How to change child support in Delaware

How and when to ask for a new amount, with a review letter.

Checked against official sources: Oct 25, 2026.

Short answer

To modify an order means to change the amount by a new order. Any time after 2 1/2 years since support was last calculated. Sooner only for a substantial change in circumstances that you did not cause (income, health insurance, child care or private school costs, number of children), stated with particularity, and only if the new amount differs by more than 10%.

Agency review
Every 3 years if a parent asks (federal law)
First form
Petition for Child Support Modification (Form 342)

When Delaware allows a change

Any time after 2 1/2 years since support was last calculated. Sooner only for a substantial change in circumstances that you did not cause (income, health insurance, child care or private school costs, number of children), stated with particularity, and only if the new amount differs by more than 10%. A formula revision alone is not a reason to modify.

Law: Del. Fam. Ct. Civ. R. 500-510; Instructions for Child Support Calculation (Form 509i, rev. 2/26)

Can I ask for a change? Check your situation

Delaware's rule: Any time after 2 1/2 years since support was last calculated. Sooner only for a substantial change in circumstances that you did not cause (income, health insurance, child care or private school costs, number of children), stated with particularity, and only if the new amount differs by more than 10%. A formula revision alone is not a reason to modify.

Law: Del. Fam. Ct. Civ. R. 500-510; Instructions for Child Support Calculation (Form 509i, rev. 2/26)

Until a new order is made, the current amount is still owed. A change can count only from the date the other parent gets notice of your request, so ask soon.

Law: 42 U.S.C. 666(a)(9)

How to ask in Delaware: File a Petition for Child Support Modification in Family Court, or ask DCSS to file it; there is no filing fee if the parent receiving support is a DCSS client. Mediation comes first, then a Commissioner hearing if needed.

How to ask for a change in Delaware

File a Petition for Child Support Modification in Family Court, or ask DCSS to file it; there is no filing fee if the parent receiving support is a DCSS client. Mediation comes first, then a Commissioner hearing if needed.

Source: Form 342

Write to the child support agency to ask for a review: Ask the agency to review (change) your order

What changed in 2024–2026 in Delaware

Family Court revised the Delaware Child Support Formula effective February 1, 2026: $1,600 self-support allowance, $160/$240 minimum orders, presumptive minimum income of $2,390 a month, and a 35-hour work week for imputing income. Allowances are now adjusted each February 1 to the federal poverty guidelines.

Law: Civil Rules 500-510

Jail, prison and support

State guidelines may not treat time in jail or prison as choosing not to work, when support is set or changed.

Law: 45 CFR 302.56(c)(3)

In nearby states

Steps to change support in Delaware

  1. Read your current order

    The date of the order matters for the rule.

  2. Compare with the rule

    Delaware's rule: Any time after 2 1/2 years since support was last calculated. Sooner only for a substantial change in circumstances that you did not cause (income, health insurance, child care or private school costs, number of children), stated with particularity, and only if the new amount differs by more than 10%.

  3. Show the change

    Pay stubs, a job loss letter or proof of new costs show what changed.

  4. Send your request

    Request a review from Delaware Department of Health and Social Services, Division of Child Support Services (DCSS) ((302) 577-7171) · Apply online

Free help in Delaware

Questions about changing support in Delaware

How often can I ask for a change in Delaware?

Any time after 2 1/2 years since support was last calculated. Sooner only for a substantial change in circumstances that you did not cause (income, health insurance, child care or private school costs, number of children), stated with particularity, and only if the new amount differs by more than 10%. A formula revision alone is not a reason to modify.

How do I ask to change child support in Delaware?

File a Petition for Child Support Modification in Family Court, or ask DCSS to file it; there is no filing fee if the parent receiving support is a DCSS client. Mediation comes first, then a Commissioner hearing if needed.

More for Delaware

Sources

Sources

Last checked: Oct 25, 2026.

Federal sources