Wednesday, October 11, 2006

Understanding the Melson, Child Support Formula

Many people know about the Melson Formula, Delaware's presumptive child support calculation. But what most people don't know is that there is another document that explains it and helps with interpretive questions.

The Family Court of the State of Delaware Delaware Child Support Formula Evaluation and Update, most recently of October 2, 2006.

When I was practicing in Family Law, I found this document to be priceless. And as hard to find as gold nuggets.

The formula is adjusted, sometimes annually. And policy decisions are made as to how to apply the formula to different circumstances. Going into a child support hearing with only the formula, and without having this document, is going in to a boxing match with one hand tied behind your back.

So here it is, in its entirety,the best kept secret in Delaware child support law. This edition is effective January 1, 2007.

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