2019 Delaware Code
Title 13 - Domestic Relations
Chapter 5. Desertion and Support
Subchapter II Civil Enforcement
§ 511 Commencement of actions; obtaining jurisdiction over respondent.
(a) Proceedings may be instituted in accordance with rules adopted by the Court, or upon a petition in which the petitioner alleges that defendant owes petitioner a duty of support and has refused or failed to provide such support.
(b) Jurisdiction may be acquired over respondent in any of the following ways:
(1) By issuance of summons by the Clerk of the Family Court, and service thereof by the sheriff or other person authorized to make service of process upon respondent, by delivering a copy of the summons, petition and any affidavit to respondent personally or by delivering copies thereof to an agent authorized by appointment or by law to receive service of process;
(2) By appearance of respondent, either personally or by executing and filing an appearance document in a form approved by the Court, with or without issuance of summons;
(3) By appearance of counsel for respondent, with or without issuance of summons;
(4) Under a court rule not inconsistent with this section; or
(5) As may be otherwise provided by law.
59 Del. Laws, c. 567, § 1; 71 Del. Laws, c. 216, §§ 3, 4.
