Estate Planning & Probate in New Castle County, Delaware
There are two reasons people look up New Castle County probate: to keep a family out of it, or to get a loved one's estate through it. Pick the path that fits, then work from the local Register of Wills details.
Someone died — settling an estate
Filing probate at the Register of Wills, what it costs, transferring property, and local attorneys.
What to do when someone dies in New Castle County→Planning ahead as a property owner
Keep a New Castle County home out of probate with a transfer-on-death deed or a living trust.
Estate planning in New Castle County→The Probate Process in New Castle County
Probate is the court-supervised process of settling someone's estate after they die — validating the will, paying debts and taxes, and transferring what's left to the heirs. In New Castle County, probate runs through the Register of Wills at 800 N. French St., Second Floor, Wilmington.
Full New Castle Countyprobate guide: cost, how to file & attorneys →Probate Court Record
Register of Wills
New Castle County
Address
Phone
Hours
Recording Deeds & Property Documents
Recording Office Record
Recorder of Deeds
New Castle County · Recorder of Deeds · Michael E. Kozikowski, Sr.
Address
Phone
Fax
Hours
E-recording
$35 per document plus $13 for every page; a 2-page TOD deed records for $61; TOD deeds are exempt from transfer tax.
Full recording details →Verified September 4, 2026 · Source
Local Procedures at the Register of Wills
E-filing mandatory since December 1, 2012 for all matters filed in Register of Wills office. Use File & ServeXpress system. Filing fee: $6.00 per transaction; online delivery service: $8.00 per transaction. Original will (not copy) must be filed within 10 days of death notice. Legal duty of any person in possession of document that might be a will.
Delaware Estate Planning Articles
Articles about estate planning, probate, and trusts relevant to families in New Castle County.
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