Opinion ID: 2351793
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: Child Support Prospective Modification Regular Mail Reasonable

Text: Section 513 of Title 13 contains two separate provisions relating to notice of modification petitions. See 13 Del.C. § 513(d)(2) and (f). Section 513(f) contains a general definition of notice: Notice for purposes of enforcing or modifying an order of child support shall mean mailed notice to the last known address provided to the [Family] Court by the parties.... 13 Del.C. § 513(f). In Section 513(f), the general term mailed notice includes notice by either regular, certified or registered mail. Section 513(d)(2) relates specifically to retroactive modifications of child support and provides: An order of child support entered by [the Family] Court or a court of competent jurisdiction in this or any other state, including orders entered prior to March 31, 1987, shall not be retroactively modified except with respect to any period during which there is pending petition for prospective modification but only from the date that notice of such petition has been given to the respondent directly or through the respondent's agent. In addition to any other manner or type,  notice  for the purposes of this paragraph shall include but not be limited to mailing by the petitioner of a copy of the modification petition by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, to the last known address of the respondent. Said notice shall be effective on the date of delivery or first attempted delivery whichever first occurs. 13 Del.C. § 513(d)(2) (emphasis added). A party who is subject to an order of child support must notify the Family Court within five days of any change of address. See 13 Del.C. § 513(a)(12). [12] We have concluded that notice of a modification petition, sent by regular mail to a non-resident obligor's last known address, is reasonably calculated, under all the circumstances, to apprise interested parties of the pendency of the action and afford them an opportunity to present their objections. Mullane v. Central Hanover Bank & Trust Co., 339 U.S. 306, 314, 70 S.Ct. 652, 657, 94 L.Ed. 865 (1950). Therefore, we hold that such notice is reasonable per se for due process purposes. Even though sending notice by regular mail satisfies the requirements of due process, Delaware has provided by statute that a petitioner may receive retroactive modification of a child support order only if notice of the modification petition has been sent to the respondent obligor by certified or registered mail. 13 Del.C. § 513(d)(2). Kenton v. Kenton, Del.Supr., 571 A.2d 778, 781 (1990). If notice is served by registered or certified mail, any modification will be effective from the date such notice was given. Id. If notice is not sent by certified or registered mail, any modification of the support obligation is effective from the date of the Family Court order granting such modification. Id. See also Schneider v. Klevan, Del.Fam., 606 A.2d 1339, 1343 (1991).