Guide
Delaware Judgments & Liens Search at a Glance
In Delaware, money judgments come from the Superior Court, the Court of Common Pleas and the Justice of the Peace Court. A judgment becomes a lien on real estate in a county once it is entered or recorded in the Superior Court for that county, where the Prothonotary keeps the judgment docket. UCC financing statements are filed with the Delaware Division of Corporations.
Always confirm the official record by ordering a certified copy from the originating office when accuracy matters for closing, refinancing, or litigation.
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Where to search court judgments in Delaware
CourtConnect searches the civil dockets of the Superior Court, the Court of Common Pleas and the Justice of the Peace Court, and has a separate search for judgments against a person or business.
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Where liens are recorded in Delaware
Judgment liens on Delaware real estate are kept in the Superior Court of the county where the land is; a judgment of the Court of Common Pleas or a Justice of the Peace Court becomes a lien once it is transferred to the Superior Court (10 Del. C. 4711). Mechanics liens are filed with the Prothonotary of the Superior Court in the county where the building is: within 180 days after completion for a contractor who dealt directly with the owner and supplied labor and materials, and within 120 days for everyone else (25 Del. C. 2711 and 2712).
Guide
Delaware UCC filings
UCC financing statements are filed with the Delaware Division of Corporations, online or on paper forms, and UCC search reports are ordered from the Division. Fixture filings are recorded with the county Recorder of Deeds.
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How long a judgment lien lasts in Delaware
A Delaware judgment is a lien on real estate for 10 years after it is entered or recorded in the Superior Court. Within those 10 years the lien can be renewed by a written agreement signed by both sides or by a writ of scire facias, and each renewal adds another 10 years, as often as needed (10 Del. C. 4711 and 4712).
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Finding the debtor's assets after judgment in Delaware
Delaware's tool is discovery in aid of execution under Rule 69 of the Superior Court Civil Rules. In aid of the judgment or execution the judgment creditor may take discovery by deposition, interrogatories and requests for production in the manner the Superior Court Civil Rules provide, so interrogatories, requests for documents and a deposition of the debtor about employer, accounts, real estate and vehicles run after judgment and before the writ of execution or attachment is directed at what they reveal.
The court files help with limits. A Delaware divorce file is reviewed in the Family Court Records Room by the parties, their attorneys and persons the court approves, and the Ancillary Financial Disclosure Report appears only where property division or alimony was requested after the decree, with the court's ancillary orders showing who received what. A bankruptcy file in the District of Delaware lists deposit accounts by institution and the employer by name and is read on PACER. The Delaware asset search page covers both.
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Court forms and self-help in Delaware
The Delaware Courts Self-Help Center has forms and guides for people handling a court case without a lawyer.
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Federal & National Authoritative Sources
By state
Judgments and liens in other states
Straight answers
Delaware Judgments & Liens Search, questions
How long is a judgment lien enforceable in Delaware?
In Delaware, a money judgment is enforceable as a lien for 7 years from the date it is entered or properly docketed. Creditors who want to extend collection beyond that period must file a renewal motion with the issuing court before the lien lapses. Read the Delaware statute.
What is the deadline for filing a mechanics lien in Delaware?
In Delaware, a mechanics lien (also called a construction or materialman's lien) must generally be filed within 120 days after the claimant last furnished labor or materials to the project. Different deadlines may apply to general contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers, so check the exact statute before relying on this window. Source: Delaware statute.
What property is protected from judgment creditors in Delaware?
Delaware protects a homestead, the debtor's primary residence, up to $25,000 in equity from forced sale by most judgment creditors. Personal property exemptions (motor vehicle, household goods, tools of trade, retirement accounts) are listed separately in the state code. Confirm the current amount on the official source.
Where do I file or search a UCC-1 in Delaware?
UCC-1 financing statements for personal-property collateral in Delaware are filed with the Secretary of State (or equivalent state filing office). Open the official Delaware UCC filing portal. Real-property liens (mortgages, judgment-lien dockets, mechanics liens) are recorded at the county recorder/clerk where the property is located, not at the state level.