Divorce and family law cases often come with tough emotional and financial decisions. One of the most important financial issues courts deal with is spousal support (alimony) and, in many cases, child support. A common dispute arises when one spouse claims they are unable to work or should receive financial support—while the other disputes that claim.
To help courts make fair, fact-based decisions, a vocational assessment can be a vital tool. And when it comes to reliable, professional evaluations, Occupational Assessment Services, Inc. (OAS) stands out as a trusted provider.
In this article, we’ll explore how vocational assessments from OAS play a key role in divorce and matrimonial cases, why courts rely on them, and how they can make a meaningful difference in achieving fair financial outcomes.
What Is a Vocational Assessment?
A vocational assessment is a comprehensive evaluation of a person’s ability to work and earn income. In the context of divorce, it’s often used to determine whether a spouse is employable, what jobs they are qualified for, and how much they could potentially earn based on the current job market.
Key factors considered in a vocational evaluation include:
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Education & Certifications – Academic background, degrees, and any specialized training.
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Employment History – Past jobs, responsibilities, and professional experience.
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Skills & Abilities – Both hard skills (technical) and soft skills (communication, teamwork, etc.).
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Health Status – Physical or mental health conditions that may impact work capability.
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Labor Market Trends – Availability of jobs in the region and current salary expectations.
By examining all these factors, a vocational expert can provide an objective estimate of an individual’s earning potential—critical in support-related disputes.
Why Vocational Assessments Matter in Divorce Cases
When a spouse requests alimony or financial support, the court needs to determine whether that support is truly necessary, how much is appropriate, and for how long. A vocational assessment gives courts the facts needed to make informed, balanced decisions.
Here’s how a vocational evaluation helps in divorce proceedings:
✅ Establishes Realistic Earning Potential
Rather than relying on one party’s claims, a vocational expert analyzes work history, qualifications, and the job market to provide a fact-based estimate of what that person could realistically earn.
✅ Determines Employability After a Career Break
If a spouse has been out of work for several years—perhaps to raise children—a vocational assessment looks at their ability to return to the workforce, what types of roles they qualify for, and whether any retraining is needed.
✅ Offers Credible, Court-Admissible Evidence
Vocational evaluations often serve as expert testimony in court. Judges rely on these findings to help decide alimony and child support amounts, especially when the information is backed by a certified vocational expert like those at OAS.
✅ Helps Prevent Financial Imbalance
Without a vocational evaluation, courts might assign spousal support based on outdated information or assumptions. A professional assessment helps prevent unfair financial burdens by ensuring both parties contribute based on their actual capabilities.
✅ Plays a Role in Child Support Calculations
Vocational assessments also help determine a parent’s potential income for child support purposes. This ensures that payments reflect each parent’s true financial ability and responsibilities are shared fairly.
When Are Vocational Assessments Most Useful?
Vocational evaluations can be helpful in a wide range of divorce and family law scenarios, such as:
➤ Alimony Requests
If a spouse claims they need long-term financial support, a vocational evaluation can help determine if that claim is legitimate—or if they have the skills and opportunities to become self-supporting.
➤ Stay-at-Home Parents Transitioning Back to Work
For spouses who paused their careers to care for children, a vocational assessment outlines job prospects, possible training paths, and expected income if they return to work.
➤ Income Disparity Cases
In high-net-worth divorces, one spouse often earns significantly more than the other. A vocational evaluation ensures that the lower-earning spouse’s actual earning capacity is understood and not overstated or understated.
➤ Hidden Income or Underemployment
Some individuals may intentionally underreport their income or take a lower-paying job during divorce to minimize their support obligations. A vocational assessment can reveal when someone is underemployed and estimate what they should be earning.
Why Choose OAS for Vocational Assessments in Divorce Cases?
Occupational Assessment Services, Inc. (OAS) is a nationally recognized leader in vocational evaluations for legal cases, including divorce and family law matters. Attorneys, courts, and individuals rely on OAS for accurate, unbiased, and research-backed assessments.
What makes OAS stand out?
✔ Expert Evaluators with Legal Experience
OAS employs certified vocational experts who are well-versed in both career assessment and the legal system. They know how to deliver evaluations that are detailed, court-ready, and persuasive.
✔ Objective and Neutral
OAS is committed to providing fair, fact-based evaluations with no bias toward either party. Their goal is to help the court reach a fair decision—not to argue for one side or the other.
✔ Detailed Reports for Legal Use
OAS evaluations include a comprehensive review of education, work history, transferable skills, local job market data, wage analysis, and recommendations for re-employment or training. These reports are often used as evidence in court.
✔ Available for Court Testimony
If needed, OAS experts can present their findings in court and explain their conclusions clearly. Their experience as expert witnesses makes them a valuable asset during contested divorce proceedings.
The OAS Vocational Assessment Process: Step by Step
Here’s how the vocational evaluation process works at OAS:
1. Consultation
The evaluator meets with the individual (virtually or in person) to gather background information on their education, work history, and current circumstances.
2. Skills & Experience Review
The expert reviews all relevant qualifications, training, and experience to identify current employability and possible career options.
3. Labor Market Research
OAS performs real-time job market analysis based on the individual’s skills and region to identify available jobs and realistic salary expectations.
4. Evaluation Report
A customized, court-ready report is prepared. It outlines the individual’s employment prospects, potential earnings, and any steps needed to re-enter the workforce.
5. Expert Testimony (If Required)
If the case goes to court, an OAS vocational expert may be called to testify, helping judges understand the findings and their implications for spousal or child support decisions.
Final Thoughts: The Importance of a Vocational Evaluation in Divorce
When financial support decisions are at stake in a divorce or family law case, accurate and unbiased information is critical. A vocational evaluation from OAS provides that clarity.
Whether it’s about determining a spouse’s ability to work, estimating fair support payments, or uncovering underemployment, OAS evaluations bring transparency and fairness to the table. Courts trust their expertise—and so do the attorneys and families who rely on them.
If you’re involved in a divorce case and need help determining someone’s earning capacity, don’t leave it to speculation. Contact OAS today to schedule a vocational assessment and get the expert insight you need to support a fair resolution.
