$15,000Claim Limit
$40–$75Filing Fee
3 yrsSOL Period
15 daysAppeal Window
Delaware Small Claims Rules
| Court Name | Justice of the Peace Court — Civil Division |
| Claim Limit | $15,000 ($15,000 for businesses) |
| Filing Fee | ~$40–$75 (varies by claim amount and county) |
| Statute of Limitations | 3 years for most contract disputes |
| Attorneys | ✓ Attorneys allowed Attorneys are allowed |
| Service of Process | Constable or certified mail |
| Appeal Deadline | 15 days from judgment |
| Judgment Valid For | 10 years |
| Online Filing | ✗ In-person required |
| Official Court Website | https://courts.delaware.gov/jothecourt → |
Delaware Security Deposit Rules
| Return Deadline | 20 days |
| Penalty for Violation | Actual damages |
| Wages SOL | 3 years |
💡 Before suing your landlord over a security deposit in Delaware, always send a written demand letter first. Generate one free →
What You Need to Know About Delaware Small Claims
Delaware's small claims limit is $15,000, heard in the Justice of the Peace Court. This is above the national median, meaning most consumer and contract disputes can be resolved here without going to a higher court.
Filing Tips for Delaware
1
Delaware's $15,000 limit is well above the national median — most money disputes can be resolved here
2
Because the limit is high, defendants often bring attorneys — be prepared
3
File in the Justice of the Peace Court in the county where the defendant resides
4
The 20-day deposit return deadline is among the shortest — document the move-out date carefully
Common Cases in Delaware
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