Frequently Asked Questions

• DCSE provides the following services 
  • Accounting for child support payments.
  • Establishment, Enforcement, and Modification of child support orders.
  • Parent locate
  • Paternity establishment
  • We also have Speakers Bureau available 7 days a week to conduct presentations and/or participate in community events statewide. Please complete and fax the Invitation Request Form to provide further information and coordinate a date, time and location.
• What are DCSE's office hours?
  All three offices (NCC, KC & SC) are open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Stop by to talk with us; we're here to help you. Note: We discontinued our extended hours, statewide, effective 10/2009.
• What methods of payment can I use when I apply for child support services?
  Check -or- Money Order are the only acceptable methods of payment for applications.
• How is my child support calculated?
  Family Court  will establish a child support order that sets a monthly amount of money to be paid by a non-custodial parent (NCP) to a custodial parent (CP) for the support of their child(ren). Family Court determines the amount of support by using the Delaware Child Support Formula Calculation. A medical support order may also be established on behalf of the child.
• How do I enroll in either Direct Deposit -or- the Stored Value Card (First State Family MasterCard)?
  You can obtain an Enrollment Form online, or contact the Customer Service Unit to request an Enrollment Form to be mailed out to you, or stop by one of our three offices to pick one up. Then, mail your completed application, along with a voided check or checking/savings account information to: DCSE, PO Box 12327, Wilmington, DE 19850. All banking information is confidential. One you are enrolled, DCSE will send a credit to your account and your funds will be quickly and conveniently deposited - electronically.
• How do I change my address?
  For confidentiality and security reasons your address can be changed only upon written request. You can visit your nearest child support office and complete a change of address form, or write to the division and include your full name, your date of birth, social security number, previous address and current address, and signature. A copy of official photo identification must accompany your written request. Note: You are also required to report your address change to Family Court.
• How do I change my name?
  For confidentiality and security reasons your name can be changed only upon written request. You can visit your nearest child support office and complete a change of name form, or write to the division. When writing, please include your full former name, full current name, your date of birth, social security number, current address, and signature. A copy of verification of the legal name change (i.e. marriage/civil union certificate/divorce decree, court order, copy of current driver's license) must be submitted with the written request.
• What address do I mail my child support payment to?
  All child support payments must be mailed to the appropriate PO Box listed below. Check -or- Money Order are the only acceptable methods of payment.
  1. Employers and Other State's IV-D Agencies Payments: DCSE, P.O. Box 12287, Wilmington, DE 19850
  2. Non-Custodial Parent/Obligor Payments: DCSE, P.O. Box 12831, Wilmington, DE 19850
  3. Other Special Payments: DCSE, P.O. Box 12811, Wilmington, DE 19850
• Can I contact DCSE through email or the website?
  No. For confidentiality purposes, we cannot provide case-specific information via email or non-secure websites. Please contact the Automated Assistance Line for case-specific information 24 hours a day 7 days a week, or the Delaware Helpline  for further assistance.