Delaware Code
Chapter 39. PLEADING AND PRACTICE
§ 3912. Counsel fees; recovering in actions on written instruments.

In all causes of action, suits, matters or proceedings brought for the enforcement of any note, bond, mechanics lien, mortgage, invoice or other instrument of writing, if the plaintiff or lien holder in the action, suit or proceeding recovers judgment in any sum, the plaintiff or lien holder may also recover reasonable counsel fees, which shall be entered as a part of the judgment in the action, suit or proceeding. Such counsel fees shall not in any such action, suit or proceeding, exceed 20 percent of the amount adjudged for principal and interest. Such counsel fees shall not be entered as a part of such judgment unless the note, bond, mortgage, invoice or other instrument of writing sued upon, by the terms thereof, expressly provides for the payment and allowance thereof, except in the cases of mechanic's liens in which no express agreement shall be necessary in order to entitle the lien holder to reasonable counsel fees.

Structure Delaware Code

Delaware Code

Title 10 - Courts and Judicial Procedure

Chapter 39. PLEADING AND PRACTICE

§ 3901. Affidavits of defense; judgments by default on written instruments; opening judgments.

§ 3902. Assignee suing in own name.

§ 3903. Bail bonds, recognizances, peace bonds or appearance bonds; actions on.

§ 3904. Suits and judgments by and against unincorporated associations.

§ 3905. Action for detention of goods and chattels.

§ 3906. Action to recover goods seized by execution or attachment.

§ 3907. Demand in actions to recover goods and chattels; necessity for proof.

§ 3908. Judgments by confession; warrant of attorney.

§ 3909. Complaint, declaration or cognovit upon judgments D.S.B. (debt without a writ—debitum sine breve).

§ 3910. Disclaimer of interest by defendant; interpleader.

§ 3911. Recognizance of plaintiff upon interpleader.

§ 3912. Counsel fees; recovering in actions on written instruments.

§ 3913. Counterclaim in suits by or against executors or administrators.

§ 3914. Proof of partnership.

§ 3915. Proof of incorporation or corporate existence.

§ 3916. Proof of agency in operation of motor vehicle.

§ 3917. Proof of signatures in actions or written instruments.

§ 3918. Recognizance of applicant for certiorari to justice of the peace.

§ 3919. Defense in civil libel actions.

§ 3920. Actions for price of newspapers or magazines received by mail; necessity for express order.

§ 3921. Presumption of proper administration of oath.

§ 3922. Destruction of property by minors; recovery of damages from parents.

§ 3923. Prosecution and defense of actions by persons of the age of 18 years or older.

§ 3924. Causes of action abolished for alienation of affections, criminal conversation, seduction, enticement and breach of contract to marry.

§ 3925. Public officers and employees.

§ 3926. Production of records, jurisdiction.

§ 3926A. Production of reproductive health services records.

§ 3927. Unsworn declarations under penalty of perjury.

§ 3928. Limitations and protections against actions relating to the termination of pregnancy.

§ 3929. Recouperation of out-of-state judgments related to reproductive health services.

§ 3930. Civil action for public nuisance by firearm industry member.

§ 3931. Civil actions for tortious injuries, including death, to lawfully-owned pets [Expires October 14, 2025].