Given the sensitive and personal nature of many of the proceedings heard in the Family Court the Delaware Constitution, Delaware Code and the Family Court Rules of Procedure specify whether Family Court matters are closed or open to the public. For example, termination of parental rights and adoption records and proceedings are private and cannot be accessed or viewed by anyone other than the parties except in special circumstances. Divorce and custody matters are also closed. Protection from abuse hearings and criminal proceeds are considered open. To assist litigants and the public in understanding which proceedings are open and which proceedings are closed, Family Court has published a helpful chart. The chart may be viewed

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.