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Simple English definitions for legal terms
Melson formula
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A quick definition of Melson formula:
The Melson Formula is a way to calculate how much money a parent who does not have custody of their child should pay to help support their child. The formula makes sure that both parents have enough money to live on and that the child can have a good life. The formula is named after Judge Elwood F. Melson who created it. The formula is used in some states like Delaware, Hawaii, Montana, and West Virginia. The formula works by taking away a certain amount of money from the parent's income to make sure they have enough money to live on. Then, a certain amount of money is set aside for the child's basic needs like food and clothes. After that, the remaining money is divided between the parents to help support the child. The formula makes sure that the child can have a good life and that both parents can afford to take care of them.
A more thorough explanation:
The Melson formula is a way to calculate how much a noncustodial parent should pay in child support. It was created to make sure that both parents can meet their basic needs and that the child can share in the noncustodial parent's higher standard of living.
For example, let's say that a noncustodial parent has a net income of $3,000 per month and one child. The self-support reserve is $1,200 per month. The primary support amount per child is $800 per month, and the work-related child-care expenses are $200 per month. The noncustodial parent's share of primary support would be $400 per month, and the cost-of-living adjustment would be $240 per month. The total child support would be $640 per month.
The Melson formula is used in several states, including Delaware, Hawaii, Montana, and West Virginia. It ensures that both parents can meet their basic needs and that the child can share in the noncustodial parent's higher standard of living.