Vocational Examinations in Domestic Relations Cases
When issues of spousal maintenance (alimony) or child support arise, determining each party’s true earning potential can be a critical part of ensuring fairness. In many cases, one spouse may have left the workforce to raise children or support the other’s career. In others, a spouse may claim they cannot work or are earning less than they could. This is where vocational examinations become an important legal tool.
Understanding Vocational Examinations in Dissolution and Support Cases
A vocational examination is an assessment designed to evaluate a person’s education, work experience, job skills, and earning capacity. The goal is to determine what type of employment the individual is capable of performing and the level of income they could reasonably earn. These examinations are often requested by either spouse in support-related disputes.
If you are seeking child support from a non-working spouse, a vocational examination can help identify potential career paths, available job opportunities, and expected salary ranges. Conversely, if you are paying support to a spouse who refuses to work despite being capable, the court can use vocational evidence to “impute income,” or assign an income level to that spouse based on what they could earn with reasonable effort.
Working to Ensure Fair and Accurate Support Orders
At Stange Law Firm, we understand how important it is for both parties to contribute fairly to the financial responsibilities that come after ending a marriage. Our attorneys work diligently to ensure that support awards are based on realistic and equitable assessments of income potential, and not speculation or unfair assumptions.
We frequently collaborate with vocational experts, career counselors, and economic analysts who conduct these examinations and provide testimony in court. The findings from a vocational report can significantly influence how child support or spousal maintenance is calculated, helping ensure that neither party bears an undue financial burden.
In some cases, courts may order an unemployed or underemployed spouse to obtain suitable employment based on the vocational examiner’s conclusions. If they fail to do so, the court can still issue support obligations consistent with their imputed earning capacity.
Advocating for Your Interests in Support Proceedings
Whether you are seeking fair child support payments or defending against excessive obligations, Stange Law Firm will present a clear and compelling case on your behalf. We focus exclusively on domestic relations law and have experience addressing the complex financial and employment issues that often arise during dissolution and post-dissolution proceedings.
To learn more about how vocational evaluations can influence support cases, you can read our related article:
Vocational and Lifestyle Experts: Getting to the Court to See Sides on Certain Support Issues
Contact Our Multi-State Domestic Relations Lawyers Today
If you have questions about how a vocational examination could affect your separation, spousal maintenance, or child support case, we are here to help. Contact Stange Law Firm online or by calling 855-805-0595 to schedule a confidential consultation at one of our convenient office locations.
Our team is dedicated to helping you achieve a fair outcome and move forward with stability and confidence.
