Delaware Code
Subchapter I. Organization, Administration and Operation
§ 906. Judges; selection; designation; qualifications; terms; vacancies; salaries.

(a) The Judges of the Family Court of the State in and for New Castle County and of the Family Court for Kent and Sussex Counties shall continue to serve as Judges of this Court for the remainders of their present terms. The enactment of this chapter ratifies their respective appointments and confirmations as Judges of this Court with statewide jurisdiction. All further appointments of Judges of this Court from time to time hereafter shall be made by the Governor, by and with the consent of a majority of all the members elected to the Senate. Appointments, including appointments to fill vacancies which may occur during a term, shall be for a term of 12 years.
(b) The Court shall be composed of 17 Judges of equal judicial authority. One Judge shall be the Chief Judge. No more than a majority of 1 Judge shall be members of the same political party.
(c) Appointees shall be duly admitted to the practice of law before the Supreme Court of this State for a period not less than 5 years prior to their appointment and shall be selected because of their knowledge of the law and interest in and understanding of family and child problems. They shall not practice law during their tenure and may be reappointed.
(d) One of the Judges shall be designated by the Governor as Chief Judge to hold office during the term of his or her appointment.
(e) All of the Judges shall be residents of the State for a period of 5 years immediately prior to their appointment. The Chief Judge may reside in any county of the State. After appointment, 10 of the Judges shall reside in New Castle County, 3 Judges shall reside in Kent County, and 3 Judges shall reside in Sussex County.
(f) The Chief Judge and each of the Judges of the Family Court shall receive such compensation as shall be provided by law.

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