Source: http://www.womenslaw.org/laws_state_type.php?id=113&state_code=DE&open_id=637
Timestamp: 2015-03-29 23:54:34
Document Index: 541615789

Matched Legal Cases: ['§ 722', '§ 704', '§ 1920', '§ 1920', '§ 1923', '§ 501', '§ 1512', '§ 711']

WomensLaw.org strongly recommends that you get in touch with a lawyer for more information on custody. Go to the DE Finding a Lawyer page for listings of local services. Also, you can check out the Delaware State Courts website for additional information about custody, visitation, and divorce. General informationDefinitionsWho can get custodyHow the custody process worksHow will a judge make a decision about custody?If I have left the home where the abuser and my children currently live, will this hurt my chances of gaining custody?Do I need a lawyer?In which state do I file for custody?Are there exceptions to the “home state” rule?Can I change the state where the case is being heard?What are the steps for filing for custody?If I am getting divorced, can I take my kids out of the state?Can I get support for my children and myself?What is mediation? Will I have to go through mediation?After a custody order is in placeHow the custody process worksback to topHow will a judge make a decision about custody?In awarding custody of a child, the judge will look at many factors to decide what is in the best interest of the child. These factors include:
The interaction and relationship the child has with his or her parents, grandparents, siblings, the husband or wife of either parent, any other residents of the household or persons who may significantly affect the child's best interest;
The criminal history of either parent and anyone they live with, including whether the criminal history contains pleas of guilty or no contest or a conviction of a criminal offense.*
* 13 Del. C. § 722
back to topIf I have left the home where the abuser and my children currently live, will this hurt my chances of gaining custody?If you flee from domestic violence and temporarily leave your children behind, as long as the children are not left in immediate danger of serious physical injury, a judge is not supposed to consider this evidence of abandonment in any child custody or visitation proceeding.* If possible, you may want to collect any evidence of abuse before you leave so that you will be able to prove to the judge that you were fleeing domestic violence for your safety.
* 13 Del. C. § 704A
back to topDo I need a lawyer?You do not necessarily need a lawyer to file for custody. However, you should consider hiring a lawyer because it may be difficult for you to file a proper petition without the help of a lawyer. Also, if the other parent has a lawyer, it will be particularly helpful if you have a lawyer as well. To find a lawyer or legal aid program in your area, please visit the DE Finding a Lawyer page under the Where to Find Help tab at the top of this page.
back to topIn which state do I file for custody?Delaware, like many states, has adopted the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA), which we explain here.
Example: If a family lives in state A for one year, state A is the home state. If the same family lived in state A for one year and then one parent moved to state B with the children and filed in state B after living in state B for only four months, state A is still the home state.* As with all custody issues, we recommend that you talk to a lawyer about this.
* 13 Del. C. § 1920
back to topAre there exceptions to the “home state” rule?Yes. In some cases, you can file for custody in a state where the children and at least one parent have "significant connections." Usually, however, you can only do this if there is no home state or if the home state has agreed to let another state have jurisdiction. This can be complicated, and if you think this applies to your situation, please talk to a lawyer in both states about this. To find help through a lawyer or domestic violence advocaite, please click on the DE Where to Find Help tab at the top of this page.
* 13 Del C. § 1920; 13 Del. C. § 1923
back to topCan I change the state where the case is being heard?In some cases, you can file for custody in a state where the children and at least one parent have "significant connections." Usually, however, you can only do this if there is no home state or if the home state has agreed to let another state have jurisdiction. For more informaiton about changing a final custody order, go to our Changing a final custody order section on our general custody page.
This can be complicated, and if you think this applies to your situation, please talk to a lawyer in both states about this. For a list of local resources, please see our DE Finding a Lawyer page under the Where to Find Help tab on the top of this page.
back to topWhat are the steps for filing for custody?It depends on your situation. To find out what the process will be like for your specific situation, please consult a lawyer in your state. To find a lawyer or legal aid program in your area, please visit the DE Finding a Lawyer page under the Where to Find Help tab at the top of this page.
back to topIf I am getting divorced, can I take my kids out of the state?It depends. Once a petition for divorce or annulment has been filed, a restriction called a “preliminary injunction” is put in place against both parents that prohibits them from taking any children who live in Delaware out of the state without the prior written consent of your spouse or the permission of the court. So if you want to take your child out of the state, even for vacation, you should ask the other parent for written permission or the judge for permission first.*
back to topCan I get support for my children and myself?Both parents have to support a child until the child is 18 years of age or until they graduate high school.* A “support petition” asking a judge to order a parent to pay child support can be filed in the Family Court. If you are divorced, your spouse may also be required to pay you alimony if you relied on him/her for financial support. You may have to go to mediation to try and settle the amount of child support and/or alimony you and your child can receive. This may be true unless one of the parties has committed an act of domestic violence against another party, or if they have been ordered to have no contact with the other party.**
* 13 Del. C. § 501
** 13 Del. C. § 1512
back to topWhat is mediation? Will I have to go through mediation?Mediation is a way of resolving a legal dispute. During mediation, a neutral third party listens to you and the person you are having a conflict with and tries to help you reach a solution before going before a judge. Mediation is not ordered in any child custody, visitation or support case where one of the parties has committed an act of domestic violence against another party, or where one party has been ordered to have no contact with the other party.* If there has been no domestic violence, then Delaware courts usually make the parties go to mediation in all custody, visitation, and support cases.
* 13 Del. C. § 711A