reglab/housing_qa huggingface dataset:
13 DE Code § 1511. (2021)
2021 Delaware Code|Title 13 - Domestic Relations|Chapter 15. Divorce and Annulment|§ 1511. Response; counterclaim; prayers; reply to counterclaim.

§ 1511. Response; counterclaim; prayers; reply to counterclaim. (a) Respondent may file a verified response, move or otherwise plead in answer to the petition, and may counterclaim for divorce or annulment against petitioner, within 20 days after personal service, receipt of service by mail, appearance personally or by counsel, or the date of publication of notice. (b) Respondent may seek an award of interim relief under § 1509 of this title, alimony where appropriate under § 1512 of this title, disposition of property, attorney's fees, resumption of former name or any other relief available to a petitioner. (c) Petitioner may reply, move or otherwise plead in response to a counterclaim for divorce or annulment within 20 days after service of the counterclaim. (d) For good cause shown, the Court may extend the time stipulated for responding to the petition or a counterclaim. (e) In any case where there are living children of the marriage, the respondent shall submit with the response, or other responsive pleading, an affidavit signed by the respondent showing that the respondent has read or been advised of the children's rights set forth in § 1507(g) of this title, which rights shall be set forth in full in said affidavit. 13 Del. C. 1953, §  1504;  58 Del. Laws, c. 349, §  4;  59 Del. Laws, c. 350, §  1;  61 Del. Laws, c. 365, §  10;  67 Del. Laws, c. 123, §  2;
13 DE Code § 1514. (2021)
2021 Delaware Code|Title 13 - Domestic Relations|Chapter 15. Divorce and Annulment|§ 1514. Resumption of maiden or former name.

§ 1514. Resumption of maiden or former name. The Court, upon the request of a party by pleading or motion, may order that such party resume a maiden or former name. 24 Del. Laws, c. 221, §  25;  Code 1915, §  3028;  Code 1935, §  3521;  13 Del. C. 1953, §  1536;  58 Del. Laws, c. 349, §  12;  59 Del. Laws, c. 350, §  1;  70 Del. Laws, c. 186, §  1;  74 Del. Laws, c. 254, §  2;
13 DE Code § 1515. (2021)
2021 Delaware Code|Title 13 - Domestic Relations|Chapter 15. Divorce and Annulment|§ 1515. Attorneys' fees.

§ 1515. Attorneys' fees. The Court from time to time after considering the financial resources of both parties may order a party to pay all or part of the cost to the other party of maintaining or defending any proceeding under this title and for attorneys' fees, including sums for legal services rendered and costs incurred prior to the commencement of the proceeding or after the entry of judgment. The Court may order that the amount be paid directly to the attorney, who may enforce the order in his or her name. Code 1915, §  3015;  Code 1935, §  3508;  13 Del. C. 1953, §  1530;  59 Del. Laws, c. 350, §  1;  70 Del. Laws, c. 186, §  1;
13 DE Code § 1516. (2021)
2021 Delaware Code|Title 13 - Domestic Relations|Chapter 15. Divorce and Annulment|§ 1516. Hearings; use of masters; impoundment; assignment of counsel.

§ 1516. Hearings; use of masters; impoundment; assignment of counsel. (a) All hearings and trials shall be private, but for reasons appearing sufficient to the Court any hearing or trial may be opened to any person who has a direct and legitimate interest in the particular case, or a legitimate educational or research interest in the work of the Court. (b) A judge or commissioner, sitting without a jury, shall conduct all hearings and trials where there is a contest, and in those proceedings that are uncontested. (c) Whenever it seems appropriate, in the interest of justice, the Court may designate a disinterested attorney to defend, or otherwise participate in, a proceeding before the Court, and a fee for such attorney shall be taxed as part of the costs. (d) No record or evidence in any case shall be impounded or access thereto refused. 13 Del. C. 1953, §§  1505-1507;  58 Del. Laws, c. 349, §§  5-7;  59 Del. Laws, c. 350, §  1;  60 Del. Laws, c. 333, §  5;  61 Del. Laws, c. 365, §  14;  76 Del. Laws, c. 59, §  1;
13 DE Code § 1517. (2021)
2021 Delaware Code|Title 13 - Domestic Relations|Chapter 15. Divorce and Annulment|§ 1517. Contested and noncontested petitions; opportunity for counseling; review of record; disposition of prayers for relief.

§ 1517. Contested and noncontested petitions; opportunity for counseling; review of record; disposition of prayers for relief. (a) Whenever the petition for divorce or annulment is not contested by respondent, the allegations thereof are presumed to be accurate and true, and the Court shall rule upon the petition either after a hearing at which only petitioner need testify, or without a hearing after the submission of a request for finalization and affidavit which reaffirms the petition and verifies service of process and military status of the respondent. If petitioner's testimony or the affidavit fails to support the petition in any essential respect, the Court may deny the petition or require corroborating testimony or other evidence before ruling thereon. (b) In contested cases, after a hearing the Court shall:  (1) Rule upon the petition; or (2) Continue the matter with the consent of both parties for further hearing not more than 60 days later so that the parties may seek counseling, either with a qualified private counselor or an accredited counseling agency, public or private. No party who objects shall be forced to submit to counseling, and all counseling or interviews shall be confidential and privileged and only the fact that further efforts at reconciliation are impractical or not in the interest of the parties shall be reported to the Court. At the adjourned hearing the Court shall finally determine whether the marriage is irretrievably broken. (c) Before entering a decree the Court shall review the record to determine that:  (1) The averments of the petition satisfy § 1504(a), § 1505 or § 1506, and § 1507 of this title; (2) Jurisdiction has been acquired over respondent under § 1508 of this title; (3) In uncontested cases, whether the time for respondent to file a responsive pleading has expired; (4) The parties to a divorce proceeding have continued to be separated since the commencement of this action, except as § 1505(e) of this title may apply; (5) A certified copy of the parties' marriage record has been filed; and (6) The affidavit of nonmilitary service, wherever required by federal statute, has been filed. (d) Where either party has requested property disposition, alimony or other relief provided for in this title, and a decree of divorce or annulment shall be entered, or if such a decree is refused and, nevertheless, the Court deems it appropriate to enter an order concerning some or all of the relief requested, the Court shall finally determine such requests for relief. 59 Del. Laws, c. 350, §  1;  61 Del. Laws, c. 365, §§  15-17;  74 Del. Laws, c. 254, §  1;
13 DE Code § 1519. (2021)
2021 Delaware Code|Title 13 - Domestic Relations|Chapter 15. Divorce and Annulment|§ 1519. Modification or termination of decree or order; termination of alimony; enforcement of alimony order.

§ 1519. Modification or termination of decree or order; termination of alimony; enforcement of alimony order. (a) A decree or separate order entered under § 1518 of this title may be modified or terminated only as follows:  (1) Support for a child, only as provided in Chapter 5 of this title, or otherwise; (2) Custody and/or visitation of a child, only as provided in Chapter 7 of this title, or otherwise; (3) Property disposition, only upon a showing of circumstances that would justify the opening or vacation of a judgment under the Rules of the Superior Court of this State; (4) Alimony or any other relief awarded, only upon a showing of real and substantial change of circumstances. (b) Unless otherwise agreed by the parties in writing and expressly provided in the decree, the obligation to pay future alimony is terminated upon the death of either party or the remarriage of the party receiving alimony. (c) Any alimony order entered pursuant to § 1512 of this title shall be enforced in this State exclusively by the Family Court in the county wherein the respondent resides or is found, or in the county where petitioner resides if respondent does not reside and cannot be found in this State, regardless of whether such petitioner was the petitioner or the respondent in the divorce action, and such Family Court, on proper showing of either of such petitioner or such respondent or on its own motion, may modify or terminate support obligations formerly decreed by the Superior Court. 59 Del. Laws, c. 350, §  1;  60 Del. Laws, c. 297, §§  11, 12;  61 Del. Laws, c. 365, §  22;
13 DE Code § 1520. (2021)
2021 Delaware Code|Title 13 - Domestic Relations|Chapter 15. Divorce and Annulment|§ 1520. Independence of provisions of decree or temporary order.

§ 1520. Independence of provisions of decree or temporary order. If a party fails to comply with a provision of a decree or temporary order, the obligation of the other party to make alimony payments is not suspended; but he or she may move the Court to grant an appropriate order. 59 Del. Laws, c. 350, §  1;  70 Del. Laws, c. 186, §  1;
13 DE Code § 1521. (2021)
2021 Delaware Code|Title 13 - Domestic Relations|Chapter 15. Divorce and Annulment|§ 1521. Decrees of courts of other states and countries.

§ 1521. Decrees of courts of other states and countries. Full faith and credit shall be given in all the courts of this State to a decree of divorce or annulment of marriage by a court of competent jurisdiction in another state, territory or possession of the United States. Nothing herein contained shall be construed to limit the power of any court of this State to give such effect to a decree of divorce or annulment by a court of a foreign country as may be justified by the rules of international comity. 24 Del. Laws, c. 221, §  28;  Code 1915, §  3032;  Code 1935, §  3525;  45 Del. Laws, c. 225, §  1;  13 Del. C. 1953, §  1511;  59 Del. Laws, c. 350, §  1;
13 DE Code § 1522. (2021)
2021 Delaware Code|Title 13 - Domestic Relations|Chapter 15. Divorce and Annulment|§ 1522. Procedural rights.

§ 1522. Procedural rights. (a) All parties to any of the proceedings brought pursuant to this chapter shall possess all the procedural rights which those parties would have heretofore possessed in any of the proceedings brought pursuant to this chapter in the Superior Court of this State including but not limited to the following:  (1) Right to institute and retain complete control of the suit; (2) Right to select counsel; (3) Right to appeal to the Supreme Court of this State on the record from interlocutory or final orders for judgment; such appeal shall be in the form and manner provided by the rules of the Supreme Court. (b) A complete record shall be made of all proceedings in which testimony is taken under this section by a court stenographer, tape recorder or other device which method shall be at the discretion of the Court. 60 Del. Laws, c. 297, §  13;  67 Del. Laws, c. 151, §  1;
13 DE Code § 1523. (2021)
2021 Delaware Code|Title 13 - Domestic Relations|Chapter 15. Divorce and Annulment|§ 1523. Time for appeal.

§ 1523. Time for appeal. No appeal from an interim or final decree, judgment or order entered pursuant to this chapter shall be received or entertained unless the praecipe, notice of appeal or other document or documents required for the appeal is or are duly filed with the proper appellate court within 30 days after the date of the same. 61 Del. Laws, c. 365, §  23;
13 DE Code § 1701. (2021)
2021 Delaware Code|Title 13 - Domestic Relations|Chapter 17. Domicile|§ 1701. Adult.

§ 1701. Adult. Any person of the age of 21 years, being a citizen of this or any other state of the United States, and who has lived for 2 successive years in this State, and, for the purpose of determining domicile in any county of the State, has lived for 1 year in such county, and who has, during that time, maintained oneself and one's family, shall be held to have acquired a legal domicile therein. 40 Del. Laws, c. 209, §  1;  Code 1935, §  1132;  13 Del. C. 1953, §  1701;  70 Del. Laws, c. 186, §  1;
13 DE Code § 2001. (2021)
2021 Delaware Code|Title 13 - Domestic Relations|Chapter 20. Family Law Commission|§ 2001. Creation.

§ 2001. Creation. The General Assembly hereby creates a permanent Family Law Commission. 64 Del. Laws, c. 481, §  1;  81 Del. Laws, c. 360, § 1;
13 DE Code § 2002. (2021)
2021 Delaware Code|Title 13 - Domestic Relations|Chapter 20. Family Law Commission|§ 2002. Composition.

§ 2002. Composition. The Commission shall consist of 16 citizens of the State and shall have at least 2 members from each county. At least 2 of the members of the Commission shall be attorneys licensed to practice law in Delaware; at least 1 member shall be a judge of the Family Court of the State; 2 members shall be members of the House of Representatives, with 1 from each of the 2 major political parties represented in the House; 2 members shall be members of the Senate, with 1 from each of the 2 major political parties represented in the Senate; at least 2 members shall be practicing or retired licensed health-care professionals with expertise in pediatrics or family medicine; and at least 1 member shall be a practicing mental health professional licensed in this State specializing in the psychology of children when appointed. 64 Del. Laws, c. 481, §  1;  65 Del. Laws, c. 175, §§  1, 2;  66 Del. Laws, c. 386, §  1;  72 Del. Laws, c. 153, §  1;  81 Del. Laws, c. 360, § 1;
13 DE Code § 2003. (2021)
2021 Delaware Code|Title 13 - Domestic Relations|Chapter 20. Family Law Commission|§ 2003. Appointment; terms of office.

§ 2003. Appointment; terms of office. The members of the Commission shall be appointed jointly by the President Pro Tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives who shall designate 1 member of the Commission to serve as Chairperson during his or her term of office. (1) Initial members. — Nine members of the Commission shall be appointed to take office on September 1, 1984. Three of them (including the Chairperson) shall be appointed for a term of 3 years; 3 of them for a term of 2 years and 3 of them for a term of 1 year. (2) Additional members. — Two additional members shall be appointed to take office September 1, 1985, in order to increase the membership of the Commission from the initial 9 members to 11 members. One of the additional members shall be appointed for a term of 2 years and the other shall be appointed for a term of 3 years. (3) Subsequent members. — After the initial appointment of members and the additional members of the Commission, the President Pro Tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives shall appoint sufficient new members of the Commission each year for a 3-year term so that the membership totals 16 citizens. They shall also jointly appoint members of the Commission to complete the remaining portion of the term of a member who has resigned or has been removed from the Commission. (4) Term of office. — Initial members of the Commission shall serve for the term of office designated in their appointment. Subsequent members shall serve for a term of 3 years. Members of the Commission may be removed by a majority vote in the House and Senate with or without cause. (5) Officers. — The Chairperson of the Commission shall appoint a Vice-Chairperson and Secretary of the Commission and such other officers of the Commission as the Chairperson deems necessary or desirable to assist the Commission in performing its duties, all to serve at the pleasure of the Chairperson. (6) Compensation. — No member shall receive any compensation for his or her service on the Commission, but members may be reimbursed from time to time for their expenses in connection with the Commission's activities.64 Del. Laws, c. 481, §  1;  65 Del. Laws, c. 175, §§  3, 4;  66 Del. Laws, c. 386, §  2;  70 Del. Laws, c. 186, §  1;  72 Del. Laws, c. 153, §  2;
13 DE Code § 2004. (2021)
2021 Delaware Code|Title 13 - Domestic Relations|Chapter 20. Family Law Commission|§ 2004. Purpose; powers; duties.

§ 2004. Purpose; powers; duties. The Commission shall study and evaluate the domestic relations laws of the State and the rules and procedures of the Family Court, review legislation affecting domestic relations law introduced in the General Assembly and Family Court rules and procedures, disseminate information about family law to the citizens of Delaware and engage in such other activities as it may deem appropriate in connection with the study, analysis, review and dissemination of information concerning family law. In furtherance and not in limitation of the foregoing, the Commission may:  (1) Conduct public hearings; (2) Invite written comments on family law from members of the public; (3) Review and comment upon legislation affecting family law introduced in the General Assembly at the request of any member of the General Assembly or on its own initiative; and (4) Publish and disseminate information concerning family law to the public. The Commission shall meet at least 4 times each year and shall report to the General Assembly its activities and recommendations at least once every year on or before March 15. The Commission shall not engage in the practice of law, shall not give legal advice of any kind to individuals about their rights or responsibilities (other than publishing and disseminating comments about existing or proposed legislation or Family Court rules and procedures) and shall not intervene, directly or indirectly, in any case pending in any court. 64 Del. Laws, c. 481, §  1;
13 DE Code § 2101. (2021)
2021 Delaware Code|Title 13 - Domestic Relations|Chapter 21. Domestic Violence Coordinating Council|§ 2101. Creation.

§ 2101. Creation. The General Assembly hereby creates a permanent Domestic Violence Coordinating Council. 69 Del. Laws, c. 159, §  1;
13 DE Code § 2102. (2021)
2021 Delaware Code|Title 13 - Domestic Relations|Chapter 21. Domestic Violence Coordinating Council|§ 2102. Composition [For application of this section, see 81 Del. Laws, c. 241, § 2].

§ 2102. Composition [For application of this section, see 81 Del. Laws, c. 241, § 2]. The Council shall consist of the following members:  (1) The Chief Judge of the Family Court; (2) Two members of the House of Representatives (1 from each caucus) appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives. (3) Two members of the Senate (1 from each caucus) appointed by the President Pro Tempore of the Senate. (4) The Attorney General; (5) The Chief Defender; (6) The Secretary of the Department of Safety and Homeland Security; (7) A representative of the law-enforcement community appointed by the Secretary of the Department of Safety and Homeland Security; (8) The President Judge of the Superior Court; (9) The Commissioner of the Department of Correction; (10) The Secretary of the Department of Services for Children, Youth and Their Families; (11) A judicial officer from the Court of Common Pleas to be appointed by the Chief Judge of the Court of Common Pleas. (12) Seven members elected by the Council as follows: 1 member representing victims or survivors of domestic violence, 1 member representing victims or survivors of sexual assault, 1 member representing the health care community, and 4 members of the public. a. The term of the at-large members elected by the Council shall be 3 years. At-large members may be eligible for reelection. b. In case of a vacancy before the expiration of an at-large member's term, a successor shall be elected by the Council within 60 days of the vacancy. c. At-large members may be removed by the Council if they do not attend 2 or more consecutive Council meetings.69 Del. Laws, c. 159, §  1;  70 Del. Laws, c. 126, §§  1, 2;  70 Del. Laws, c. 186, §  1;  71 Del. Laws, c. 44, §§  1, 2;  72 Del. Laws, c. 66, §  1;  73 Del. Laws, c. 26, §§  1, 2;  74 Del. Laws, c. 63, §§  1, 2;  74 Del. Laws, c. 110, §  138;  75 Del. Laws, c. 274, §§  1, 2;  76 Del. Laws, c. 211, §  1;  77 Del. Laws, c. 102, §§  1-3;  77 Del. Laws, c. 319, §  1;  79 Del. Laws, c. 166, §  1;  80 Del. Laws, c. 26, §  4;  81 Del. Laws, c. 241, § 1;
13 DE Code § 2103. (2021)
2021 Delaware Code|Title 13 - Domestic Relations|Chapter 21. Domestic Violence Coordinating Council|§ 2103. Purpose; powers; duties.

§ 2103. Purpose; powers; duties. The Council shall:  (1) Continuously study court services and procedures, law-enforcement procedures and protocol, and criminal justice data collection and analysis as it relates to domestic violence; (2) Effectuate coordination between agencies, departments and the courts with victims of domestic violence and abuse; (3) Promote effective prevention, intervention and treatment techniques which will be developed based upon research and data collection; (4) Recommend standards for treatment programs for perpetrators of domestic violence to the Department of Health and Social Services, Department of Services for Children, Youth and Their Families and the Department of Correction; (5) Review and comment upon legislation relating to domestic violence introduced in the General Assembly at the request of any member of the General Assembly or on its own initiative; and (6) Improve the response to domestic violence and abuse so as to reduce the incidents thereof.69 Del. Laws, c. 159, §  1;
13 DE Code § 2104. (2021)
2021 Delaware Code|Title 13 - Domestic Relations|Chapter 21. Domestic Violence Coordinating Council|§ 2104. Meetings; quorum; officers; committees; procedure.

§ 2104. Meetings; quorum; officers; committees; procedure. (a) The Council shall meet at least 4 times per year. Seven members shall constitute a quorum. (b) The Chairperson shall have the duty to convene and preside over meetings of the Council and prepare an agenda for meetings. (c) The Chief Judge of the Family Court shall convene the initial meeting of the Council. (d) At the initial meeting of the Council a Chairperson and Vice Chairperson shall be elected by the Council members. Thereafter, the Council shall elect a Chairperson and Vice Chairperson biennially, at the first meeting of the calendar year in odd-numbered years, to serve a 2-year term. The Vice Chairperson's duty shall be to act as chairperson in the absence of the Chairperson. (e) The Council shall establish committees composed of Council members and other knowledgeable individuals, as it deems advisable, to assist in planning, policy, goal and priority recommendations and developing implementation plans to achieve the purposes of the Council. (f) The Council shall promulgate rules of procedure governing its operations, provided that they are in accordance with Chapters 100 and 101 of Title 29. Members of the Council may appoint a proxy member only in circumstances under which they:  (1) Will be absent from the State, or (2) Become physically disabled, for a time period of 3 months or longer. (g) The Council shall submit a written report of its activities and recommendations to the Governor, General Assembly and the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court at least once every year on or before October 15. 69 Del. Laws, c. 159, §  1;  70 Del. Laws, c. 126, §  3;  72 Del. Laws, c. 66, §  2;  77 Del. Laws, c. 103, §  1;  80 Del. Laws, c. 253, § 1;
13 DE Code § 2201. (2021)
2021 Delaware Code|Title 13 - Domestic Relations|Chapter 22. Division of Child Support Services|§ 2201. Designation of Title IV-D agency.

§ 2201. Designation of Title IV-D agency. The Division of Child Support Services is hereby established within the Department of Health and Social Services. Said Division shall constitute the IV-D agency authorized under Title IV-D of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. § 651 et seq.). In addition to the powers and duties described in this chapter, the Division of Child Support Services shall have the power to perform and be responsible for the performance of all duties and functions heretofore vested in the Division of Child Support Enforcement under § 7930 of Title 29 (repealed) and the Bureau of Child Support Enforcement pursuant to Executive Order No. 76, dated June 30, 1975. 71 Del. Laws, c. 216, §  1;  80 Del. Laws, c. 234, § 17;