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Legal cost math, explained without the jargon

Every article here pairs with a calculator on this site. Concept on the left, math on the right — both written by an operator-author, both cited to primary sources (state child-support statutes, BLS Work-Life Tables, IRC sections, ABA Model Rules), both reviewed on a quarterly cadence. This is launch content; more articles are in progress.

These articles explain the math behind legal cost estimates. They are not legal advice. For decisions with real legal consequences, consult a licensed attorney in your state.

Child Support & Custody

Income Shares vs Percentage of Obligor Income vs Melson: the three child-support models, decoded

Child support varies more between states than between income levels within a state. The same family income produces radically different obligations under Income Shares vs Percentage of Obligor Income vs the Melson Formula. Here's why, with each state's primary statute cited.

Updated May 9, 2026 · Pairs with /calculators/child-support-estimator

Personal Injury

Lost wages in personal injury: why future earnings need present-value discounting

Future lost wages must be discounted to present value using BLS Work-Life Tables for work-life expectancy and the IRS applicable federal rate (AFR) as the discount rate. Without that discount, settlement demands overstate the claim. Here's the operator-grade math.

Updated May 9, 2026 · Pairs with /calculators/lost-wages-calculator