Child support payments provide financial assistance for families in Delaware who need help raising and caring for their children. Receiving or making child support payments is an important part of caring for your family, and the State of Delaware has several resources available to help you meet your obligations. This guide provides information on how to receive and make payments for child support in Delaware. It outlines the various payment options available and provides information on how to access these services. It also includes information on how to file a complaint if you feel that you have not been treated fairly in the child support process. By following the instructions in this guide, you can ensure that your family is provided with the financial assistance they need.
Contents
How to Pay Child Support in Delaware
In Delaware, parents have a legal responsibility to support their children. This means that parents must contribute financially to support the needs of their children. Child support payments are typically based on the income of each parent and the amount of time each parent spends with the child. To ensure that parents fulfill their financial obligations to their children, the state of Delaware offers numerous options for paying child support. This guide will provide an overview of how to pay child support in Delaware.
Step 1: Determine Your Obligation to Pay Child Support
The first step in paying child support in Delaware is to determine your obligation to pay. This can be done by contacting the Child Support Enforcement Division, a branch of the Department of Services for Children, Youth, and Their Families. The Child Support Enforcement Division can provide you with an estimate of the amount of child support that you will be required to pay. Your local child support office can also provide assistance in figuring out the exact amount of child support that you owe.
Step 2: Choose a Payment Option
Once you know the amount of child support you owe, you can choose the payment option that works best for you. Delaware offers several options for paying child support, including:
- Direct Deposit: Payments can be made directly from your bank account to the Child Support Office.
- Credit/Debit Card: Payments can be made online or by phone using a credit or debit card.
- Payroll Deduction: Payments can be made through your employer’s payroll system.
PAY ONLINE CHILD SUPPORT DELAWARE
Look for Child Support Delaware Payment Kiosk: https://courts.delaware.gov/aoc/oscce/locations
- Money Order/Cashier’s Check: Payments can be made by mail using a money order or cashier’s check.
PAYMENT ADDRESSES: All child support payments must be mailed to the appropriate PO Box listed below:
- Employers and Other State’s IV-D Agencies Payments: DCSS, P.O. Box 12287, Wilmington, DE 19850
- Non-Custodial Parent/Obligor Payments: DCSS, P.O. Box 12831, Wilmington, DE 19850
- Other Special Payments: DCSS, P.O. Box 12811, Wilmington, DE 19850
Step 3: Submit Your Payment
Once you have chosen a payment option, you will need to submit your payment. If you are using direct deposit, credit/debit card, or payroll deduction, you will need to provide the Child Support Office with your banking information. If you are using a money order or cashier’s check, you will need to mail the payment to the Child Support Office.
Step 4: Make Payments On Time
Once your payment arrangement is set up, it is important to make sure that your payments are made on time. Late payments may result in late fees, interest, or even legal action. If you are having difficulty making payments, it is important to contact the DCSS as soon as possible. They may be able to adjust your payments or work out a payment plan that is more manageable.
Step 5: Track Your Payments
It is important to keep track of your payments so that you are sure they are received and credited. You can track your payments by logging into the Delaware Child Support Payment Center or by calling the Child Support Office.
By following these steps, you can be sure that you are fulfilling your obligation to pay child support in Delaware. It is important to remember that failure to pay child support can result in serious legal consequences. If you need assistance in understanding your rights and responsibilities regarding child support, you can contact the Child Support Enforcement Division for help.
How Does Joint Custody Affect Child Support in Delaware?
When parents share custody of their children, they both have an obligation to provide financial support. In Delaware, when a court orders joint custody, the amount of child support that each parent must pay may be different than the amount they would owe if only one parent had primary physical custody. It is important to understand how joint custody impacts child support payments.
Under Delaware law, when parents share joint custody of a child, the court must consider the amount of time each parent has physical custody when determining the amount of child support each parent will pay. The court will also consider other factors, such as the income of each parent, the number of children, and the needs of the children. The court will then calculate a reasonable amount of child support that each parent must pay.
Additionally, the court may also order one parent to provide additional financial assistance, such as for medical expenses or educational costs. If the court orders additional financial assistance, the amount of child support will be adjusted accordingly. It is important to note that these adjustments may not be equal; one parent may be required to pay more than the other.
When parents are sharing joint custody of their children, they may choose to enter into a written agreement regarding child support payments. This agreement, which must be approved by the court, allows parents to agree to a specific amount of child support that each parent will pay. This agreement can be helpful in avoiding disputes regarding child support payments, as it allows parents to agree to an amount that works for both of them.