(302) 225-3350 Mon – Fri: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM 5 Statewide Delaware Locations
Affiliate: Best Abstract, LLC (PA) Founded 2005
Delaware's Premier Real Estate & Settlement Counsel

Your Legal Team for Life’s Biggest Occasions

Since 2005, Ward & Taylor, LLC has united rigorous attention to detail, accessible communication, and high standards of service. Whether closing on your dream home, structuring commercial real estate, or protecting family wealth, our 12 attorneys provide sound counsel and total peace of mind.

20+ Years of Legal Excellence
12 Accomplished Attorneys
5 Statewide DE Offices

Delaware Settlement Excellence

Rigorous Legal Protection & Escrow Security
End-to-End Closings: Complete title examinations, deed preparation, survey reviews & lender coordination.
Delaware Good Funds Compliance: Certified escrow handling with verified telephone wire protocols.
VA-Accredited Estate Counsel: Specialized elder law & estate planning for military veterans & families.
Pennsylvania Transactions: Managed through our dedicated affiliate, Best Abstract, LLC.
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Comprehensive Legal Counsel

Our Core Legal Practice Areas

Guiding individuals, business entities, and real estate professionals through complex transactions and long-term estate preservation.

Primary Specialty

Residential Real Estate

Complete settlement representation for home buyers, sellers, and refinancing homeowners across Delaware. We review purchase agreements, clear title defects, handle escrow, and guarantee seamless closing day logistics.

Commercial Services

Commercial Real Estate

Full lifecycle commercial representation across New Castle, Kent, and Sussex Counties. Handling commercial contracts, letters of intent, land use and municipal zoning compliance, loan documentation, and commercial title insurance.

Wealth Preservation

Estate Planning & Trusts

Comprehensive estate structuring including Last Will & Testaments, Revocable Living Trusts, Durable Financial Powers of Attorney, and Advance Healthcare Directives. Featuring dedicated VA-accredited military counsel for veterans.

Corporate Law

Business Formations (LLCs)

Tailored entity structuring and Delaware LLC creation for real estate investors, developers, and entrepreneurs. Drafting custom operating agreements, securing tax IDs, and establishing robust asset protection vehicles.

Title Protection

Title Examination & Insurance

Protecting home buyers and mortgage lenders against hidden liens, unrecorded easements, and prior ownership claims. Issuing regulated owner's and lender's policies backed by leading national title insurance underwriters.

Industry Partners

CE Classes & Training Rooms

Accredited Continuing Education seminars taught by Attorney Barbara Brodoway, dedicated state-of-the-art training room facilities for realty teams, and prompt closing coordinator support for Delaware transactions.

Interactive Financial Tool

Delaware Settlement Fee Estimator

Transparent planning for home buyers and real estate professionals. Estimate typical Delaware realty transfer taxes, legal settlement fees, title insurance, and recording costs.

Transaction Details

Enter the agreed purchase contract amount.

*Note: Rates are based on standard Delaware transfer taxes and title insurance filings. Official figures are finalized on the Closing Disclosure (CD) / ALTA settlement statement.

Estimated Buyer Closing Breakdown

Buyer Transfer Tax Share: $6,375
Legal Settlement & Deed Prep: $950
Title Examination & Insurance: $1,740
County Recording & Filings: $350
Total Estimated Settlement Costs: $9,415
Client & Industry Trust

What Delaware Clients & Realtors Say

Over 20 years of five-star settlement experiences, meticulous title work, and trusted estate counsel.

★★★★★
"You can't go wrong with any of the attorneys at Ward and Taylor. Always a great experience."
Verified Delaware Client Delaware Real Estate Settlement
✓ Verified
★★★★★
"Perfect for real estate closing. Also used to update our wills, professional and quick turnaround time. Highly recommend."
Residential Client Closing & Estate Planning
✓ Verified
★★★★★
"Ward & Taylor recently handled the settlement for my home purchase. I was very pleased with their thoroughness and professionalism. I have gone through many settlements over time and realize how badly they can go, so I wanted to make sure to thank them for their efforts on my recent settlement."
Homebuyer New Castle County Purchase
✓ Verified
★★★★★
"I’ve been using Ward & Taylor for my settlements in Delaware for 10 years. They are reliable and are top notch!"
Licensed Real Estate Agent 10-Year Settlement Partner
✓ Verified
★★★★★
"I always use this firm for my investment property purchases. They make me feel safer about the home buying process."
Real Estate Investor Multi-Property Investor
✓ Verified
★★★★★
"Closed on my house here. The process was very smooth. The entire staff is very professional, nice, and they take the time to answer all questions."
Delaware Homeowner Sussex County Settlement
✓ Verified

"These guys are the best. They close all my Real Estate deals in Delaware."

— Commercial & Residential Broker Endorsement
Serving Clients Across Delaware

Five Full-Service Statewide Offices

From Northern Delaware to the Atlantic coast, Ward & Taylor provides accessible, local legal counsel wherever your real estate or estate planning matters arise.

Wilmington Office (Primary / Headquarters)

Central closing hub for New Castle County settlements, commercial escrow, and estate administration.

Physical Address

2710 Centerville Rd, Suite 200
Wilmington, DE 19808

Direct Contact Numbers

Phone: (302) 225-3350
Fax: (302) 225-3392

Office Operating Hours

Monday – Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday – Sunday: Closed

Resident Counsel & Principals

William E. Ward, Esq., Nancy Walsh Law, Esq.

Complimentary on-site surface parking directly adjacent to the building. View Full Map & Directions
Delaware Settlement Intelligence

Frequently Asked Questions

Key guidelines for home buyers, sellers, Realtors, and lenders preparing for closing day in Delaware.

Under Delaware settlement practices and Good Funds requirements:

  • Amounts under $10,000.00: A personal check is acceptable from the buyer.
  • Amounts of $10,000.00 or greater: Must be delivered via Certified Check, Cashier’s Check, or Bank Wire Transfer directly into Ward & Taylor’s escrow account prior to settlement.
  • Any excess overage brought to closing is refunded to you on the spot at the settlement table.

Real estate wire fraud is an aggressive industry risk. Ward & Taylor maintains stringent protective safeguards:

We never email wiring instructions via unencrypted digital channels, and our bank account instructions never change during a transaction. Clients must always verify wiring instructions over the phone by directly calling our published office number: (302) 225-3350 before transmitting any funds.

A Lender’s Title Insurance Policy only protects the mortgage lender’s outstanding financial lien. It offers zero legal defense or financial reimbursement to you as the homeowner if an undisclosed defect, unrecorded lien, survey encroachment, or fraudulent prior deed arises.

An Owner’s Title Insurance Policy protects your home equity and property ownership rights for a one-time premium paid at closing. In Delaware, title insurance rates are set and regulated by state authorities, offering lifetime protection for as long as you or your heirs maintain an interest in the property.

Yes. If a buyer or seller cannot physically attend settlement at one of our five Delaware offices, we can draft a formal, legally compliant Power of Attorney (POA) or coordinate a mail-away/remote notary signing package.

Crucial Reminder: If a mortgage lender is involved, the lender must review and approve any Power of Attorney well in advance of closing day. Please notify your closing paralegal immediately if you foresee an absentee closing.

Excellence in Delaware Law

Honored by Clients, Peers & Real Estate Boards

For over two decades, our attorneys have been honored with Delaware's most prestigious professional awards.

2026 NCCBOR Educator Award

Awarded to Barbara A. Brodoway, Esq. by the New Castle County Board of Realtors in recognition of statewide real estate licensing and continuing education leadership.

Realtor Board Hall of Fame

Co-Founder William E. Ward, Esq. inducted into the New Castle County Board Hall of Fame with multiple Affiliate of the Year honors.

VA-Accredited Legal Counsel

Specialized estate planning, survivor benefits, and military transition services led by VA-Accredited Attorney Robert Wolfgang Jr., Esq.

Read Complete Attorney Biographies & Credentials
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Have a Contract Ready to Submit?

Real estate agents, loan officers, buyers, and sellers can submit purchase contracts, loan disclosures, and escrow files directly to our settlement department through our secure online intake portal.