Delaware Child Support Calculator (2026)

Estimate your child support payments in Delaware using our free calculator based on the official DE Guidelines (DE Family Court CPI Rule 502). Enter your income details below to get an instant estimate.

Delaware Child Support Calculator

Based on Delaware's 2024 DE Guidelines (DE Family Court CPI Rule 502)

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This is an estimate only. See our full disclaimer.

Key Facts: Child Support in Delaware

  • Delaware uses the Melson Formula, originally developed in Delaware by Judge Elwood F. Melson Jr.
  • Each parent receives a self-support allowance of $1,300 per month before child support is calculated.
  • The primary support need per child is set at $400 per month under Delaware guidelines.
  • A 15% standard of living adjustment (SOLA) is applied to remaining income after basic needs are met.
  • Delaware bases calculations on net income after taxes and mandatory deductions.

Source: DE Guidelines (DE Family Court CPI Rule 502) • Last verified: 2026-05-30

How Much Is Child Support in Delaware?

If you make $60,000 a year in Delaware, child support for 1 child is estimated at $788 per month ($9,456 per year) based on the DE Guidelines (DE Family Court CPI Rule 502). This is calculated after subtracting the self-support allowance and applying the standard of living adjustment.

If you make $1,000 a week ($52,000/year) in Delaware, child support for 1 child is approximately $693/month.

Delaware Child Support Estimates by Income (2026)

Annual Income 1 Child 2 Children 3 Children
$40,000/yr $558/mo $811/mo $1,064/mo
$50,000/yr $670/mo $909/mo $1,149/mo
$60,000/yr $788/mo $1,021/mo $1,254/mo
$70,000/yr $909/mo $1,138/mo $1,367/mo
$80,000/yr $1,031/mo $1,257/mo $1,483/mo
$100,000/yr $1,278/mo $1,500/mo $1,723/mo
$120,000/yr $1,526/mo $1,746/mo $1,967/mo

Based on the Melson Formula with standard assumptions. Actual amounts vary based on individual circumstances. Compare all states →

How Child Support Is Calculated in Delaware

Delaware uses the Melson Formula model to calculate child support obligations. This model first ensures each parent retains enough income for their own basic needs (self-support allowance), then calculates the child's primary support need, and finally applies a standard of living adjustment.

Factors That Affect Child Support in Delaware

Both parents' net monthly incomes
Number of children requiring support
Self-support allowance for each parent
Primary support need per child
Health insurance premiums for the children
Work-related child care expenses
Extraordinary medical expenses
Standard of living adjustment on remaining income

Important Notes for Delaware

  • Delaware uses the Melson Formula, a model originally developed in Delaware by Judge Elwood F. Melson Jr.
  • The formula first ensures each parent can meet their own basic needs through a self-support allowance before allocating child support obligations.
  • A standard of living adjustment (SOLA) of 15% is applied to remaining net income after the self-support allowance and primary child support needs are met.

Example Child Support Calculation in Delaware

Scenario: Parent A earns $5,000/month, Parent B earns $3,000/month, 2 children.

Step 1: Combined monthly income: $5,000 + $3,000 = $8,000

Step 2: Parent A's income share: $5,000 / $8,000 = 62.5%

Step 3: Look up basic obligation from the guidelines schedule for $8,000 combined income and 2 children.

Step 4: Multiply the basic obligation by Parent A's share (62.5%) to determine their payment.

Note: Additional adjustments for health insurance, child care, and parenting time may apply.

Frequently Asked Questions About Delaware Child Support

How is child support calculated in Delaware?
Delaware uses the Melson Formula, which was originally developed in the state. First, each parent's self-support allowance ($1,300/month) is subtracted from their net income. Second, the primary support need for each child ($400/month) is allocated between parents based on their income shares. Third, a 15% standard of living adjustment is applied to any remaining income.
What is the Melson Formula and why does Delaware use it?
The Melson Formula was created by Delaware Family Court Judge Elwood F. Melson Jr. It is a three-step model that first protects each parent's ability to meet their own basic needs, then ensures the child's basic needs are met, and finally allows children to share in any additional parental income through a standard of living adjustment.
What counts as net income for Delaware child support?
Delaware uses net income, which is gross income minus federal and state taxes, Social Security, Medicare, mandatory retirement contributions, and health insurance premiums for the parent. All sources of income are considered, including wages, self-employment income, bonuses, and investment income.
Can Delaware child support orders be modified?
Yes, Delaware child support orders can be modified when there is a substantial change in circumstances, such as a significant increase or decrease in either parent's income, a change in custody arrangements, or changes in the child's needs. Either parent can petition the Family Court for a modification.
How long does child support last in Delaware?
In Delaware, child support typically continues until the child turns 18. However, support may be extended to age 19 if the child is still a full-time high school student. Support may also continue for a child with a disability who is unable to be self-supporting.

About This Calculator

This calculator uses the official DE Guidelines (DE Family Court CPI Rule 502) (2024 guidelines) to estimate child support in Delaware. Calculations were last verified against the official source on 2026-05-30.

Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates only and does not constitute legal advice. Actual child support amounts are determined by Delaware courts and may differ based on factors not included here. For legal advice, consult a Delaware family law attorney.

Our methodology: Based on the Melson Formula model as defined in the DE Guidelines (DE Family Court CPI Rule 502). Updated for 2026.

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