Delaware · Custody and support · Updated Oct 2026
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.
In short
In Delaware, custody is called “custody and visitation”. Parenting class: Yes. 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
- 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: https://courts.delaware.gov/forms/download.aspx?id=23228
Child support in Delaware
- Child support calculator: Official child support calculator or guidelines
- Child support agency: Delaware Division of Child Support Services (DCSS)
Children in a Delaware divorce: what the process includes
Custody
The court's orders use Delaware's term for custody: custody and visitation.
Parenting class
Yes. If you have children together, both parents must take an approved Parent Education Class and file the certificates before the divorce can proceed.
Mediation
Family Court commonly uses mediation in custody and visitation matters; ask the Resource Center.
Child support
The official calculator or guidelines: Official child support calculator or guidelines
The child support agency
Delaware's child support agency: Delaware Division of Child Support Services (DCSS)
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: https://courts.delaware.gov/forms/download.aspx?id=23228
Is there an official child support calculator for Delaware?
Yes. Delaware's official calculator or guidelines: Official child support calculator or guidelines
Which agency handles child support in Delaware?
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
- All Delaware divorce laws
- Uncontested divorce in Delaware
- Delaware divorce forms and filing fees
- Alimony in Delaware
- Serving divorce papers in Delaware
- Divorce timeline estimator for Delaware
- Divorce checklist for Delaware
- How to file for divorce without a lawyer
- Served with divorce papers: what to do
Custody and support in nearby states
- Official child support calculator or guidelines
- Delaware Division of Child Support Services (DCSS)
- Delaware Family Court: Divorce and Annulment
- Divorce/Annulment Instruction Packet
- Family Court Schedule of Assessed Costs (eff. 7/20/26)
- 13 Del. C. Chapter 15 (Divorce and Annulment)
Last checked: Oct 24, 2026.