How Delaware Calculates Child Support
Delaware uses the Income Shares model to determine child support obligations. This page explains the guidelines, formula, and key factors.
Model Type
Income Shares (Melson Formula)
Delaware uses the Melson Formula, a variant of the income-shares model. Each parent's net income is reduced by a self-support allowance, then a primary support amount is calculated per child; additional support is calculated from remaining income using a Standard of Living Adjustment (SOLA).
Income Basis & Definitions
net
Determines per-child primary support need amount.
Source: Del. Code tit. 13, § 514: Melson Formula worksheetsParent A net income after taxes and mandatory deductions.
Source: Del. Code tit. 13, § 514: Net income definitionParent B net income after taxes and mandatory deductions.
Source: Del. Code tit. 13, § 514: Net income definitionParenting Time Handling
Calculator selects custody model and applies corresponding formula.
Source: Custody/worksheet applicabilityDeductions & Adjustments
Each parent's self-support reserve is deducted before calculating support obligation.
Source: Melson Formula: Self-support allowanceAdjustments for other dependents or court-ordered support for other children.
Source: Del. Code tit. 13, § 514: Other children adjustmentAdd-Ons & Allocation
Work-related childcare costs added and allocated between parents.
Source: Childcare add-onChild's health insurance premium share and uninsured medical allocation.
Source: Medical supportCaps, Minimums & Deviations
SOLA percentage applied to remaining income above primary support to share higher living standard with children.
Source: Standard of Living Adjustment (SOLA)Deviation allowed for enumerated factors; requires findings.
Source: Deviation factors