Consider Hiring an Employability Expert In a Child Support Case

In New Jersey, child support awards are based on a calculation that considers each parent’s income and the amount of parenting responsibility each parent has for the child or children.

Because child support awards are based in part on calculations of income, it is important that the divorce judge has all available information about how much your spouse earns currently – and how much he or she could potentially earn. Divorce court judges do not like to see parents intentionally underemployed or unemployed in order to avoid child support obligations. If you fear that your child’s other parent might try to avoid child support obligations by intentionally remaining unemployed or underemployed, it might be a good idea to hire an employability expert.

Also known as a “vocational expert” or “earning capacity expert,” an employability expert’s testimony can go a long way towards making sure your child support award is based on fair and accurate assessments of both parents’ income. The employability expert will evaluate your spouse’s employability and earning potential based on review of documents such as income tax returns and resume and on a vocational diagnostic interview. The employability expert may also conduct a vocational test and/or perform a work and transferability skills analysis. Finally, the employability expert may consider statewide employment statistics on wages, salaries, and benefits.

Your divorce attorney will be able to assess your case and give you a recommendation on whether an employability expert would be a beneficial addition. If you decide to hire an employability expert, several organizations exist through which employability experts receive accreditation or certification of their expertise. They include the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification and the American Board of Vocational Experts. An employability expert who practices in New Jersey should also be licensed by the Board of Marriage and Family Examiners.

Questions About Using an Employability Expert? Contact the Law Office of Lyons & Associates

At Lyons & Associates, we bring a high level of personalized service and attention to each of our clients, in every family law case we handle. To schedule an appointment, contact us online or call our office at 908-575-9777.