Imputed Income
Income attributed to a spouse by the court based on their earning capacity, even if they are voluntarily unemployed or underemployed.
Understanding Imputed Income
Courts impute income when a spouse deliberately reduces their earnings to avoid support obligations or gain a larger share of support. The court examines the person's education, work history, skills, job market, health, and past earnings to determine what they could reasonably earn. Imputed income is then used to calculate child support and alimony as if the person were actually earning that amount. This prevents a spouse from quitting their job or taking a lower-paying position to manipulate support calculations.
Real-World Examples
When the husband quit his $120,000 job to work part-time at a coffee shop, the judge imputed his income at his previous salary for child support calculations.
Related Terms
An automatic deduction from a person's paycheck to pay court-ordered child support or alimony, sent directly to the recipient.
GarnishmentA court-ordered process where a portion of a person's wages or bank accounts is withheld to pay a debt such as child support or alimony.
MaintenanceAnother term for spousal support or alimony — regular payments from one spouse to another after separation or divorce.
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This definition is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Divorce laws and terminology may vary by state and jurisdiction.
Always consult a licensed attorney in your area for advice specific to your situation.