Justice of the Peace Court 16 - Kent County
Filing information for Justice of the Peace Court 16 - Kent County in Dover, DE. Part of the Kent County small claims court system.
Small claims in Delaware — the numbers that apply at this court
$25,000
maximum claim
from $35
filing fee (published, varies by claim)
2–3 yrs
filing deadline by claim type
Yes
e-filing accepted
Published court information — verify before acting. See the full Delaware small claims guide · The form that starts a case (CF01): every field explained.
Courthouse Details
Justice of the Peace Court 16 - Kent County
414 Federal Street, Room 173
Dover, DE 19901
Mailing Address
414 Federal Street, Room 173
Dover, DE 19901
Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Area Served
Kent County
How to File at Justice of the Peace Court 16 - Kent County
E-filing available
This court accepts electronic filing for small claims cases.
Note: Any person intending to eFile in the Justice of the Peace Court must register and attend the eFlex class. Policy Directive 08-232 (1st) sets forth the criteria establishing who is required to e-file. [cite: 4 from previous search, 6 from previous search, 15 from previous search]
File in person
Bring your completed forms to the courthouse during business hours.
File by mail
Most small claims courts accept filing by mail — check with this court first. Typically you mail your completed forms with the filing fee plus a self-addressed stamped envelope for your returned copies.
Ready to get your money back?
A demand letter often settles disputes before a case is ever filed — and it only takes a few minutes.
Read the demand letter guideSmall claims rules in Delaware
How much you can sue for
Individuals can sue for up to $25,000.
One of the highest limits in the country
Deadline to file (statute of limitations)
3 yrs written contract · 3 yrs oral contract · 2 yrs property damage · 2 yrs personal injury
Common questions
How much does it cost to file a small claims case at Justice of the Peace Court 16 - Kent County?
Filing fees in Delaware are set by the state and run from $35 to $45, depending on how much you're claiming. If you can't afford the fee, Delaware offers a fee waiver — ask the clerk how to apply. Fees change, so confirm the current amount with the court clerk before you file.
What's the most I can sue for in Kent County?
Small claims cases in Kent County are limited to $25,000. If your claim is worth more than that, you either have to bring it in a different court or give up the amount above the limit to stay in small claims. The clerk can confirm which court fits your claim.
Can I file online at Justice of the Peace Court 16 - Kent County?
Electronic filing exists here, but the record indicates it isn't open to people representing themselves — it's for attorneys. Plan to file in person or by mail, and ask the clerk whether that's still the case.
Where is Justice of the Peace Court 16 - Kent County, and when is it open?
Justice of the Peace Court 16 - Kent County is at 414 Federal Street, Room 173, Dover, DE 19901. Posted hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 am - 4:00 pm. Phone: (302) 739-4316. Hours change around holidays and court closures — call ahead before you travel.
Do I have to have a lawyer to file in Dover?
Small claims court is built for people representing themselves, and most filers do exactly that. Whether an attorney may appear varies by state — the state guide linked on this page covers the rule where you are, and the clerk can confirm it.
Answers reflect published court data. Court rules and fees change — the clerk is always the authoritative source.