.
  • Superior Court: Handles most cases with no monetary limit. Reviews appeals from lower courts.
  • Supreme Court: Reviews civil appeals from Superior Court. Sets policy for the entire system.

Most debt collection lawsuits get filed in Justice of Peace Court. The county where you live determines the specific courthouse.

You have only 20 days to respond in Delaware. Missing this deadline means automatic loss.

Our partner Solo helps you draft and file your Answer quickly. You can respond before the deadline without hiring expensive lawyers.

How to Find Your Case Number in Delaware

Every case gets assigned a unique identification number. The court uses this to track your lawsuit.

Delaware case numbers include specific information:

  • Case type classification
  • Court name and location
  • Assigned judicial officer
  • Year the lawsuit was filed

Example: JP16-22-000001 means the first case filed in Justice Court 16 (Kent County) in 2022.

Check the lawsuit papers you received first. Your case number appears on the summons or complaint.

Don’t have the documents? You can still find your case number online.

Visit Delaware’s CourtConnect portal with your personal information. Enter your name and the system searches for matches.

Multiple results may appear if you have a common name. Review the list carefully to identify your specific case.

How to Access Your Court Records

Delaware offers two ways to check your case status. You can search online or visit the courthouse in person.

Access Delaware Court Records from the Courthouse

Visit the courthouse where creditors filed your lawsuit. Make a written request to the court clerk.

Some courthouses have free public computer terminals. You can search your case without paying fees.

Copies and certifications require small fees. Prices vary by courthouse location.

Find your courthouse using these county links:

  • New Castle County courthouses
  • Kent County courthouses
  • Sussex County courthouses

Click your county to see addresses and contact information. Call ahead to confirm hours and services.

Access Delaware Court Case Records Online

Delaware’s CourtConnect system provides free online access. Superior Courts, Court of Common Appeals, and Justice of Peace Courts participate.

You can search three different ways:

  • By party name, company name, and case type
  • By judgments against individuals or companies
  • By case number directly

Delaware also provides an opinions and orders page. Search here for cases that have already concluded.

Enter your information and click search. Results appear within seconds.

Real Example: Fighting LVNV Funding in Delaware

LVNV Funding sued Adam for old credit card debt. He had only 20 days to respond under Delaware law.

Adam used our partner Solo to draft his Answer document. He cited Delaware’s three-year statute of limitations as his defense.

The statute of limitations for credit card debt is only three years in Delaware. Adam’s debt was older than that.

Adam checked CourtConnect weekly to monitor his case status. The case got dismissed just weeks after filing his Answer.

You can achieve similar results by responding quickly. Don’t ignore debt collection lawsuits.

Why You Must Respond to Debt Lawsuits

Ignoring a lawsuit leads to default judgment. The court automatically rules against you.

Creditors can then garnish your wages. They can freeze your bank accounts and seize assets.

Filing an Answer protects your rights. You force creditors to prove their case in court.

Many debt collectors can’t prove they own your debt. They may lack proper documentation or evidence.

Our partner Solo makes responding simple. The software asks questions and completes your Answer document.

An attorney reviews your document before filing. You get professional help without expensive legal fees.

Understanding Delaware Debt Collection Laws

Delaware has specific rules protecting consumers. Knowing your rights helps you fight back.

The statute of limitations varies by debt type. Credit card debt expires after three years in Delaware.

Debt collectors must prove they own your debt. They need documentation showing the chain of ownership.

You can challenge the amount owed. Request validation to make collectors prove the debt is accurate.

Settlement is always an option. Many creditors accept less than the full amount owed.

Next Steps After Finding Your Case

Finding your case online is just the first step. You must respond before the 20-day deadline.

Draft your Answer document immediately. Include all relevant defenses and affirmative defenses.

File your Answer with the court clerk. Keep copies for your records and proof of filing.

Serve the plaintiff with your Answer. Delaware requires you to send copies to the creditor’s attorney.

Monitor your case status regularly. Check CourtConnect weekly for updates and new filings.

Consider negotiating a settlement. Creditors often accept reduced payments to avoid trial.

Respond to debt collection lawsuits with confidence. Our partner Solo provides the tools you need to win.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find my Delaware court case number online?

Visit Delaware's CourtConnect portal and search by your name or company name. Your case number appears on the summons you received, or you can search online by entering your personal information. The system will display all matching cases for you to review.

What happens if I don't respond to a debt lawsuit in Delaware?

You face automatic default judgment if you miss Delaware's 20-day response deadline. The court rules against you without hearing your side. Creditors can then garnish wages, freeze bank accounts, and seize assets to collect the debt.

Can I access Delaware court records for free?

Yes, Delaware provides free online access through the CourtConnect system. You can also use free public terminals at courthouses. You only pay fees if you need certified copies or printed documents from the court clerk.

Which Delaware court handles debt collection lawsuits?

Justice of Peace Court handles most debt collection cases up to $25,000. Cases between $25,000 and $75,000 go to Court of Common Appeals. Superior Court handles cases exceeding $75,000 with no monetary limit.

How long is the statute of limitations for debt in Delaware?

Delaware's statute of limitations is three years for credit card debt and other unsecured debts. You can use this as an affirmative defense if creditors sue you for debts older than three years. File an Answer citing this defense to get your case dismissed.