Opinion ID: 2334045
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 8

Heading: Melson Formula/This Case

Text: We have recognized the validity of the procedure in child support cases which is used by the Delaware Family Court. Unfortunately, it was not followed precisely in this case. That procedure is still known as the Melson Formula, but the entire procedure requires more than the mechanical application of an alegebraic equation. Both the Family Court and the Superior Court omitted an indispensable component of the Delaware child support procedure from their decisional process, i.e., the rebuttable presumption. In this case, the Family Court referred to the Melson Formula as a guide rather than a presumption. As a result of that inaccurate premise, the Family Court did not comment upon how the presumptive applicability of the Melson Formula had been rebutted. That omission was compounded when the Family Court's ultimate decision was rendered in conclusory terms, i.e., a support order based on the Melson Formula would result in a bonanza for the custodial parent. This Court has held that the Family Court must state the reasons for its decisions for the benefit of the parties and of this Court. Gregory J.M. v. Carolyn A.M., 442 A.2d at 1376; see also Husband M. v. Wife D., 399 A.2d at 848. The Superior Court properly reversed the Family Court's decision which was incomplete and not in accordance with its own child support procedures. Husband M. v. Wife D., 399 A.2d at 848. However, in its order of remand, the Superior Court did not give the Family Court an opportunity for concluding that the presumptive applicability of the Melson Formula had been rebutted. Id. Instead, the Superior Court directed the Family Court to enter an order in accordance with the Melson Formula. The mathematical result which is the product of the Melson Formula can never be the basis of a child support order under the Delaware procedure, until that result passes the litmus test of the rebuttable presumption. When the calculation according to the Melson Formula is mixed together with the specific facts in a case, the result must be equitable. If the result is inequitable, the presumption is rebutted, and the support calculation pursuant to the Melson Formula must yield to the extent that is necessary to balance the equities in the case. In this case, the facts may, or may not, support a conclusion that the Father has sustained his burden of overcoming the presumptive applicability of the Melson Formula. The Family Court must make that determination, in the first instance. Only after the Family Court specifically recognizes the presumptive applicability of the Melson Formula and, thereafter, gives the reasons for its ultimate decision, can there be meaningful appellate review in this case.