Delaware · Legal help by topic · Updated Oct 2026

Legal help in Delaware: get back what you're owed

Eight free guides for Delaware, in one place: the key facts and deadlines from each, and a direct link to the full guide. Start with the problem you have.

Small Claims Map

Small claims court in Delaware

If someone owes you money and won't pay, you can sue without a lawyer.

Most you can sue for
$25,000
Court
Justice of the Peace Court
Filing fee
$35–$45
Lawyers
Optional

Facts from Small Claims Map. About this topic

Tenant Rights Map

Renters' rights in Delaware

If you rent, state law sets how fast a deposit comes back, what the landlord must repair and the notice before an eviction case.

Deadline to return a deposit
20 days
Security deposit limit
1 month's rent (with exceptions)
Notice before an eviction case for unpaid rent
7 days
Notice before the landlord enters
48 hours

Facts from Tenant Rights Map, checked Oct 2026. About this topic

Wage Claim Map

Unpaid wages in Delaware

If your employer didn't pay you, a state office may collect it for free.

File a wage claim with
Delaware Department of Labor
Minimum wage (2026)
$15.00
Final paycheck if fired
Payday or 3 business days
Deadline to file a wage claim
2 years

Facts from Wage Claim Map, checked Oct 2026. About this topic

Lemon Car Map

Lemon law in Delaware

If a new car keeps going back to the shop for the same defect, the maker may owe you a refund or a replacement.

Lemon law period
12 months
What makes it a lemon
4 repairs · more than 30 calendar days
Covers used cars
No
Before you sue
If maker has a program

Facts from Lemon Car Map, checked Oct 2026. About this topic

Tax Appeal Map

Property tax appeals in Delaware

If your home's assessed value is too high, you can appeal it, but only within a short window.

Deadline to appeal
Jan (Kent), Mar 14–15 (NCC, Sussex)
Where you appeal first
County Board of Assessment Review appeal
Median effective tax rate
0.50%
Median yearly tax on a home
$1,768

Opens soonAll 2026 deadlines have passed (Kent January 30, New Castle March 14, Sussex March 15). Next deadlines: Kent by 5 p.m. Friday, January 29, 2027 (Kent's FAQ says January 31; the earlier date is the safe one); New Castle before March 15, 2027; Sussex's filing period usually opens in mid-January and closes March 15 (2027 dates were not posted on the Sussex board page when checked). (as of October 21, 2026)

Facts from Tax Appeal Map, checked Oct 2026. About this topic

Exemption Map

Property tax exemptions in Delaware

If you own and live in your home, you may qualify for breaks that lower your property tax. You usually have to apply.

Homestead exemption
No general exemption
Homestead deadline
See the guide
Senior break
Yes
Disabled veterans
See the rules

Facts from Exemption Map, checked Oct 2026. About this topic

Owed Map

Unclaimed money in Delaware

Old bank accounts, deposits, refunds and checks end up with the state. Searching and claiming is free.

Official search
Delaware Unclaimed Property
Held by the state
See the guide
Cost to search and claim
Free
On MissingMoney.com
Yes

Facts from Owed Map, checked Oct 2026. About this topic

Divorce Law Map

Divorce in Delaware

Before you can file, one of you usually must have lived in the state for a set time, and many states make you wait before the divorce is final.

Residency before you can file
6 months
Waiting period
See the guide
Filing fee
$165

Facts from Divorce Law Map, checked Oct 2026. About this topic

Deadlines at a glance in Delaware

Short forms of each guide's rule. Every deadline has details (when the clock starts, exceptions, how to count days): read the full rule in the guide before you rely on it. “See the guide” means our data has no short form for it.

Deadlines at a glance in Delaware
TopicDeadline or time limitRuleGuide
Small claims courtDeadline to sue: written contract3 yearsSmall Claims Map
Small claims courtDeadline to sue: verbal agreement3 yearsSmall Claims Map
Small claims courtDeadline to sue: property damage2 yearsSmall Claims Map
Renters' rightsDeadline to return a deposit20 daysTenant Rights Map
Renters' rightsNotice before an eviction case for unpaid rent7 daysTenant Rights Map
Unpaid wagesDeadline to file a wage claim2 yearsWage Claim Map
Unpaid wagesFinal paycheck if firedPayday or 3 business daysWage Claim Map
Lemon lawLemon law period12 monthsLemon Car Map
Lemon lawDeadlineSee the guideLemon Car Map
Property tax appealsDeadline to appealJan (Kent), Mar 14–15 (NCC, Sussex)Tax Appeal Map
Property tax exemptionsHomestead deadlineSee the guideExemption Map
Unclaimed moneyDeadline to claimSee the guideOwed Map
DivorceResidency before you can file6 monthsDivorce Law Map
DivorceWaiting periodSee the guideDivorce Law Map

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