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 is believed to be deliberately earning less than they could to reduce support obligations or increase what they receive. The court examines the spouse's education, work history, skills, job market, and health to determine what they should be earning. Imputed income is then used in child support and spousal support calculations as if the spouse were actually earning that amount. This prevents a spouse from quitting their job or taking a lower-paying position to manipulate support outcomes.
Real-World Examples
The court imputed $75,000 in annual income to him because he voluntarily left his engineering job to work part-time.
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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.