Opinion ID: 2266260
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Alimony Determinations Family Court Jurisdiction

Text: In Delaware, the Family Court now has exclusive jurisdiction over divorce actions involving a Delaware resident. See 13 Del.C. § 1504. This jurisdiction includes ancillary matters, such as alimony. See 13 Del.C. § 1512. Alimony determinations are generally made in one of two ways incident to a divorce. First, alimony may be judicially determined, following a hearing on the respective financial circumstances of the parties. [6] See, e.g., Gregory J.M. v. Carolyn A.M., Del.Supr., 442 A.2d 1373 (1982); Rosario J.L. v. Josephine K.L., Del.Supr., 431 A.2d 1256 (1981). Second, alimony may be agreed upon by the divorcing parties themselves, in either a separation agreement or similar contract. See, e.g., Gertrude L.Q. v. Stephen P.Q., Del.Supr., 466 A.2d 1213 (1983); Joseph B.P. v. Kathleen M.P., Del. Supr., 469 A.2d 800 (1983); Harry M.P. v. Nina M.P., Del.Supr., 437 A.2d 158 (1981). Such an agreement or contract is often made an order of the Family Court in connection with the divorce proceedings. See, e.g., Gertrude L.Q. v. Stephen P.Q., 466 A.2d at 1215-16.