Emergency Family-Law Resources in Delaware
Official starting points for immediate safety, interim custody orders, and protection from abuse.
Temporary orders involving children
Delaware does not promise same-day rulings on any private interim filing. Emergency hearings are limited. Use the Family Court emergency ex parte procedure (Form 650, Rule 65.2) — extraordinary circumstances only — and confirm the receiving court's local intake and deadlines.
A parent can request an interim custody order through the Family Court procedure. For an immediate threat, a Protection From Abuse order is a separate, faster route.
Protection From Abuse (10 Del. C. §§ 1041-1049)
Delaware's Protection From Abuse (PFA) order is filed under 10 Del. C. §§ 1041-1049 (Form 450). A temporary ex parte order lasts up to 15 days, extendable to 30 days if the trial is rescheduled. Protective provisions by consent/default/trial generally last up to 2 years, longer by consent or aggravating circumstances. Ancillary custody/support provisions generally last 1 year. Filing is free.
Delaware child protective (DFS/DSCYF)
Reports of suspected abuse or neglect go to Delaware Division of Family Services (DFS) within DSCYF; call 911 for immediate. The DFS Child Abuse and Neglect Report Line is 1-800-292-9582, staffed 24/7. An unsubstantiated report does not prove it was knowingly false and does not by itself end custody.
Always confirm current local forms, fees, and filing procedure with the Family Court clerk handling your case.