Delaware Child Support
Estimate for Delaware
Delaware uses the Melson Formula model.
View calculation breakdown
| Self-support reserve (each parent) | $1,600 |
|---|---|
| POVC reserve (each parent) | $1,220 |
| Obligor adjusted income | $2,180 |
| Primary support pool (30% of adjusted) | $1,008 |
| Obligor primary support | $654 |
| Standard-of-living adjustment (obligor share) | 261.6% |
| Estimated monthly support | $916 |
Estimated monthly support by number of children
§ How Delaware calculates support
Delaware uses the Melson Formula (one of only three U.S. states). It first reserves a self-support allowance for each parent, then funds the child's primary support need, then shares remaining income with the child through a Standard of Living Adjustment (SOLA). Effective Feb. 1, 2026 the self-support reserve is $1,600/month; primary support is $800 for the first child plus $420 per additional child; SOLA is 12%/17%/21% for 1/2/3+ children.
Content verified against official sources on 2026-08-09.
✦ How to open or modify a case in Delaware
- Determine each parent's gross monthly income and subtract taxes, FICA, and mandatory deductions to get net income.
- Subtract each parent's Self-Support Reserve ($1,600/month, Form 509i eff. 2/2026) to find net available income.
- Combine the net available incomes and compute the Primary Child Support Need ($800 first child + $420 each additional), split by income share.
- Apply the Standard of Living Adjustment (12%/17%/21%) to income remaining after the reserve and primary support.
- Add the child's health insurance and childcare costs, split proportionally.
- Use Form 509/509i or the Delaware Family Court online calculator; the figure is a rebuttable presumption.
◈ Illustrative examples
Scenario: Parent A net $4,000, Parent B net $2,500; self-support reserve $1,600 each. A available = $2,400, B available = $900; combined available = $3,300.
Walk-through: Primary support $800: A share 72.7% = $581.82, B 27.3% = $218.18. SOLA income = $3,300 - $800 = $2,500; 12% = $300 split 72.7/27.3 = $218.18 / $81.82. Total B (noncustodial) = $218.18 + $81.82 = $300/month plus add-ons.
Takeaway: The Melson Formula protects each parent's subsistence first, then the child's basic need, then shares prosperity via SOLA.
? Frequently asked questions
↗ Official policy & agency links
Sources verified: https://courts.delaware.gov/family/ · https://recordinglaw.com/us-laws/united-states-child-support-laws/delaware-child-support-laws/child-support-calculator · https://divorce.law/guides/child-support/delaware
How Delaware calculates support
Delaware uses the Melson Formula: each parent’s self-support reserve is protected, then a primary-support amount is divided by adjusted income.