Divorce Filing Fee in Delaware (2026)
Filing for divorce in Delaware costs $165 — the court filing fee paid to the Family Court (name change: Court of Common Pleas) when you submit the petition. The $85 name-change fee includes the order plus eight certified copies. It's set statewide. If you can't afford it, every court offers a fee waiver for low-income filers.
Verified July 2026 from official sources. How we verify fees.
What you'll pay in Delaware
- Divorce filing fee: $165
- Court: Family Court (name change: Court of Common Pleas)
- Varies by county: No — statewide
- Fee waiver: available for low-income filers
What the fee does and doesn't cover
The filing fee only opens the case — it doesn't include attorney fees, mediation, service of process, or a parenting class where required. The $85 name-change fee includes the order plus eight certified copies. Changing your name back is free when you request it in the divorce itself; a separate petition costs more (see our Delaware name change cost page).
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to file for divorce in Delaware?
The court filing fee is $165, paid to the Family Court (name change: Court of Common Pleas). It's uniform statewide. Attorney and other costs are separate.
Can I get the Delaware divorce filing fee waived?
Yes — if you can't afford it, you can file a fee-waiver (in forma pauperis) request with the court. Approval is based on income.
Does the divorce fee include changing my name back?
Yes — restoring a former name is free when you ask for it in the divorce petition or decree. A standalone name change filed separately costs extra.