Would anyone be willing to look at my inputs on Delaware’s Melson Formula calculator for child support? My wife and I are amicably divorcing and are trying to avoid lawyers, but we both want to ensure whatever amount we agree to is fair.
I make about $76,000/year and she makes about $46,000/year. We have 3 kids, no other dependents, the kids are staying on my insurance, and we are splitting time 50/50.
The calculator says I owe $0 (or the minimum order of $250, technically). We want to ensure we aren’t making a mistake in our inputs, especially after reading the detailed instructions. Thanks!
I’m from DE and have done child support through family court several times. You don’t need a lawyer for child support in DE. Child support cases here usually go to mediation, and the mediator will use the income information to run the formula for you. It’s a straightforward process.
Thank you! I was told by a lawyer that if we can come up with our own agreement on child support, we could submit it to the court without needing mediators or lawyers. We just want to ensure we get a fair amount.
You can absolutely take that approach! But if you’re having trouble with the calculator, you might consider handling child support separately. DE treats divorce and child support as distinct matters.
I tried reaching out to a few lawyers, but they were booked or required fees for advice. Based on my income and the 50/50 split, doesn’t it seem off that I’d owe only the minimum? I expected to pay more.
It does sound low. The calculator can be complex. If I assume certain costs, I calculated a higher amount. I recommend letting a court mediator run the numbers for you.