How Child Support Is Calculated in Delaware
Delaware uses the Melson Formula, a more detailed approach than a simple percentage of income. It works in layers: first, each parent is allowed to keep a basic self-support amount to cover their own essential living costs. Next, the child's primary needs are met from what remains. Finally, if income is still available after those steps, a standard-of-living adjustment allows the child to share in the parents' additional income. The idea is to make sure both parents can meet their own basic needs while still supporting the child fairly.
Because the Melson Formula moves through these stages, the result depends heavily on how much each parent earns above their basic needs. The figure above is a realistic estimate, not a court-ordered amount.
A Simple Worked Example
The numbers below are illustrative only and are used to show how the pieces fit together — they are not official Delaware figures or a prediction for your case.
- First, each parent sets aside a self-support allowance to cover their own basic living expenses.
- The income remaining after that is used to cover the child's primary support needs, shared between the parents in proportion to their available income.
- If income remains after the child's primary needs are met, a standard-of-living adjustment adds a further share so the child benefits from the parents' higher income.
- Add-on costs such as work-related childcare and health-insurance premiums are shared as well.
This mirrors the logic of the calculator above — adjusting incomes, the number of children, or added expenses changes the result.
Delaware Child Support — Frequently Asked Questions
How is child support calculated in Delaware?
Delaware uses the Melson Formula. Each parent first keeps a self-support allowance, the child's primary needs are then met from the remaining income, and a standard-of-living adjustment may apply if income is left over. Add-on expenses are shared in proportion to income.
What counts as income for child support?
Income is defined broadly and can include wages, salary, self-employment earnings, and often bonuses, commissions, and overtime. Certain allowances and deductions apply under the Melson approach. Because the definition is broad and fact-specific, the official worksheet or a family-law attorney is the best guide for an exact figure.
Does overtime or bonus income count?
It often does, particularly when it is regular and reliable rather than a one-time event. How consistent, occasional, or uncertain income is treated can vary case by case, so it is worth confirming with the official guidelines or an attorney.
How is child support handled if a parent is self-employed?
For self-employed parents, income is usually based on earnings after legitimate business expenses. Because self-employment income can be harder to document, courts may look closely at tax returns and records to arrive at a fair figure.
What is the self-support allowance in the Melson Formula?
The self-support allowance is an amount each parent is permitted to keep first, to cover their own basic living costs, before the child's support is calculated. It is a defining feature of the Melson Formula that Delaware uses.
When does child support end in Delaware?
Child support typically continues until a child reaches the age of majority, with common exceptions that can extend it — for example, while a child is still finishing high school. The exact end point depends on your order and the current rules.
Can a child support order be changed later?
Yes. Orders can generally be reviewed and modified when circumstances change significantly — such as a meaningful change in either parent's income, the child's needs, or the parenting schedule. Modifications go through the appropriate state process rather than an informal agreement.
Estimate only. This page is an educational tool, not legal advice. For a court-ready calculation, use Delaware's official child support resources or consult a Delaware family-law attorney.