Court Rules
Judge

Judge Sonia Augusthy

Individual Rules, Standing Orders & Policies

Rules last changed:
Superior Court of Delaware, New Castle County

Limits & Logistics

Document Limits

Brief
6 pgs
Appendices
25 pgs
Case Dispositive Motion
6 pgs
Motion
6 pgs
Discovery MotionCourt-wide
10 pgs
LetterCourt-wide
2,500 wds

Courtesy Copies

Case Dispositive Motion, Opposition

  • 1 copy

Case Dispositive Motion, Opposition, Reply

  • 1 copy • Promptly

Motion

  • 1 copy
  • 1 copy • Chambers Drop Off

Motion, Response

  • 1 copy • Chambers Drop Off

Adjournments

  • Failure to meet Trial Scheduling Order deadlines without good cause may result in denial of an extension.
  • After the Administrative Specialist contacts all parties, plaintiff's counsel may request an indefinite postponement on behalf of all parties when all counsel expect an early settlement.
  • A motion to continue a trial date must be scheduled as a routine motion and address the position or unavailability of every other party.
  • +3 more

Request must include

Reason For RequestAdversary Position

Communication

Email

Chambers

kimberly.henson@delaware.gov
Scheduling
Phone

Chambers

(302) 255-0626
Scheduling
Phone

Clerk

(302) 255-0739
Fax

Chambers

(302) 255-2273
Email
Court-wide

Duty Judge

Emergencies
Filters:AllMandatoryImportantFormattingJuryLettersExhibitsMemorandaDiscoveryPage LimitsBinders/Tabs

Page & Word Limits4 rules

Page Limits

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?

The motion, response, and reply shall each not exceed 6 pages (unless permission has previously been granted to exceed the page limit) and shall include a notice page indicating the time for argument.

Summary: A dispositive motion, response, and reply are each limited to 6 pages unless prior permission to exceed the limit is granted.

Case Dispositive Motion

6 pages

Opposition

6 pages

Reply

6 pages

New Castle De:ce5d5c1d51ce2cd0fc2c9514 · Sep 2026
|SecMotions & Briefing — Dispositive and Daubert Motions
Page LimitsCivil cases

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?

The motion and the response shall not exceed 6 pages in length and shall have a notice page indicating the date and time of the motion hearing.

Summary: A case-dispositive motion and its response may not exceed 6 pages each and must include a notice page stating the hearing date and time.

Motion

6 pages

Response

6 pages

New Castle De:a2c822a842ce22e5509f0f68 · Jan 2024 · p. 6
|SecADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND PROCEDURES
Page LimitsCivil cases

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?

The motion and the response shall not exceed 6 pages in length and shall have a notice page indicating the date and time of the motion hearing.

Summary: A dispositive motion and its response may not exceed six pages and must include a notice page stating the motion-hearing date and time.

Case Dispositive Motion

6 pages

Opposition

6 pages

Page Limits

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Important?

An appendix may exceed 25 pages as necessary.

Summary: An appendix may exceed 25 pages when necessary.

Appendices

25 pages

New Castle De:ce5d5c1d51ce2cd0fc2c9514 · Sep 2026
|SecMotions & Briefing — Dispositive and Daubert Motions

Document Format Requirements7 rules

Formatting

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Mandatory

A copy of proposed jury instructions must be emailed to the Administrative Specialist in Microsoft Word format.

A copy of proposed instructions must be sent in Microsoft Word format by e-mail to Judge Augusthy's Administrative Specialist.

New Castle De:ce5d5c1d51ce2cd0fc2c9514 · Sep 2026
|SecPretrial/Evidentiary Matters — Jury Instructions
Formatting

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Mandatory

Briefs, exhibits, and appendices may not use paper clips, binder clips, or metal three-ring fasteners and must be stapled or bound.

No briefs, exhibits, or appendices may be clipped or fastened with paper clips, binder clips or metal three-ring fasteners, but must be stapled or bound.

New Castle De:ce5d5c1d51ce2cd0fc2c9514 · Sep 2026
|SecMotions & Briefing — Formatting
Formatting

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Important

Citations to unreported decisions must use Westlaw format.

Case citations shall use Westlaw format for unreported decisions.

New Castle De:ce5d5c1d51ce2cd0fc2c9514 · Sep 2026
|SecMotions & Briefing — Formatting
FormattingCivil cases

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Important

Jury instructions must be submitted in Microsoft Word (.docx) format, with a hard copy also required.

Plaintiff’s counsel shall provide the Court an agreed-upon set of instructions (both hard copy and in Microsoft Word (.docx) format to Kimberly.Henson@Delaware.gov).

Required Format

DOCX

FormattingCivil cases

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?

The motion and the response shall not exceed 6 pages in length and shall have a notice page indicating the date and time of the motion hearing.

Summary: A dispositive motion and its response must include a notice page identifying the date and time of the motion hearing.

Formatting

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Important?

Exhibits and appendices to briefs, courtesy copies of motions, or letter applications must be individually tabbed.

Summary: Exhibits, brief appendices, courtesy motion copies, and letter applications must be individually tabbed.

New Castle De:ce5d5c1d51ce2cd0fc2c9514 · Sep 2026
|SecMotions & Briefing — Formatting
FormattingCivil cases

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Important?

Plaintiff’s counsel shall provide the Court an agreed-upon set of instructions (both hard copy and in Microsoft Word (.docx) format to Kimberly.Henson@Delaware.gov).

Summary: Agreed-upon jury instructions must be submitted to the court in both hard-copy and Microsoft Word (.docx) format by email to Kimberly.Henson@Delaware.gov.

Required Format

DOCX

Document Filing Requirements32 rules

Filing Requirements

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Mandatory

A motion to continue a trial date must state each other party's position or explain that opposing counsel or the self-represented party could not be reached.

A motion to continue a trial date shall be scheduled as a routine motion and must state the position of each other party or otherwise represent that opposing counsel or the self-represented party could not be reached.

Document Type

Motion

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
New Castle De:ce5d5c1d51ce2cd0fc2c9514 · Sep 2026
|SecMotions & Briefing — Routine Motions
Filing Requirements

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Mandatory

A letter requesting court action must state every party's position or explain reasonable efforts to reach opposing counsel or a self-represented party.

A letter to the Court requesting court action of some kind (in instances where a motion is not otherwise appropriate) must state the position of all parties or otherwise must represent that opposing counsel or a self-represented party could not be reached despite reasonable efforts.

Document Type

Letter

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing Requirements

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Mandatory

Every communication to the Court or its staff must identify the case, civil action number, and represented party.

All communications addressed to the Court or its staff, whether by motion, letter, or email, must include the name of the case, the civil action number, and the name of the party whom communicating counsel represents.

Requirement

Document requirement

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing Requirements

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Mandatory

A Trial Scheduling Order may be amended only by motion or joint stipulation and requires court approval; a motion must address the position or unavailability of every other party.

TSO amendments must be made by (1) motion or (2) joint stipulation and must be ordered by the Court; any motion must state the position of each other party or otherwise represent that opposing counsel or the self-represented party could not be reached.

Document Type

Trial Scheduling Order Amendment

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
New Castle De:ce5d5c1d51ce2cd0fc2c9514 · Sep 2026
|SecInitial Stages — Trial Scheduling
Filing Requirements

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Mandatory

The dispositive motion, response, and reply must each include a notice page stating the time for oral argument.

The motion, response, and reply shall each not exceed 6 pages (unless permission has previously been granted to exceed the page limit) and shall include a notice page indicating the time for argument.

Document Type

Brief

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
New Castle De:ce5d5c1d51ce2cd0fc2c9514 · Sep 2026
|SecMotions & Briefing — Dispositive and Daubert Motions
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Mandatory

The Interim Status Report must describe the issues, discovery progress, and mandatory ADR results, but must not include information about settlement offers or demands.

The interim report shall advise the Court on the nature of the matters in issue, the progress of discovery to date, and the results of mandatory alternate dispute resolution used to date to resolve this matter. Do not include information on offers or demands.

Document Type

Interim Status Report

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
New Castle De:a2c822a842ce22e5509f0f68 · Jan 2024 · p. 6
|SecADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND PROCEDURES
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Mandatory

Plaintiff’s counsel must file the Interim Status Report and provide a copy to the judge’s chambers.

The Interim Status Report is to be filed by Plaintiff’s Counsel with a copy to the Judge’s chambers.

Document Type

Interim Status Report

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
New Castle De:a2c822a842ce22e5509f0f68 · Jan 2024 · p. 6
|SecADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND PROCEDURES
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Mandatory

All proposed special voir dire questions must be included with the Pretrial Stipulation.

All proposed special voir dire questions shall be included with the Pretrial Stipulation.

Document Type

Pretrial Stipulation

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Mandatory

The Pretrial Stipulation must identify any motions in limine and the evidentiary issue presented.

Counsel shall indicate in the Pretrial Stipulation whether any motions in limine have been filed and the evidentiary issue sought to be resolved.

Document Type

Pretrial Stipulation

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
New Castle De:db3b2fd4e33c60ebb2b2777d · Jan 2024 · p. 3
|SecPretrial Stipulation and Pretrial Conference
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Mandatory

The Final Trial Status Report must confirm that exhibits were exchanged or reviewed and that no objections remain.

The final trial status report shall advise the Court of the following: (1) that all exhibits have been exchanged or reviewed by the parties or counsel, and there are no objections to any exhibit;

Document Type

Final Trial Status Report

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Mandatory

When jury instructions are disputed, the submission must identify each disputed instruction and include Defense Counsel's proposed language and supporting authority.

If there are areas of disagreement, the submission shall include Defense Counsel’s notation of disagreement on each particular instruction upon which there is disagreement, and Defense Counsel shall present their respective proposed instructions and supporting authority.

Document Type

Jury Instructions

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Mandatory

Plaintiff’s counsel must file an Interim Status Report with a copy to the judge’s chambers, and the report must address the issues, discovery progress, and ADR results.

The Interim Status Report is to be filed by Plaintiff’s Counsel with a copy to the Judge’s chambers. The interim report shall advise the Court on the nature of the matters in issue, the progress of discovery to date, and the results of mandatory alternate dispute resolution used to date to resolve this matter.

Document Type

Interim Status Report

Content & Formatting
Statement Of Facts
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Mandatory

The Interim Status Report must reflect input from both parties, and plaintiff’s counsel must obtain defense counsel’s consent sufficiently early to meet the filing deadline.

This document should reflect input from both parties. Plaintiff’s counsel is responsible for obtaining defense counsel’s consent to form or additional input to be included in the Report sufficiently in advance of the submission deadline to ensure compliance with the deadline.

Document Type

Interim Status Report

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing Requirements

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Important

A motion in limine should be filed when an issue is particularly significant and should be resolved at the Pretrial Conference.

If the issue is particularly significant and should be resolved at the Pretrial Conference, a motion in limine should be filed.

Document Type

Motion In Limine

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
New Castle De:ce5d5c1d51ce2cd0fc2c9514 · Sep 2026
|SecPretrial/Evidentiary Matters — Motions in Limine
Filing Requirements

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Important

A discovery or expert-deadline extension request should state that remaining dates are unaffected, use an Amended Trial Scheduling Order, and list original and proposed or agreed dates.

If a party seeks to extend discovery or expert deadlines, without affecting remaining scheduled dates, the motion or stipulation should so state. The parties are to use an Amended Trial Scheduling Order and note the original and proposed (or agreed to) amended dates.

Document Type

Amended Trial Scheduling Order

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
New Castle De:ce5d5c1d51ce2cd0fc2c9514 · Sep 2026
|SecInitial Stages — Trial Scheduling
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Important

The Interim Status Report must describe the issues, discovery progress, and ADR results but must not include information about settlement offers or demands.

The interim report shall advise the Court on the nature of the matters in issue, the progress of discovery to date, and the results of mandatory alternate dispute resolution used to date to resolve this matter. Do not include information on offers or demands.

Document Type

Interim Status Report

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing Requirements

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Note

When possible, requests for court action should be filed by motion with a Notice of Motion, Certificate of Service, and proposed Form of Order.

Whenever possible, Judge Augusthy prefers requests for court action to be submitted by motion, rather than by letter, with a Notice of Motion and Certificate of Service, as well as a proposed Form of Order so the Court can rule electronically.

Document Type

Motion

Content & Formatting
Certificate Of Service
Proposed Order
Filing Requirements

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Note

The standing-order references to counsel apply to self-represented parties as well.

Where a party is representing themselves, the references to Counsel within these preferences apply to that party.

Requirement

Document requirement

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?

Motions in Limine must include all supporting authority with the motion.

Summary: A motion in limine must include all supporting authority in the motion filed with the court.

Document Type

Motion In Limine

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?

The proposed Order shall, at a minimum, cover the matters set forth in Form 46 (pretrial stipulations) contained in the appendix of Superior Court Civil Rules.

Summary: The proposed pretrial order must cover all matters listed in Form 46.

Document Type

Proposed Order

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
New Castle De:db3b2fd4e33c60ebb2b2777d · Jan 2024 · p. 3
|SecPretrial Stipulation and Pretrial Conference
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?

(3) that any request for special voir dire has been reviewed by the opposing party and there are no exceptions or objections, and that a copy of the requested special voir dire is attached to the letter

Summary: The Final Trial Status Report must confirm review of any special voir dire request, absence of objections, and attachment of a copy.

Document Type

Final Trial Status Report

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?

(2) that proposed jury instructions have been exchanged, discussed, exceptions noted, with a copy submitted with the status report in the form required by paragraph (i) above;

Summary: The Final Trial Status Report must confirm exchange and discussion of jury instructions, note exceptions, and include the required copy.

Document Type

Final Trial Status Report

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?

Plaintiff’s counsel shall provide the Court an agreed-upon set of instructions (both hard copy and in Microsoft Word (.docx) format to Kimberly.Henson@Delaware.gov).

Summary: Plaintiff's counsel must provide the court an agreed-upon jury instruction set in both hard-copy and DOCX formats by email.

Document Type

Jury Instructions

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing Requirements

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Important?

Counsel should always identify any 'related' Superior Court cases on the Case Information Statement filed with the complaint or with the answer so that the new case is assigned to the same judge.

Summary: The Case Information Statement must identify related pending Superior Court cases to facilitate assignment to the same judge.

Document Type

Case Information Statement

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
New Castle De:ce5d5c1d51ce2cd0fc2c9514 · Sep 2026
|SecInitial Stages — Related Cases
Filing Requirements

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Important?

Counsel is expected to utilize Superior Court Civil Form 46 for Pretrial Stipulations. All legal or evidentiary issues worthy of pretrial identification and focus should be identified in the stipulation with brief citation(s) of legal authorities relied upon.

Summary: A pretrial stipulation should use Superior Court Civil Form 46 and identify significant legal or evidentiary issues with citations to supporting authorities.

Document Type

Pretrial Stipulation

Content & Formatting
Statement Of Facts
New Castle De:ce5d5c1d51ce2cd0fc2c9514 · Sep 2026
|SecPretrial/Evidentiary Matters — Pretrial Stipulations
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Important?

The proposed Order shall, at a minimum, cover the matters set forth in Form 46 (pretrial stipulations) contained in the appendix of Superior Court Civil Rules.

Summary: The proposed pretrial order must cover all matters specified in Form 46 of the Superior Court Civil Rules.

Document Type

Pretrial Stipulation

Content & Formatting
Proposed Order
New Castle De:a2c822a842ce22e5509f0f68 · Jan 2024 · p. 3
|Secg. Pretrial Stipulation and Pretrial Conference
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Important?

This document should reflect input from both parties.

Summary: The Interim Status Report should reflect input from both parties.

Document Type

Interim Status Report

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
New Castle De:a2c822a842ce22e5509f0f68 · Jan 2024 · p. 6
|SecADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND PROCEDURES
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Important?

Plaintiff’s counsel is responsible for obtaining defense counsel’s consent to form or additional input to be included in the Report sufficiently in advance of the submission deadline to ensure compliance with the deadline.

Summary: Plaintiff’s counsel must obtain defense counsel’s consent to the report’s form or additional input sufficiently before the submission deadline.

Document Type

Interim Status Report

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
New Castle De:a2c822a842ce22e5509f0f68 · Jan 2024 · p. 6
|SecADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND PROCEDURES
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Important?

The Court strongly discourages requests for relief submitted in the form of letters or emails. Such requests should be made by motion.

Summary: Requests for relief should be made by motion rather than by letter or email.

Document Type

Motion

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
New Castle De:a2c822a842ce22e5509f0f68 · Jan 2024 · p. 6
|SecADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND PROCEDURES
Filing Requirements

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Note?

Daubert-type motions will presumptively be decided on a paper record.

Summary: Daubert-type motions are presumptively decided on the written record.

Document Type

Motion In Limine

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
New Castle De:ce5d5c1d51ce2cd0fc2c9514 · Sep 2026
|SecPretrial/Evidentiary Matters — Motions in Limine
Filing Requirements

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Note?

Exhibits and unreported cases not cited in Westlaw should be physically attached to the briefs and motions unless impractical because of their volume, in which case a separate compendium will be appropriate.

Summary: Exhibits and unreported cases not cited in Westlaw should be attached to briefs and motions, or placed in a separate compendium when volume makes attachment impracticable.

Document Type

Brief

Content & Formatting
Exhibit List
New Castle De:ce5d5c1d51ce2cd0fc2c9514 · Sep 2026
|SecMotions & Briefing — Formatting
Filing Requirements

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Note?

In some instances, the Court may require instructions to be filed with the Pretrial Stipulation so they may be discussed at the Pretrial Conference.

Summary: The Court may require proposed jury instructions to accompany the Pretrial Stipulation for discussion at the Pretrial Conference.

Document Type

Pretrial Stipulation

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
New Castle De:ce5d5c1d51ce2cd0fc2c9514 · Sep 2026
|SecPretrial/Evidentiary Matters — Jury Instructions

Filing & Service rules

Electronic Filing Rules

A letter to Judge Augusthy must be electronically docketed and emailed to specified chambers personnel; a courtesy hard copy is unnecessary.

A letter to Judge Augusthy must be docketed electronically in the subject case. An electronic copy, as docketed, should be transmitted via email to Judge Augusthy's Administrative Specialist, Civil Case Manager, and Law Clerk. No courtesy hard copy of letters need be delivered to Judge Augusthy's chambers.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 1 | Communications

The original dispositive motion, response, and reply should be electronically filed with one courtesy copy promptly delivered to chambers.

The original motion, response, and reply should be e-filed with 1 courtesy copy promptly delivered to chambers.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 1 | Motions & Briefing — Dispositive and Daubert Motions

Filing Timing and Cure Windows

After trial scheduling is postponed, plaintiff's counsel must file a status report within 60 days of the postponed conference unless the Court orders otherwise.

Unless ordered otherwise, scheduling will be indefinitely postponed. Counsel for plaintiff(s) must then submit a status report within sixty (60) days of the date of the postponed conference.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026

Page 1 | Initial Stages — Trial Scheduling

Unless the Court directs otherwise, proposed jury instructions must be filed on the Wednesday before trial.

Unless otherwise directed by the Court, proposed jury instructions must be filed the Wednesday before the trial date.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026

Page 1 | Pretrial/Evidentiary Matters — Jury Instructions

Routine motions must be filed at least 15 calendar days before the noticed date, and responses are due within 7 calendar days after filing.

The provisions of Section VI of the NCC Plan and Superior Court Civil Rule 78(b) to the contrary notwithstanding, in Judge Augusthy's cases: (1) routine Motions must be filed no less than 15 calendar days prior to the noticed date and (2) responses are due no later than 7 calendar days after the filing of the motion.

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 1, 2026

Page 1 | Motions & Briefing — Routine Motions

An Interim Status Report must be submitted no more than 14 days after mandatory ADR, and it must advise the Court of the ADR outcome.

An Interim Status Report shall be submitted no more than 14 days after ADR has been conducted. Among other issues, the parties shall advise the Court of the outcome of mandatory ADR.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026 · Civil cases

Page 2 | e. Interim Status Report

Particularly significant issues, including Daubert issues, should be raised by motion in limine and normally filed and answered well before the Pretrial Conference.

Any particularly significant issue, including Daubert issues, should be raised by motion in limine. Motions in limine are usually filed and responded to well before the Pretrial Conference.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026

Page 1 | Pretrial/Evidentiary Matters — Motions in Limine

An oral-argument time for a dispositive motion may be canceled if the motion is not filed within 4 days after the time is obtained.

If a party does not file a dispositive motion within 4 days after obtaining the date and time for oral argument, the scheduled time may be canceled.

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 1, 2026

Page 1 | Motions & Briefing — Dispositive and Daubert Motions

A reply to a dispositive-motion response is due within 7 days after filing the response, excluding weekends and holidays.

Any reply is due no later than 7 days (excluding weekends and holidays) after the filing of the response.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 1 | Motions & Briefing — Dispositive and Daubert Motions

A response with all supporting authority to a dispositive motion is due within 14 days after filing, excluding weekends and holidays.

The provisions of Section VI of the NCC Plan and Superior Court Civil Rule 78(b) to the contrary notwithstanding, a response (with all supporting authority) to any dispositive motion is due no later than 14 days (excluding weekends and holidays) after the filing of the motion.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 1 | Motions & Briefing — Dispositive and Daubert Motions

Responses to dispositive motions are due 14 business days after the motion is filed.

Responses are due 14 business days after filing.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases

Page 2 | f. Motions

Routine motions must be filed at least 15 calendar days before the noticed presentation date.

Motions must be filed no less than 15 calendar days prior to the noticed presentation date with one courtesy copy (with exhibits) delivered to Judge Augusthy in chambers.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases

Page 6 | ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND PROCEDURES

A response to a routine motion is due within 7 calendar days after filing, with one courtesy copy including exhibits delivered to Judge Augusthy’s chambers.

Responses are due no later than 7 calendar days after the filing of the motion, with one courtesy copy of a response (with exhibits) delivered to Judge Augusthy in chambers.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases

Page 6 | ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND PROCEDURES

A response to a case-dispositive motion is due within 14 days after filing the motion, excluding weekends and holidays.

The response is due no later than fourteen 14 days (excluding weekends and holidays) after the filing of the motion.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases

Page 6 | ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND PROCEDURES

The parties must submit an Interim Status Report within 14 days after mandatory ADR.

An Interim Status Report shall be submitted no more than 14 days after ADR has been conducted.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases

Page 2 | Interim Status Report

Responses to dispositive motions are due 14 business days after the motion is filed.

Responses are due 14 business days after filing.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases

Page 2 | Case Dispositive Motions

The response to a dispositive motion is due within 14 days after filing the motion, excluding weekends and holidays.

The response is due no later than fourteen 14 days (excluding weekends and holidays) after the filing of the motion.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases

Page 6 | Case Dispositive Motions

A routine civil motion must be filed at least 15 calendar days before its noticed presentation date, with one courtesy copy and exhibits delivered to the judge’s chambers.

Motions must be filed no less than 15 calendar days prior to the noticed presentation date with one courtesy copy (with exhibits) delivered to Judge Augusthy in chambers.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases

Page 6 | Routine Civil Motions

A response to a routine civil motion is due within seven calendar days after the motion is filed, and one courtesy copy with exhibits must be delivered to the judge’s chambers.

Responses are due no later than 7 calendar days after the filing of the motion, with one courtesy copy of a response (with exhibits) delivered to Judge Augusthy in chambers.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases

Page 6 | Routine Civil Motions

Motions to add a party or amend a pleading must be filed by the scheduling-order deadline, which is left blank in the document.

Filing of Motions to Add a Party or Amend a Pleading shall be filed no later than ____________.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases

Page 1 | TRIAL SCHEDULING ORDER

Mandatory alternative dispute resolution must be completed by the deadline entered in the order, which is left blank in the document.

Mandatory ADR is to be conducted by no later than __________ .

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases

Page 2 | ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND PROCEDURES

Dispositive motions must be filed by the deadline entered in the scheduling order, which is left blank in the document.

Dispositive Motions shall be filed by no later than ____________.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases

Page 2 | Case Dispositive Motions

Motions in limine, including Daubert motions and motions to exclude testimony, must be filed by the deadline entered in the order, which is left blank in the document.

Motions in Limine (including Daubert motions, or any motion to exclude all or part of a witness’s testimony) shall be filed no later than _____________.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases

Page 2 | Routine Civil Motions

Filing Fees and Waivers

The trial fee must be paid by the pretrial conference date; if unpaid for two business days after that conference, the case will be removed from the trial calendar and a new date will be scheduled upon payment.

i. Trial Fee. The trial fee shall be paid no later than the date of the pretrial conference. If the trial fee is not paid within two business days of the pretrial conference, the case will be removed from the Court’s trial calendar. A new trial date will be scheduled upon payment of the trial fee.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026 · Civil cases

Page 4 | i. Trial Fee

The trial fee must be paid by the date of the pretrial conference.

The trial fee shall be paid no later than the date of the pretrial conference.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026 · Civil cases

Page 4 | Trial Fee

Failure to pay the trial fee within two business days after the pretrial conference results in removal from the trial calendar.

If the trial fee is not paid within two business days of the pretrial conference, the case will be removed from the Court’s trial calendar.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026 · Civil cases

Page 4 | Trial Fee

Courtesy Copy Requirements

One courtesy copy of a routine motion and one courtesy copy of its response, including exhibits, must be delivered to chambers.

A courtesy copy of both the motion and response (with exhibits) must be delivered to chambers.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

A response to a routine motion requires one courtesy copy, including exhibits, delivered to Judge Augusthy’s chambers.

Responses are due no later than 7 calendar days after the filing of the motion, with one courtesy copy of a response (with exhibits) delivered to Judge Augusthy in chambers.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases

Page 6 | ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND PROCEDURES

Routine motions must be filed at least 15 calendar days before the noticed presentation date, with one courtesy copy including exhibits delivered to Judge Augusthy’s chambers.

Motions must be filed no less than 15 calendar days prior to the noticed presentation date with one courtesy copy (with exhibits) delivered to Judge Augusthy in chambers.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases

Page 6 | ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND PROCEDURES

For a case-dispositive motion and response, file the originals with the Prothonotary’s Office and deliver one courtesy copy, including exhibits, to Judge Augusthy’s chambers.

The original motion and the response thereto shall be filed with the Prothonotary’s Office with one courtesy copy (with exhibits) delivered to Judge Augusthy in chambers.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases

Page 6 | ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND PROCEDURES

A dispositive motion and its response each require one courtesy copy with exhibits delivered to Judge Augusthy’s chambers.

The original motion and the response thereto shall be filed with the Prothonotary’s Office with one courtesy copy (with exhibits) delivered to Judge Augusthy in chambers.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases

Page 6 | Case Dispositive Motions

One courtesy copy of a routine civil motion, including its exhibits, must be delivered to Judge Augusthy’s chambers.

Motions must be filed no less than 15 calendar days prior to the noticed presentation date with one courtesy copy (with exhibits) delivered to Judge Augusthy in chambers.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases

Page 6 | Routine Civil Motions

One courtesy copy of a routine-motion response, including its exhibits, must be delivered to Judge Augusthy’s chambers.

Responses are due no later than 7 calendar days after the filing of the motion, with one courtesy copy of a response (with exhibits) delivered to Judge Augusthy in chambers.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases

Page 6 | Routine Civil Motions

One courtesy copy of the dispositive motion, response, and reply should be promptly delivered to chambers.

The original motion, response, and reply should be e-filed with 1 courtesy copy promptly delivered to chambers.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Adjournment & Extension Requirements

A motion to continue a trial date must be scheduled as a routine motion and address the position or unavailability of every other party.

A motion to continue a trial date shall be scheduled as a routine motion and must state the position of each other party or otherwise represent that opposing counsel or the self-represented party could not be reached.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026

Page 1 | Motions & Briefing — Routine Motions

A motion to continue a trial date must be filed as a routine motion and include each other party’s position or state that opposing counsel or the self-represented party could not be reached.

A Motion to Continue a Trial Date shall be filed as a routine motion and must include the position of each other party or otherwise represent that opposing counsel or a self-represented party could not be reached.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026 · Civil cases

Page 6 | ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND PROCEDURES

Scheduling-order deadlines are firm, extensions may be denied absent good cause, and amendments require a court order entered on an appropriate motion or party stipulation using the specified form.

Failure to meet these deadlines, absent good cause shown, may result in the Court refusing to allow extensions regardless of the consequences. Amendments to this Trial Scheduling Order must be by Order of the Court on appropriate motion or stipulation of the parties using the form included under Judge Augusthy’s preferences.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026 · Civil cases

Page 5 | Trial Scheduling Order

A Motion to Continue a Trial Date must be filed as a routine motion and state each other party’s position or explain that opposing counsel or the self-represented party could not be reached.

A Motion to Continue a Trial Date shall be filed as a routine motion and must include the position of each other party or otherwise represent that opposing counsel or a self-represented party could not be reached.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026 · Civil cases

Page 6 | Routine Civil Motions

After the Administrative Specialist contacts all parties, plaintiff's counsel may request an indefinite postponement on behalf of all parties when all counsel expect an early settlement.

After the Administrative Specialist reaches out to all parties, if all counsel believe that the case is likely to settle soon, counsel for plaintiff(s), speaking for all parties, may write the Court requesting that the scheduling of a trial date be postponed. Unless ordered otherwise, scheduling will be indefinitely postponed.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 1 | Initial Stages — Trial Scheduling

Failure to meet Trial Scheduling Order deadlines without good cause may result in denial of an extension.

Failure to meet deadlines, without good cause, may result in the Court's refusal to allow extensions.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 1 | Initial Stages — Trial Scheduling

Chambers Communication Rules

Plaintiff’s counsel must immediately notify chambers by email if the case settles.

In the event the case settles, Plaintiff’s Counsel shall notify chambers immediately by e-mail to Kimberly.Henson@Delaware.gov.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026 · Civil cases

Page 6 | ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND PROCEDURES

Counsel must obtain a hearing date and time from Judge Augusthy’s chambers by email before noticing a dispositive motion.

Counsel shall notice dispositive motions by obtaining a date and time from Judge Augusthy’s Chambers by emailing Kimberly.Henson@Delaware.gov.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026 · Civil cases

Page 6 | Case Dispositive Motions

Notice of a fax transmission to chambers or the prothonotary must be provided by phone or email.

Please advise the Administrative Specialist or Civil Case Manager by phone or email that a FAX transmission has been or is about to be sent to chambers or the prothonotary.

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 1, 2026

Page 1 | Communications

Counsel should immediately notify the three specified chambers recipients by email when mediation resolves or the case settles.

If mediation resolves the case, or in the event the case settles, Counsel should notify chambers immediately by email to Judge Augusthy's Administrative Specialist, Civil Case Manager, and Law Clerk.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026

Page 1 | Initial Stages — Trial Scheduling

Plaintiff’s counsel must immediately notify chambers by email if the case settles.

In the event the case settles, Plaintiff’s Counsel shall notify chambers immediately by e-mail to Kimberly.Henson@Delaware.gov.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026 · Civil cases

Page 6 | Settlement Negotiations

An attorney who believes a motion needs more argument time should contact the Administrative Specialist to request another date and time.

Any attorney should contact Judge Augusthy's Administrative Specialist if that attorney believes the complexity or length of the argument on a motion suggests that another date and time would be more feasible.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026

Page 1 | Motions & Briefing — Routine Motions

Counsel must obtain available dispositive-motion oral-argument dates and times through the Administrative Specialist.

Counsel must obtain possible dates and times for oral argument on dispositive motions through Judge Augusthy's Administrative Specialist.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 1 | Motions & Briefing — Dispositive and Daubert Motions

Counsel must obtain a hearing date and time from Judge Augusthy’s chambers by emailing Kimberly.Henson@Delaware.gov before noticing a dispositive motion.

Counsel shall notice dispositive motions by obtaining a date and time from Judge Augusthy’s Chambers by emailing Kimberly.Henson@Delaware.gov.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases

Page 6 | ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND PROCEDURES

Counsel must promptly notify the relevant Judicial Case Manager when an omitted related-case reference results in assignment to a different judge.

If counsel belatedly realizes that the Case Information Statement(s) omitted reference to another pending case and that the subsequent civil case was assigned to a different judge, please promptly notify the Judicial Case Manager for the judge assigned to the subsequently filed case.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 1 | Initial Stages — Related Cases

Questions about routine motions should be directed to Judge Augusthy's Civil Case Manager.

Questions regarding routine motions should be addressed to Judge Augusthy's Civil Case Manager.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 1 | Motions & Briefing — Routine Motions

Court-wide rules

Applies court-wide

These 167 rules apply across Superior Court of Delaware, New Castle County. Where this judge's own standing orders above address the same topic, the judge's requirement controls.

Filing Requirements

All 50
  • Applies to
    Pending appeals inventory

    The Prothonotary of each county must prepare a Pending Appeals Inventory at the end of each month.

  • Applies to
    Case information statement

    A party identifies a qualifying case by entering the CCLD civil case code and Complex Commercial Litigation civil case type on the Case Information Statement.

  • Applies to
    Pleadings and other filed papers

    All pleadings and other papers filed with the court must include CCLD.

Filing Timing

All 30
  • A motion opposing CCLD case identification must be filed before the Rule 16 scheduling conference unless the Panel Judge directs otherwise, and filing it does not extend deadlines for other pleadings, motions, or responses.

  • For non-expedited Rule 7(c)(1) motions, the general briefing schedule calls for an opening brief 30 days after filing, an answering brief 30 days later, and a reply 15 days after that.

  • Deadline
    14 calendar days

    For non-expedited motions other than Rule 7(c)(1) motions, the opposition is generally due 14 calendar days after filing and the reply seven calendar days later.

Communication

All 23
  • A lawyer should give all affected parties reasonable notice, whenever possible, before communicating with a court concerning pending or prospective litigation.

  • Ex parte communications with the court on pending matters should be avoided unless permitted by law.

  • Contact
    Email to duty judge

    Direct email to judicial officers is reserved for a true emergency arising outside regular business hours.

Formatting

All 11
  • Appendices and compendia should use tabs.

  • Parties should submit joint exhibits rather than separate plaintiff or defense exhibit sets.

  • Exhibits should be organized chronologically, or, when chronological ordering is not feasible in a highly expedited matter, parties should provide a chronological exhibit list as soon as practicable.

About Judge Sonia Augusthy

The Honorable Sonia Augusthy was appointed to the Superior Court of Delaware by Governor Matt Meyer on May 16, 2025.

Administrative contact: Kimberly Henson. Chambers phone: (302) 255-0626. Preference page updated September 8, 2026.

Common questions about Judge Sonia Augusthy's rules

Are courtesy copies required for Judge Sonia Augusthy?

Courtesy-copy rule applies for motions, responses, and exhibits. One courtesy copy of a routine motion and one courtesy copy of its response, including exhibits, must be delivered to chambers.

What page or word limits apply to brief before Judge Sonia Augusthy?

Judge Sonia Augusthy's rule states these limits: 6 pages; 6 pages; 6 pages. A dispositive motion, response, and reply are each limited to 6 pages unless prior permission to exceed the limit is granted.

View ruleSource: page 1, section Motions & Briefing — Dispositive and Daubert Motions

What page or word limits apply to case dispositive motion before Judge Sonia Augusthy?

Judge Sonia Augusthy's rule states these limits: 6 pages; 6 pages. A case-dispositive motion and its response may not exceed 6 pages each and must include a notice page stating the hearing date and time.

View ruleSource: page 6, section ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND PROCEDURES

What formatting rules apply to filings before Judge Sonia Augusthy?

Judge Sonia Augusthy's formatting rule includes do not use paper clips, binder clips, or metal three-ring fasteners. and staple or bind the documents.. Briefs, exhibits, and appendices may not use paper clips, binder clips, or metal three-ring fasteners and must be stapled or bound.

View ruleSource: page 1, section Motions & Briefing — Formatting

What must be included with filings before Judge Sonia Augusthy?

The rule identifies required filing content or certificates. Every communication to the Court or its staff must identify the case, civil action number, and represented party.

View ruleSource: page 1, section Communications

What must be included with letter filings before Judge Sonia Augusthy?

The rule identifies required filing content or certificates. A letter requesting court action must state every party's position or explain reasonable efforts to reach opposing counsel or a self-represented party.

View ruleSource: page 1, section Communications

How may parties contact Judge Sonia Augusthy's chambers?

Counsel must obtain available dispositive-motion oral-argument dates and times through the Administrative Specialist.

View ruleSource: page 1, section Motions & Briefing — Dispositive and Daubert Motions

How do I request an adjournment or extension before Judge Sonia Augusthy?

Advance notice is not fully stated in the structured details. The request must include adversary position. A motion to continue a trial date must be scheduled as a routine motion and address the position or unavailability of every other party.

View ruleSource: page 1, section Motions & Briefing — Routine Motions

Is electronic filing required before Judge Sonia Augusthy?

Yes. Electronic filing is required for the covered filings. A letter to Judge Augusthy must be electronically docketed and emailed to specified chambers personnel; a courtesy hard copy is unnecessary.

View ruleSource: page 1, section Communications

Are filing fees or waivers addressed before Judge Sonia Augusthy?

A fee is required for covered filings. The trial fee must be paid by the pretrial conference date; if unpaid for two business days after that conference, the case will be removed from the trial calendar and a new date will be scheduled upon payment.

View ruleSource: page 4, section i. Trial Fee

What filing deadlines does Judge Sonia Augusthy set?

After trial scheduling is postponed, plaintiff's counsel must file a status report within 60 days of the postponed conference unless the Court orders otherwise.

View ruleSource: page 1, section Initial Stages — Trial Scheduling
Complete rules summary for Judge Sonia Augusthy

Notice of a fax transmission to chambers or the prothonotary must be provided by phone or email.

Every communication to the Court or its staff must identify the case, civil action number, and represented party.

A letter to Judge Augusthy must be electronically docketed and emailed to specified chambers personnel; a courtesy hard copy is unnecessary.

A letter requesting court action must state every party's position or explain reasonable efforts to reach opposing counsel or a self-represented party.

When possible, requests for court action should be filed by motion with a Notice of Motion, Certificate of Service, and proposed Form of Order.

The standing-order references to counsel apply to self-represented parties as well.

The Case Information Statement must identify related pending Superior Court cases to facilitate assignment to the same judge.

Counsel must promptly notify the relevant Judicial Case Manager when an omitted related-case reference results in assignment to a different judge.

Failure to meet Trial Scheduling Order deadlines without good cause may result in denial of an extension.

A Trial Scheduling Order may be amended only by motion or joint stipulation and requires court approval; a motion must address the position or unavailability of every other party.

A discovery or expert-deadline extension request should state that remaining dates are unaffected, use an Amended Trial Scheduling Order, and list original and proposed or agreed dates.

After the Administrative Specialist contacts all parties, plaintiff's counsel may request an indefinite postponement on behalf of all parties when all counsel expect an early settlement.

After trial scheduling is postponed, plaintiff's counsel must file a status report within 60 days of the postponed conference unless the Court orders otherwise.

Counsel should immediately notify the three specified chambers recipients by email when mediation resolves or the case settles.

Exhibits, brief appendices, courtesy motion copies, and letter applications must be individually tabbed.

Briefs, exhibits, and appendices may not use paper clips, binder clips, or metal three-ring fasteners and must be stapled or bound.

Citations to unreported decisions must use Westlaw format.

Exhibits and unreported cases not cited in Westlaw should be attached to briefs and motions, or placed in a separate compendium when volume makes attachment impracticable.

An attorney who believes a motion needs more argument time should contact the Administrative Specialist to request another date and time.

Routine motions must be filed at least 15 calendar days before the noticed date, and responses are due within 7 calendar days after filing.

One courtesy copy of a routine motion and one courtesy copy of its response, including exhibits, must be delivered to chambers.

A motion to continue a trial date must be scheduled as a routine motion and address the position or unavailability of every other party.

A motion to continue a trial date must state each other party's position or explain that opposing counsel or the self-represented party could not be reached.

Questions about routine motions should be directed to Judge Augusthy's Civil Case Manager.

Counsel must obtain available dispositive-motion oral-argument dates and times through the Administrative Specialist.

An oral-argument time for a dispositive motion may be canceled if the motion is not filed within 4 days after the time is obtained.

A response with all supporting authority to a dispositive motion is due within 14 days after filing, excluding weekends and holidays.

A reply to a dispositive-motion response is due within 7 days after filing the response, excluding weekends and holidays.

The original dispositive motion, response, and reply should be electronically filed with one courtesy copy promptly delivered to chambers.

One courtesy copy of the dispositive motion, response, and reply should be promptly delivered to chambers.

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