Delaware Child Support Calculator

Estimate Your DE Child Support Payment

Delaware's calculation ensures both you and the other parent can first meet your own basic living needs. After that, your combined available income is used to cover your child's essential needs. If there's money left over, a percentage is added so your child can share in each parent's standard of living.

How the Delaware Melson Formula Works

In Delaware, the amount of time each parent spends with the child is a key factor that can adjust the final support amount. While the formula provides a starting point, the court will consider the number of overnights with each parent. In cases of significant shared parenting or 50/50 custody, the calculated support obligation may be reduced.

Delaware Child Support FAQs

At what age does child support end in DE?

In Delaware, the duty to pay child support typically ends when a child turns 18. However, if the child is still enrolled full-time in high school, the obligation continues until they graduate or turn 19, whichever occurs first.

How is child support calculated if one parent is unemployed in DE?

If a parent is voluntarily unemployed or underemployed, the court can impute income, calculating support based on their earning potential. If unemployment is involuntary, support may be calculated based on actual income, such as unemployment benefits or a presumed minimum wage earning capacity.

How do I modify a child support order in DE?

You can request a modification by filing a petition with the Family Court, but you must prove a "real and substantial change in circumstances." Delaware law presumes this standard has been met if a new calculation shows the support amount would change by 10% or more.

Does DE child support cover college expenses?

No, a parent's legal child support obligation does not extend to college or other post-secondary education expenses in Delaware. Parents may, however, create a separate, legally binding agreement to contribute to these costs.

How does DE handle health insurance and childcare costs?

These costs are considered mandatory additions to the basic child support calculation. The cost of the child's portion of health insurance premiums and necessary work-related childcare expenses are typically added to the total support need and divided between the parents proportionally to their incomes.