Delaware § 309 - Conveyance of real estate between spouses.

Full text of Delaware Delaware Code § 309 — Conveyance of real estate between spouses., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 309. Conveyance of real estate between spouses.

(a) The following conveyances between spouses of real estate or any interest therein, located in this State shall be valid and effective in law and equity:

(1) By either spouse, in any estate or tenancy other than tenancy by the entirety, without the joinder of the other spouse, to both spouses in any estate or tenancy;

(2) By either spouse, in any estate or tenancy other than tenancy by the entirety, without the joinder of the other spouse, to the other spouse alone;

(3) By either spouse, without the joinder of the other spouse, to the other spouse alone of the grantor spouse’s entire interest in any real estate, or interest therein, held in tenancy by the entirety;

(4) By both spouses, in any estate or tenancy, to both spouses in any estate or tenancy;

(5) By both spouses, in any estate or tenancy, to either spouse alone.

(b) Any conveyance authorized by paragraph (a)(1) or (a)(4) of this section made by the grantor to both spouses, either as joint tenants with right of survivorship or as tenants by the entirety, shall, if otherwise valid, be as fully effective to vest either an estate in joint tenancy with right of survivorship or an estate as tenants by the entirety, as the case may be, in such real estate, in the grantees as if the same had been conveyed by the grantor therein to a third party and by such third party to said grantees.

(c) Property held by the entireties shall not be subject to the claims of a creditor of only 1 spouse.

(d) All conveyances described in subsection (a) of this section made before, on, or after June 29, 2023 shall be deemed valid ab initio.

25 Del. C. 1953, §  309;  55 Del. Laws, c. 247;  68 Del. Laws, c. 318, §  1;  70 Del Laws, c. 186,, §  1;  71 Del. Laws, c. 333, §  1;  84 Del. Laws, c. 69, § 1; 

Source: official Delaware text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Delaware § 309

What does Delaware Code § 309 cover?

Section 309 ("Conveyance of real estate between spouses.") is part of the Delaware Code, the codified statutory law of Delaware. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Delaware § 309?

A common citation format is "Delaware Code § 309" (Delaware). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Delaware law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Delaware official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Delaware attorney.

How does Delaware § 309 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Delaware can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Delaware.