Delaware Child Support Calculator
Calculate estimated child support using Delaware's official guidelines
About Delaware's Guidelines
Melson Formula - ensures parents meet own needs first
Note: Three-step calculation: primary support, standard of living adjustment, additional support
Key Information
- •Model: Melson Formula
- •Last Updated: January 15, 2024
Common Deviation Factors
Monthly Income
Melson Formula: Delaware ensures each parent can meet their own basic needs (self-support reserve) before calculating child support. Income below the reserve threshold may result in a minimum support order.
Children & Custody
Additional Monthly Expenses
Estimates only — not legal advice. Consult a Delaware family law attorney for official calculations.
Official Delaware Court Forms
Download official court forms from the Delaware judiciary website. These are free, legally valid forms for your family court case.
Child Support Forms
Official petitions & worksheets
Modification Forms
Request changes to orders
Financial Disclosure
Income & expense statements
These links go to official Delaware court websites. Forms are free and provided by the state judiciary.
Delaware Child Support Guidelines
Delaware uses the Delaware Melson Formula (Family Court Civil Rule 52(c)) to determine child support obligations. The Melson Formula is an advanced version of the Income Shares model that first ensures each parent can meet their own basic needs through a self-support reserve before allocating child support. It also provides for a standard of living adjustment when income exceeds basic needs.
Delaware has several distinctive features in its child support system. Delaware developed the Melson Formula (named after Judge Elwood Melson) — one of only three states using this model. The formula has three steps: (1) ensure each parent can meet their own basic needs, (2) meet children's basic needs, (3) share any remaining income proportionally. The Standard of Living Adjustment (SOLA) is unique to Melson — it shares surplus income above basic needs with children.
Delaware bases calculations on net income — meaning income after mandatory deductions like taxes, Social Security, and Medicare. This gives a more accurate picture of each parent's take-home pay. The self-support reserve in Delaware is $1,250/month, ensuring the paying parent retains enough income to cover basic living expenses.
How Delaware Calculates Child Support
Delaware follows a 6-step process under the Delaware Melson Formula (Family Court Civil Rule 52(c)):
- 1
Calculate each parent's net monthly income after taxes and mandatory deductions
- 2
Step 1 — Primary Support: Subtract the self-support reserve ($1,250) from each parent's net income. If income is below the reserve, a minimal order may apply
- 3
Step 2 — Basic Child Support: From each parent's remaining income, calculate their share of the children's primary support needs using the per-child allowance
- 4
Step 3 — Standard of Living Adjustment (SOLA): Any income remaining after Steps 1 and 2 is shared with the children based on a percentage to maintain their standard of living
- 5
Add each parent's pro-rata share of childcare and unreimbursed medical expenses
- 6
The non-custodial parent's total from Steps 2 and 3, plus their share of additional costs, is the support order
Income Thresholds & Key Numbers in Delaware
Self-Support Reserve
$1,250/mo
Shared Custody Threshold
110 nights/yr
30% of overnights
Income Basis
net
Sample Obligation Schedule
| Combined Monthly Income | 1 Child | 2 Children | 3 Children |
|---|---|---|---|
| $2,000 | $280 | $400 | $490 |
| $4,000 | $500 | $720 | $880 |
| $6,000 | $700 | $1,010 | $1,235 |
| $10,000 | $1,050 | $1,520 | $1,860 |
* Simplified schedule. Actual amounts may vary based on additional factors.
Custody Time Adjustments in Delaware
Delaware recognizes "Shared Placement" when the non-custodial parent has the children for at least 110 overnights per year (approximately 30% of the time). When this threshold is met, the standard child support formula is adjusted to reflect the increased direct expenses borne by both parents.
Under the Melson Formula used in Delaware, shared custody adjustments apply after the basic needs and standard of living calculations. The formula accounts for duplicated fixed costs (like maintaining two bedrooms) while reducing variable costs proportionally to the time spent with each parent.
Below 110 overnights, Delaware generally treats the arrangement as a sole custody situation with standard visitation, and no custody time adjustment is applied to the child support calculation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Delaware Child Support
What is the Melson Formula?
What is the self-support reserve in Delaware?
What is the SOLA in Delaware child support?
How to Reduce Child Support Costs in Delaware
While child support is determined by Delaware's guidelines, there are legitimate ways to ensure your obligation is calculated fairly.
Increase Parenting Time
In Delaware, more overnights with your children can reduce your support obligation. Document actual time spent and request a formal custody modification if needed.
Ensure Accurate Income Reporting
Both parents' incomes must be reported accurately. Verify that bonuses, overtime, and variable income are averaged correctly over the appropriate period.
Claim All Allowable Deductions
Delaware allows deductions for items like mandatory retirement contributions, union dues, and health insurance premiums. Make sure all qualifying deductions are included.
Request a Modification When Eligible
If your income has decreased by 15-25% or more, you may qualify for a modification. File promptly — changes are typically not retroactive before the filing date.
Account for Other Children
If you have other children you're legally obligated to support, this can be factored into the calculation as a deduction in most states.
Review Healthcare & Childcare Costs
Ensure shared expenses like health insurance and childcare are divided proportionally. If costs have changed, update the court.
Key Facts About Child Support in Delaware
Calculation Model
Melson Formula
Guidelines Source
State Statute
Review Frequency
Every 4 Years
Last Updated
January 15, 2024
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