How child support is calculated in Delaware

The formula, the official tool, and the rules for low incomes and health insurance.

Checked against official sources: Oct 25, 2026.

Short answer

Delaware uses a version of the Melson formula, which looks at both parents' incomes and the children's basic needs. Delaware uses the Melson Formula. Each parent first keeps a self-support allowance, then each child's basic needs are covered, and if income is left the child shares in it through a standard-of-living adjustment.

Model
Melson formula
Official calculator
Official Delaware child support calculator

Where the real number comes from in Delaware

Delaware uses the Melson Formula. Each parent first keeps a self-support allowance, then each child's basic needs are covered, and if income is left the child shares in it through a standard-of-living adjustment. Overnights of 80 or more a year reduce support; 164 or more is shared placement.

Law: Del. Fam. Ct. Civ. R. 500-510 (formula revised effective February 1, 2026); 13 Del. C. 514

We don't estimate Delaware's amount here: its formula uses both parents' incomes and other facts, and a home-made number could mislead you. The official tool gives the real starting number:

Official Delaware child support calculator

Medical support in Delaware

A medical support order requires one or both parents to provide health insurance and to share uninsured medical costs by their share of income (rounded to the nearest 10%). Coverage costing more than 10% of the parent's income is presumed unaffordable; once you have coverage you must keep it until the court says otherwise.

Source: Form 509i

The low-income rule in Delaware

Each parent keeps a $1,600 monthly self-support allowance (2026 formula). The minimum order is $160 a month for one child and $240 for more than one, unless the children are in shared or split placement or the paying parent is disabled. Most orders drop to half the minimum order after 180 days in jail.

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)

How Delaware's formula works

Delaware uses the Melson Formula. Each parent first keeps a self-support allowance, then each child's basic needs are covered, and if income is left the child shares in it through a standard-of-living adjustment. Overnights of 80 or more a year reduce support; 164 or more is shared placement.

Law: Del. Fam. Ct. Civ. R. 500-510 (formula revised effective February 1, 2026); 13 Del. C. 514

The model in plain words

Melson works in layers: each parent's own basic needs, then the child's basic needs shared by income, then a standard-of-living share when there is income left.

Every state must have one set of child support guidelines, review them at least every 4 years, and use the guideline amount unless a written finding says it would be unjust.

Law: 45 CFR 302.56

In nearby states

From income to an order in Delaware

  1. Collect proof of income

    Pay stubs, tax returns and benefit letters for both parents, if you have them.

  2. Run the official numbers

    Get the guideline amount from Official Delaware child support calculator.

  3. Include other costs

    The child's health insurance and child care costs can change the amount.

  4. Ask for an order

    To get an order, contact Delaware Department of Health and Social Services, Division of Child Support Services (DCSS) ((302) 577-7171) · Apply online

Free help in Delaware

Questions about the Delaware guidelines

What formula does Delaware use for child support?

Delaware uses the Melson Formula. Each parent first keeps a self-support allowance, then each child's basic needs are covered, and if income is left the child shares in it through a standard-of-living adjustment. Overnights of 80 or more a year reduce support; 164 or more is shared placement.

Is there an official child support calculator for Delaware?

Yes: Official Delaware child support calculator.

How does Delaware treat low incomes?

Each parent keeps a $1,600 monthly self-support allowance (2026 formula). The minimum order is $160 a month for one child and $240 for more than one, unless the children are in shared or split placement or the paying parent is disabled. Most orders drop to half the minimum order after 180 days in jail.

Who pays for the child's health insurance in Delaware?

A medical support order requires one or both parents to provide health insurance and to share uninsured medical costs by their share of income (rounded to the nearest 10%). Coverage costing more than 10% of the parent's income is presumed unaffordable; once you have coverage you must keep it until the court says otherwise.

More for Delaware

Sources

Sources

Last checked: Oct 25, 2026.

Federal sources