Levy Court Records give residents a single place to find criminal, civil, probate and property documents without leaving home. The Levy Court online record database links directly to the Levy Court public records portal, where a Levy Court case lookup or Levy Court docket search returns results in seconds. Users can enter a case number, a party’s name, or a filing date, and the system performs a Levy Court case number lookup and a Levy Court records by name search on the same screen. Most files appear as a Levy Court court minutes PDF or a scanned image, and the portal displays any applicable Levy Court record retrieval fee before download. If a file is not online, the site explains how to request Levy Court records through the Levy Court record request form and outlines the Levy Court sealed records policy that may restrict access. The interface also offers a Levy Court case status tracker so visitors can see if a docket is open, closed or pending.
Levy Court Records include a full set of Levy Court criminal case files, Levy Court civil case documents and Levy Court probate records that help lawyers, families and researchers verify facts quickly. The portal also hosts a Levy Court marriage license search and a Levy Court property deed filings section, making it easy to view title transfers, liens or wedding certificates. For judges and law‑enforcement officials, the Levy Court inmate information and Levy Court arrest records modules provide up‑to‑date booking details and custody status. Users who need historical context can explore the Levy Court historical case files and the Levy Court judgments archive, both presented as searchable PDFs. All documents are stored in the Levy Court electronic filing system, which guarantees that a Levy Court court minutes PDF matches the original filing. When a user cannot locate a document, the Levy Court clerk contact information appears alongside the Levy Court record request form, and the site lists the current Levy Court record retrieval fee schedule. This transparent layout lets anyone move from a simple Levy Court case lookup to a complete record collection without extra steps.
How to Access Case Information Online
Levy Court Records in Delaware are spread across several official sources because the term “Levy Court” refers to the county governing body (the equivalent of a county commission) in each of Delaware’s three counties, while actual case proceedings are processed through the Delaware state court system. Records such as criminal case files, civil case documents, probate records, marriage license filings, and property deed recordings are accessed through different county and state agencies. Understanding which office holds each record helps users locate the right system.
The primary online entry point for court case information across Delaware is the state judiciary’s electronic records platform, CourtConnect. This portal indexes active and historical cases filed in the Superior Court, Court of Common Pleas, Family Court, and Court of Chancery, providing a single hub for a Levy Court docket search, criminal case file lookup, civil case document review, and case number search.
Official Case Search URL: https://courtconnect.courts.delaware.gov/
Levy Court Public Records Portal
The Levy Court public records portal function is split between multiple verified sources. CourtConnect handles judicial case types, while county-level administrative records (marriage licenses, property deeds, probate documents, and judgments) are maintained by the county’s Clerk of the Peace, Recorder of Deeds, and Register of Wills offices, each operating under the Levy Court’s administrative authority.
Levy Court Case Lookup by Name
To perform a Levy Court records by name search, open CourtConnect and use the “Search by Name” option. Enter the full legal name of a party (last name first is recommended). The system returns matching civil, criminal, family, and probate cases across the Delaware judiciary, allowing you to select a specific case to view dockets, hearings, and filed documents.
Case Number Lookup
Performing a Levy Court case number lookup produces the most precise results. Each Delaware court case carries a unique identifier (for example, an “S” prefix denotes Superior Court, “CP” denotes Court of Common Pleas). After opening CourtConnect, select “Search by Case Number,” enter the identifier exactly as printed, and the matching case file will display directly.
Date and Filing Date Searches
When the name and case number are unknown, a date or filing-date search narrows results within an acceptable range. CourtConnect accepts a “Filed Between” date range along with at least one party name or business name. Combining date filters with case-type filters (criminal, civil, traffic, family, or probate) is useful when researching Levy Court historical case files.
Court Minutes and Document PDFs
Many docket entries in CourtConnect link to Levy Court court minutes PDFs or document images. Once a case is selected, the “Filings” tab lists each document with its file date and type. Click the linked PDF icon to open the scanned document directly in your browser. Some older records may only have physical copies at the originating courthouse.
Types of Cases Handled by the Court
Because the Levy Court itself is a fiscal and administrative body (comparable to a board of county commissioners), it does not adjudicate criminal or civil disputes. Rather, the courts operating under Delaware’s unified judiciary (the Superior Court, Court of Common Pleas, Court of Chancery, Family Court, and Justice of the Peace Courts) handle litigation, while county offices that report to the Levy Court manage records stemming from those proceedings. The categories below outline where each record type is found.
Levy Court Criminal Case Files
Felony criminal case files are processed by the Superior Court, while misdemeanors are filed in the Court of Common Pleas. Levy Court criminal case files (such as indictments, motions, plea agreements, and sentencing orders) are accessible through CourtConnect using case number or party name searches.
Levy Court Civil Case Documents
Civil actions above a jurisdictional threshold are filed in Superior Court; small claims and lower-value civil disputes are filed in Justice of the Peace Court or Court of Common Pleas. Levy Court civil case documents (complaints, answers, orders, judgments) appear in the CourtConnect index, with case-type filtering set to “Civil.”
Levy Court Probate Records
Probate matters (wills, estate administration, guardianship of the person) are processed by the Register of Wills in each county under Levy Court oversight. Levy Court probate records can be confirmed through the county Register of Wills office, with case data cross-referenced in CourtConnect for estate-related disputes.
Levy Court Marriage License Search
Marriage license searches in Delaware are handled by the Clerk of the Peace in each county. The Clerk of the Peace is an independently elected office operating under the Levy Court’s administrative umbrella, and certified copies of marriage licenses can be obtained directly from that office or through its online verification system.
Levy Court Property Deed Filings
Property deed filings, mortgages, easements, and liens are recorded with the county Recorder of Deeds. The Recorder of Deeds is the official custodian for real-property records under each county’s Levy Court jurisdiction, providing both in-person request options and searchable online indexes for documented Levy Court property deed filings.
Court Departments and Services
Each of Delaware’s three counties (New Castle, Kent, and Sussex) operates a Levy Court responsible for county governance, budget adoption, ordinances, and oversight of the constitutional offices that maintain records. Although the Levy Court does not conduct trials, its departments and partner agencies deliver the record-related services most users associate with a court system.
Office of the Levy Court Clerk
The Levy Court clerk handles administrative duties such as meeting minutes, county ordinance filings, budget records, and operational correspondence. The clerk also serves as a public point of contact for Levy Court clerk contact information inquiries, including directions to in-person service windows and Levy Court record request forms.
Recorder of Deeds Department
Operating under the Levy Court’s jurisdiction, the Recorder of Deeds indexes deeds, mortgages, and plats. Public terminals allow users to perform a property deed filing lookup in person. Online access is available via the Recorder’s tap or document-search system for routine Levy Court records search activity.
Register of Wills and Probate Department
The Register of Wills is the records custodian for probate files within each Levy Court jurisdiction. The department manages estate filings, petitions, inventories, and final accountings. The Register’s docket is mirrored in CourtConnect for related litigation, but the source-of-truth documents reside with the Register’s office.
Clerk of the Peace (Marriage Licenses)
The Clerk of the Peace issues marriage licenses, performs civil ceremonies, and certifies copies of marriage records. Marriage license searches are conducted through this office, which sits within each county’s Levy Court administrative structure. Many of these records can also be verified through the Delaware health and social services vital-statistics portal.
Court Docket and Hearing Information
Court docket and hearing information is the most time-sensitive data published by the Delaware judiciary and is updated continuously. The docket provides a chronological list of hearings, motions, rulings, and filings in every indexed case, while the hearing calendar reveals scheduled future events.
Levy Court Docket Search Process
To conduct a Levy Court docket search, open CourtConnect and select “Docket Search.” After entering party name, case number, or attorney bar number, the resulting docket listing shows each entry with a date, event description, and associated PDF where available. Dockets for civil, criminal, family, and probate cases all appear under this single interface.
Court Hearing Schedules and Calendars
Court hearing schedules are accessible through the Delaware Courts public calendar. Each courthouse (New Castle County Courthouse in Wilmington, Kent County Courthouse in Dover, Sussex County Courthouse in Georgetown) publishes a daily or weekly calendar showing courtroom, time, judge, and case caption.
Court Minutes and PDF Records
Levy Court court minutes PDFs (transcripts of hearings, motion arguments, and trial proceedings) are uploaded to CourtConnect after each event. Filings older than the system’s online availability window can be requested through the Levy Court record request form process, which usually requires a written request and applicable Levy Court record retrieval fee.
Levy Court Case Status Tracker
CourtConnect functions as the official Levy Court case status tracker. The “Case Information” tab for each docket entry shows current status (active, disposed, on appeal), next scheduled event, and most recent filing. Real-time docket refreshes keep online records consistent with the clerk’s docket book.
Judges and Legal Authority
Judicial officers are appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Delaware Senate for Superior Court, Chancery Court, and Supreme Court posts. Family Court, Court of Common Pleas, and Justice of the Peace judges are nominated by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate. These officers preside over every case type indexed in CourtConnect, and their rulings form the body of decisions referenced in a Levy Court judgments archive.
Judicial Officers Presiding Over Cases
CourtConnect lists the assigned judge or commissioner on each case docket page, providing transparency regarding which officer is hearing a particular matter. This is especially relevant for felony and civil trials recorded in the Levy Court judgments archive.
Levy Court Commissioners and Elected Officials
The Levy Court itself is composed of elected commissioners who govern each county. They do not adjudicate disputes but exercise authority over county budgets, contracts, and the offices that maintain records. Knowing the elected commissioner for your district aids in directing Levy Court clerk contact information inquiries and policy-related questions.
Legal Authority and Jurisdictional Limits
The Delaware Constitution establishes the Levy Court as the legislative branch of county government. Its legal authority over records is administrative, focused on retention, public access, and standardization. Adjudicatory authority over criminal, civil, and family cases rests exclusively with the Delaware state courts, with case records reflected in CourtConnect.
Court Fees
Fees for obtaining records vary by record type and by office. The amounts listed below are the publicly reported baseline fees; specific Levy Court record retrieval fees may be updated periodically. Always verify the current schedule with the issuing office before submitting payment.
| Record Type | Typical Fee | Office |
|---|---|---|
| Certified copy of marriage license | Varies by year and copy type | Clerk of the Peace |
| Certified copy of deed or mortgage | Per-page statutory fee plus copy fee | Recorder of Deeds |
| Probate record copy | Per-page and certification fee | Register of Wills |
| Case document (non-certified) | Often free online; per-page fee for paper | Court Clerk |
| Case document (certified) | Per-page plus certification fee | Court Clerk |
For current rates and accepted payment methods, contact the relevant office directly. Many departments also accept online payment through the Levy Court public records portal or associated payment gateways.
Issues When Accessing Court Information
Even with reliable online systems, users sometimes encounter obstacles when retrieving records. Below are recurring problems and what to do when they arise.
Sealed and Restricted Records
Delaware enforces a strict Levy Court sealed records policy. Cases involving juveniles, certain family matters, adoptions, and those specifically sealed by judicial order are not visible in CourtConnect. To request access to a sealed record, a formal motion must be filed with the presiding court; only parties named on the case may petition.
Records Not Available Online
Older civil and criminal case files, especially those predating electronic filing adoption, may be available only in physical form. Levy Court historical case files generally require an in-person or written request through the Levy Court record request form process, and applicable Levy Court record retrieval fees will apply.
Data Refresh and Update Delays
CourtConnect updates continuously; however, some filings may take 24-72 hours to appear after they are entered into the clerk’s docket. Levying inmate information through the Department of Correction’s portal updates independently, and Levy Court arrest records require cross-referencing with the official law-enforcement agency that made the arrest.
Name Variants and Result Accuracy
Searches may return multiple matches or miss a party when name spellings differ from court records. Searching by case number produces accurate results and avoids ambiguity. For plaintiff/defendant identification, refining the search with a date range is recommended.
Courthouse Location & Contact Details
Court records in Delaware are served by three county courthouses, each governed by a Levy Court in its respective county. The information below reflects verified details for Kent County, which houses the Dover state-court campus and serves as a useful reference for in-person document requests across the Levy Court system.
Location & Contact Information
Kent County Courthouse
414 Federal Street, Dover, DE 19901
Phone: (302) 735-1900
This courthouse serves as the seat for Superior Court, Court of Common Pleas, and Family Court matters heard in central Delaware. It is the most direct point for in-person docket research, certified copy retrieval, and Levy Court electronic filing system assistance.
Office Hours
The Clerk of Court office is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Recording and document request windows typically close 15 minutes before the end of business to allow staff to complete intake before close. Holiday closures align with the official Delaware state court calendar.
Official Website
The Delaware Courts homepage links to CourtConnect, jury services, attorney resources, court rules, and contact information for each courthouse. For county-level services under the Levy Court, refer to your county government’s official website.
Levy Court Clerk Contact Information
For non-judicial county records (ordinances, fiscal records, public-meeting archives, and Levy Court case-specific inquiries):
Kent County Levy Court
555 Bay Road, Dover, DE 19901
Phone: (302) 744-2400
Equivalent offices exist in New Castle County (87 Reads Way, New Castle, DE 19720) and Sussex County (2 The Circle, Georgetown, DE 19947), with websites maintained at the county’s official domain.
Frequently Asked Questions
Levy Court Records give residents access to legal documents that affect daily life. These files include criminal cases, civil disputes, probate matters, marriage licenses, and property deeds. By using the public portal, you can verify property ownership, confirm court outcomes, or trace family history. Quick online access saves time, cuts travel costs, and keeps you informed about local government actions. Knowing how to locate, request, or download these records helps you stay compliant with legal requirements and supports personal research. The system also offers fee details, status trackers, and clear policies for sealed files, making the experience transparent and reliable.
How can I search Levy Court Records online?
First, open the Delaware state court website. Next, click the “Public Records” link. Then, select the county that holds the Levy Court. After that, enter the case name, number, or party in the search bar. Finally, click “Search” to view PDFs, docket summaries, or hearing minutes. The portal updates daily, so recent filings appear within 24 hours. If you prefer a mobile view, use the site’s responsive design. Should you hit a dead end, call the clerk’s office for assistance.
Where do I find Levy Court criminal case files?
Start at the Delaware Judiciary’s “Criminal Case Search” page. Input the defendant’s name or docket number. The system returns a list of charges, filing dates, and outcomes. Click a result to download the full case file, which includes charging documents and court orders. If the record is older than five years, it may live in the archive; use the “Historical Records” link to access PDF bundles. For any missing pages, submit a written request to the clerk of the specific Levy Court with a copy of your ID.
What is the fee to request Levy Court probate records?
The standard charge is ten dollars per document. Some counties waive the fee for family members proving a legitimate interest. To pay, choose credit card, check, or money order when you fill out the online request form. After payment, the clerk emails a secure link to the PDF within two business days. If you need multiple files, add each to the cart before checking out; the system will calculate a combined total. Keep the receipt; it serves as proof for future appeals.
How do I look up a Levy Court marriage license by name?
Visit the “Marriage License Search” page on the county’s public portal. Type the bride’s or groom’s full name, then select the year range. The system displays license numbers, dates, and issuing officials. Click the entry to view a scanned copy of the license. If the record is sealed, you must file a petition with the clerk and include a notarized statement of purpose. For a printed copy, request a certified document and pay the nominal copying fee.
Can I track the status of a Levy Court case number?
Enter the case number into the “Case Status Tracker” field on the court’s website. The tracker shows whether the case is open, scheduled, or closed. It also lists upcoming hearing dates and any pending motions. If the case has been transferred, the tool provides a link to the new docket. For real‑time updates, enable email alerts on the same page. Should the tracker show “No records found,” verify the number with the clerk to avoid typos.
What steps are needed to obtain sealed Levy Court records?
First, obtain a court order that lifts the seal. Submit the order to the clerk’s office along with a written request that cites the legal justification. Next, the clerk reviews the paperwork and confirms your identity. After approval, you may pick up the record in person or receive a secure PDF link. The fee for sealed records matches the standard copying cost, but some courts require a handling surcharge. Keep the receipt; it may be needed for future reference.