For both child support and spousal support matters, the incomes and the earning capacity of both parents are essential elements. For these purposes, courts can impute (assign) to a party an income that represents their earning capabilities even if they are currently unemployed or under-employed. Retaining the services of an expert vocational evaluator can be beneficial.
In conducting a vocational evaluation, the expert will need to have basic information regarding the individual, such as educational background, work history, skills, age, and mental and physical health. Usually, this information is elicited directly from the individual by the expert through an interview. However, in some case the party to be evaluated may not want to cooperate with the process, which may provoke additional steps or litigation.
The vocational expert will do extensive research to identify potential employment opportunities for the specific individual in their geographic location. The expert will also consider the wages currently available and the potential for growth in the given field in the future. Based on the expert’s evaluation and research, the expert can usually provide a range of the income that the individual can expect and an estimate of the time likely needed to obtain such a position.
When a vocational evaluation is a factor in your case, it is important to have an attorney who has access and a good working relationship with available vocational evaluators. Your attorney must also have the experience needed to gather the relevant information. Ultimately, your attorney needs to be adept at present or defending against the report effectively to the court.
The attorneys at Edward F. Whipps & Associates have over 30 years of experience helping clients with child support and spousal support issues that involve vocational evaluations. You can be sure that we will do our absolute best when reviewing the facts of your case.
Contact an Experienced Spousal Support Lawyer Today
If you need a spousal support lawyer, please contact Edward F. Whipps & Associates for help. You can arrange a confidential initial consultation at a mutually convenient time by calling our office at (614) 461-6006 or filling out this online contact form.
