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Equal Access To Justice
Community Legal Aid Society, Inc. (CLASI) represents victims of domestic violence in family law matters related to the domestic violence. The program is limited to cases in Kent and Sussex Counties so you must reside in Kent or Sussex Counties or the matter must be before the Family Court in one of those counties in order to receive representation from CLASI. If you are a victim of domestic violence and you live in New Castle County you will need to contact Delaware Volunteer Legal Services for assistance. You may contact them by telephone at (302)478-8680 or visit their website by using the link listed below.
In addition, Legal Services Corporation of Delaware, Inc. (LSCD) represents victims of domestic violence in Kent and Sussex Counties in non-Family Court related matters that are a result of the domestic violence. LSCD represents victims in bankruptcy and consumer matters, landlord/tenant and other housing related matters that may have been caused, even indirectly by domestic violence. You may contact them by telephone at (302)734-8820 or visit their website by using the link listed below.
CLASI represents parents in New Castle County in cases where the State of Delaware Division of Family Services (DFS) inserts itself into the custodial relationship with the minor children. Specifically, CLASI will consider a case where the DFS has claimed that a child is dependent or neglected or where DFS is attempting to terminate parental rights.
In Kent and Sussex Counties the Family Court has arranged for private attorneys to represent parents in these matters. If you are a parent and DFS has filed a case against you alleging dependency or neglect of your children or attempting to terminate your parental rights, you should contact the Family Court for possible representation by a private attorney.
In most instances, CLASI does not represent parties in Family Court matters between private parties where there are no incidents of domestic violence. If you require assistance with a private Family Court matter, please contact Legal Helplink at 478-8680 in New Castle County or 1-800-494-1913 in Kent or Sussex Counties.
We hope that the information provided below is useful to you. However, when confronted with a legal problem it is always wise to consult with an attorney. The information provided below is not intended nor should it be used as a substitute.
Family Court - An Introduction
Information concerning the Delaware Family Court. The Family Court handles matters concerning child custody, visitation, child and spousal support, termination of parental rights, divorce and other matters related to the familial relationship.
Orders of Protection From Abuse
Information concerning civil protection orders available to victims of domestic violence. These Family Court orders protect the victim from the abuser and provide the victim with other temporary civil relief as well.
Domestic Violence: Why Women Stay
An issue frequently raised concerns the victim of domestic violence and her failure to leave the abusive relationship. Quite often, there is a tendency to blame the victim who remains in a violent relationship for her continued abuse. A common mistake made in attempting to understand the nature of domestic violence is the assumption that if a battered woman really wanted to leave she could. In fact, there are a myriad of obstacles which can prevent battered women from leaving.
Child Custody In Delaware
The Delaware Family Court has the authority to grant custody and placement of a child in situations where the natural parents do not live together. These pages provide general information for victims of domestic violence concerning the custody process and the standards applied by the Court.
Other Family Law Information
Domestic Violence Related Links
Toolkit to End Violence Against Women
To provide concrete guidance to communities, policy leaders, and individuals engaged in activities to end violence against women, the National Advisory Council on Violence Against Women developed the Toolkit to End Violence Against Women. Each Toolkit chapter focuses on a particular audience or environment and includes recommendations for strengthening prevention efforts and improving services and advocacy for victims.
Delaware Links
Delaware Volunteer Legal Services, Inc.
Delaware Volunteer Legal Services (DVLS) is an organization of volunteer attorneys who assist low income clients with problems in a variety of areas. DVLS also provides a centralized case intake service called "The Legal Help Link." This service assures that callers are referred to the appropriate legal services organization or to private attorney for assistance.
Legal Services Corporation of Delaware, Inc.
The mission of Legal Services Corporation of Delaware, Inc., is to use the practice of law to help low-income families in Delaware. LSCD emphasizes protection of those rights that are crucial to the viability of a stable family. LSCD strives to meet this goal by working to protect families’ rights in the areas of safe and affordable housing, financial stability, and consumer protection.
Child, Inc.
Child, Inc. provides a wide range of services for victims of domestic violence including: crisis services (24 hour hotline); shelter; counseling and victim advocacy. The agency operates the family visitation centers in New Castle County.
Delaware Coalition Against Domestic Violence
DCADV and its member organizations strive to create an environment in which those victimized by domestic violence become empowered. The Coalition also seeks to eliminate institutional and personal abuse of power that creates the conditions under which domestic violence is condoned.
Delaware Criminal Justice Council
The Delaware Criminal Justice Council is an independent body committed to leading the criminal justice system through a collaborative approach that calls upon the experience and creativity of the Council, all components of the criminal justice system and the community.
Family Court
The General Assembly empowered the Family Court to exercise jurisdiction over juvenile delinquency, child neglect, dependency, child abuse, adult misdemeanor crimes against juveniles, child and spouse support, paternity of children, custody and visitation of children, adoptions, terminations of parental rights, divorces and annulments, property divisions, specific enforcement of separation agreements, guardianship over minors, imperiling the family relationship, orders of protection from abuse and intra-family misdemeanor crimes. The Family Court does not have jurisdiction over adults charged with felonies or juveniles charged with first and second degree murder, rape, or kidnapping.
National Links
ABA Commission on Domestic Violence
The American Bar Association Commission on Domestic Violence website provides valuable information about a wide-range of domestic violence issues and extensive links to other resources and organizations. The website includes listings of ABA policies, training materials, legal briefs, and sample legal forms relevant to domestic violence issues and proceedings. The website also provides information about upcoming events and training opportunities.
American Institute on Domestic Violence
The American Institute on Domestic Violence offers on-site workshops and conference presentations addressing the corporate cost of domestic violence in the workplace.
Family Violence Prevention Fund
The Family Violence Prevention Fund (FVPF) works to end domestic violence and help women and children whose lives are devastated by abuse, because every person has a right to live in a home free of violence. The FVPF challenges lawmakers to take this issue seriously, educates judges to protect all victims of abuse, and advocates for laws to help battered immigrant women. The FVPF helps health care providers and employers identify and aid victims of abuse, and shows all Americans how to join the effort to end domestic violence.
National Coalition Against Domestic Violence
NCADV's work includes coalition building at the local, state, regional and national levels; support for the provision of community-based, non-violent alternatives - such as safe home and shelter programs - for battered women and their children; public education and technical assistance; policy development and innovative legislation; focus on the leadership of NCADV's caucuses and task forces developed to represent the concerns of organizationally under-represented groups; and efforts to eradicate social conditions which contribute to violence against women and children.
National Network to End Domestic Violence
At this site, you'll find news and information for advocates about domestic violence. Get the national perspective on legislation and public policy; advocates in the news; training, conference and employment opportunities; and other important issues for domestic violence advocates, policy makers and others who encounter domestic violence in their work.
National Domestic Violence Hotline
With a database of more than 4,000 shelters and service providers across the United States, Puerto Rico, Alaska, Hawaii and the U.S. Virgin Islands, the Hotline provides callers with information they might otherwise have found difficult or impossible to obtain. With one phone call a victim trying to flee an abusive relationship in Wyoming can find out about a shelter in Ohio. Bilingual staff and a language line are available for every non-English speaking caller. Deaf abused women can also find help at the Hotline.
Violence Against Women Office
The Violence Against Women Office of the Office of Justice Programs, United States Department of Justice was created in 1995 to implement the 1994 Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) and to lead the national effort to stop domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking.