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Process service · South · United States

Delaware Process Server

Service of process in all three Delaware counties, by the sheriff or by special process servers appointed by the court.

WHO SERVES
Sheriff or appointed
CORPORATE SERVICE
Registered agents
COUNTIES
3

Who serves

Sheriff or appointed server

Special process server by court order

Abode service

Suitable age and discretion

A resident of the home

Corporations

Registered agent

Every Delaware entity has one

Time to answer

20 days

After service

Overview

Process Server in Delaware: How Service of Process Works

In Delaware, process in Superior Court is served by the sheriff unless the court appoints a special process server on a party's request, which is common practice. Papers can be delivered personally or left at the defendant's dwelling with a person of suitable age and discretion who lives there. Delaware's many registered corporations and LLCs are usually served through their registered agent.

Who may serve

Who Can Serve Legal Papers in Delaware

In Delaware, the sheriff serves process unless the court appoints a special process server for the case on a party's motion. Delaware doesn't license private process servers statewide.

Companies formed in Delaware must maintain a registered agent in the state, which is usually the simplest way to serve them.

Typical documents include summonses and complaints, Court of Chancery papers, landlord-tenant papers, subpoenas and corporate litigation papers.

Proof you receive

The sheriff files a return; a special process server files an affidavit of service.

Our services

Our Delaware Process Serving Services

01

Special process server service

Service by court-appointed special process servers across Delaware.

02

Registered agent service

Service on Delaware corporations and LLCs through their registered agents.

03

Wilmington, Dover and statewide

Service in New Castle, Kent and Sussex counties.

The rules

Delaware Service of Process Rules

The Delaware rules that matter most for service:

RuleWhat it covers
Del. Super. Ct. Civ. R. 4(c)Service by the sheriff or a special process server
Del. Super. Ct. Civ. R. 4(f)Personal and abode service
Del. Super. Ct. Civ. R. 4(j)Serve within 120 days of filing
Del. Super. Ct. Civ. R. 12(a)20 days to answer

Service methods

How to Serve Legal Documents in Delaware

From the first choice to the last resort, with the rule that allows each one.

1

Personal service

First choice

Delivering a copy of the summons and complaint to the defendant personally.

Del. Super. Ct. Civ. R. 4(f)
2

Abode service

Standard alternative

Leaving copies at the defendant's dwelling with a person of suitable age and discretion who lives there.

Del. Super. Ct. Civ. R. 4(f)
3

Registered agent service

Delaware entities

Delivering process to the entity's registered agent in Delaware.

Delaware entity statutes

Courts

Delaware Courts for Civil Cases

Contact details for the courts that handle most civil litigation in the state.

Federal Court

U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware

J. Caleb Boggs Federal Building, 844 North King Street, Wilmington, DE 19801

(302) 573-6170M-F: 8:30 AM–4:30 PM

Court website
State Supreme Court

Delaware Supreme Court

55 The Green, Dover, DE 19901

(302) 739-4155M-F: 8:00 AM–4:30 PM

Court website
Family Law Court

Family Court of the State of Delaware

500 North King Street, Wilmington, DE 19801 (New Castle County; also has Kent and Sussex County locations)

(302) 255-0400M-F: 8:00 AM–4:30 PM

Court website

Statewide reach

Process Server Coverage in Every Delaware County

Process service in every Delaware county, 3 in all. Choose a region, then click any county to view its courts and local service details.

Northern Delaware

1 county
01New Castle County

Every assignment is completed under this state's rules of civil procedure and returned with a sworn proof of service for your court.

Good to know

Serving Court Papers in Delaware: What to Know

Appointment for private servers

Private servers in Delaware Superior Court act as court-appointed special process servers.

Registered agents simplify things

Delaware companies must keep a registered agent, so corporate service is usually straightforward.

Court of Chancery

Business disputes often go to the Court of Chancery, which has its own practices.

Small state

Delaware's three counties mean fast service once appointed.

FAQs

Process Server Delaware: Frequently Asked Questions

Can't find your answer? Call 855-505-9155.

Who can serve papers in Delaware?

The sheriff, or a special process server appointed by the court on a party's motion, which is common practice.

How do I serve a Delaware corporation or LLC?

Usually through its registered agent in Delaware, which every Delaware entity must maintain.

I was served in Delaware. How long do I have to answer?

Generally 20 days after service. Check the papers for the exact date and talk to a Delaware lawyer quickly.

How much does a process server cost in Delaware?

In Delaware, cost turns on location, urgency, attempts and any skip tracing; serving in Dover usually costs less than reaching Southern Delaware. We quote a fixed price upfront.

Need a Process Server in Delaware?

Send us the documents and the address. We'll confirm cost and timing before we start.