Español

Child custody and support in Delaware

Custody and child support in a Delaware divorce: the legal term for custody, the parenting class, the official support calculator, custody mediation and the child support agency.

Checked against official sources: Oct 24, 2026

In short

In Delaware, custody is called “custody and visitation”. Parenting class: If you have children together, both parents must take an approved Parent Education Class and file the certificates before the divorce can proceed. Delaware publishes an official child support calculator or guidelines.

Custody term
Custody and visitation
Parenting class
Required (with conditions)
Child support calculator
Official child support calculator or guidelines
Child support agency
Delaware Division of Child Support Services (DCSS)

Custody terms in Delaware

Custody and visitation

Mediation

Family Court commonly uses mediation in custody and visitation matters; ask the Resource Center.

Parenting class in Delaware

  • If you have children together, both parents must take an approved Parent Education Class and file the certificates before the divorce can proceed.
  • List: courts.delaware.gov

Child support in Delaware

Child support follows Delaware's guidelines. Estimate it with the official calculator, and contact the state's child support agency for help setting up or collecting it.

Children in a Delaware divorce: what the process includes

  1. Custody

    The court's orders use Delaware's term for custody: custody and visitation.

  2. Parenting class

    Take the parenting class described above if Delaware requires it in your case.

  3. Mediation

    If the court sends you to mediation, go to every session; the rule is above.

  4. Child support

    Estimate it first: the official calculator

  5. The child support agency

    For help setting up or collecting support, contact the state's child support agency.

Questions about custody and child support in Delaware

What is child custody called in Delaware?

Delaware uses the term “custody and visitation”.

Do parents have to take a class in a Delaware divorce?

Yes. If you have children together, both parents must take an approved Parent Education Class and file the certificates before the divorce can proceed. List: courts.delaware.gov

Is there an official child support calculator for Delaware?

Yes. Delaware's official calculator or guidelines: the official calculator

Which agency handles child support in Delaware?

Delaware Division of Child Support Services (DCSS).

Is mediation required for custody in Delaware?

Family Court commonly uses mediation in custody and visitation matters; ask the Resource Center.

More about divorce in Delaware

Custody and support in nearby states

Sources

Last checked: Oct 24, 2026.