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Delaware Child Support Calculator (2026)

In Delaware, the formula first makes sure each parent can cover their own basic living costs, then sets support for the children from both incomes, plus a share of any extra income. Use the free calculator below for an instant estimate.

How it's calculated
Both parents' income (basic needs first)
Income used
Take-home pay (after taxes)
Last updated
2026
Verified
2026-05-31

Source: DE Guidelines (DE Family Court CPI Rule 502)

Calculate Your Delaware Child Support

Free estimate — official Delaware guidelines

Your income after taxes and required deductions

How Much Is Child Support in Delaware?

If you make $60,000 a year in Delaware, child support for 1 child is estimated at $896 per month ($10,752 per year). Calculated after applying the self-support allowance and standard of living adjustment.

$1,000/week ($52,000/year): approximately $831/month for 1 child.

Delaware Child Support Estimates by Income (2026)

Annual Income 1 Child 2 Children 3 Children
$40,000/yr $763/mo $1,094/mo $1,386/mo
$50,000/yr $817/mo $1,169/mo $1,476/mo
$60,000/yr $896/mo $1,280/mo $1,612/mo
$70,000/yr $984/mo $1,404/mo $1,765/mo
$80,000/yr $1,076/mo $1,535/mo $1,926/mo
$100,000/yr $1,267/mo $1,805/mo $2,259/mo
$120,000/yr $1,461/mo $2,081/mo $2,599/mo

Based on the Melson Formula with standard assumptions. Compare all states →

How Child Support Is Calculated in Delaware

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
Technical details and legal basis

Delaware uses the Melson Formula model (DE Guidelines (DE Family Court CPI Rule 502)) to calculate child support. This model first ensures each parent retains enough for basic needs (self-support allowance), then calculates the child's primary support need, and applies a standard of living adjustment.

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 ($1,570/month as of Feb 2026) before allocating child support obligations.
  • Primary support need is calculated as $370 base plus $410 per child per month (Feb 2026 update).
  • A sliding standard of living adjustment (SOLA) is applied to remaining net income: 12% for 1 child, 17% for 2, 21% for 3, 23% for 4, 25% for 5, 27% for 6 children.

Example Calculation

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

Step 1: Combined income: $8,000

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

Step 3: Look up basic obligation for $8,000 combined and 2 children.

Step 4: Multiply by Parent A's share (62.5%).

Adjustments for health insurance, child care, and parenting time may apply.

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 $1,570 per month (Feb 2026) before child support is calculated.
  • Primary support need is $370 base plus $410 per child per month under the Feb 2026 guidelines.
  • A sliding standard of living adjustment (SOLA) is applied: 12% (1 child), 17% (2), 21% (3), 23% (4), 25% (5), 27% (6 children).
  • Delaware bases calculations on net income after taxes and mandatory deductions.

Delaware Child Support FAQ

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 ($1,570/month as of Feb 2026) is subtracted from their net income. Second, the primary support need ($370 base plus $410 per child per month) is allocated between parents based on their income shares. Third, a sliding standard of living adjustment (12%-27% depending on number of children) 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.
Is this Delaware child support calculator updated for 2026?
Yes, this calculator reflects the Delaware Family Court CPI Rule 502 guidelines updated February 1, 2026, and was last verified against the official source on May 31, 2026. These are the current Melson Formula figures used by Delaware Family Court.
How much is the basic child support obligation in Delaware for one child?
Under the Feb 2026 guidelines, the primary support need for one child is $780 a month, a $370 base amount plus $410 per child, which is then split between the parents based on their income share. This comes after a $1,570 monthly self-support allowance is protected for each parent.
Does the Delaware calculator include alimony or spousal support?
No, this calculator only estimates child support under the Melson Formula. Alimony, or spousal support, is decided separately in Delaware Family Court using different factors.
What factors determine child support in Delaware?
Delaware's Melson Formula considers both parents' net monthly incomes, the number of children, and each parent's self-support allowance and primary support need per child. It also factors in health insurance premiums, work-related child care expenses, extraordinary medical expenses, and a standard of living adjustment on any remaining income.
How does Delaware's standard of living adjustment (SOLA) work?
Delaware applies a sliding SOLA percentage to income remaining after the self-support allowance and primary support need are covered. The rate rises with the number of children: 12% for one child, 17% for two, 21% for three, 23% for four, 25% for five, and 27% for six children.

About This Calculator

Uses the official DE Guidelines (DE Family Court CPI Rule 502) (2026 guidelines). Last verified: 2026-05-31.

Disclaimer: Estimates only, not legal advice. Actual amounts are set by Delaware courts. Full disclaimer.

Methodology: Melson Formula model per DE Guidelines (DE Family Court CPI Rule 502).

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