Using Vocational Experts in a Divorce

Often in divorces, a spouse’s earnings or their employability may be disputed in court. In those situations, a party may retain a vocational expert to provide an objective analysis. These experts can play a critical role in cases involving spousal maintenance, child support, or allegations of voluntary underemployment.

What Is a Vocational Expert?

A vocational expert is a professional trained to evaluate a person’s education, work history, skills, health, and labor market conditions to assess employability and earning capacity. In family law cases, vocational experts are often asked to determine whether a spouse is capable of working and, if so, what level of income they could reasonably earn.

When Vocational Experts Are Used in Washington Divorce Cases

Vocational experts are most commonly used when one spouse claims they cannot work or earns significantly less than they reasonably could. This frequently arises in cases involving long periods of unemployment, career changes, stay-at-home parenting arrangements, health claims, or disputes over spousal maintenance.

They are also used when a court must decide whether to impute income to a party for child support or maintenance purposes. If a judge finds that a party is voluntarily underemployed, income may be imputed based on the vocational expert’s findings rather than the person’s actual earnings.

How Vocational Experts Affect Child Support

In child support cases, Washington courts focus on each parent’s income or earning capacity. When a parent claims minimal income or unemployment, a vocational expert’s report may support or undermine that claim.

If the expert concludes that a parent could earn more based on their background and the job market, the court may impute income at that higher level. This can significantly change the child support calculation and future obligations.

How Vocational Experts Affect Spousal Maintenance

Vocational experts are also commonly used in spousal maintenance disputes. Their opinions can influence whether maintenance is awarded, how much is paid, and how long payments continue.

For example, an expert may determine how long it would reasonably take a spouse to become self-supporting through education, retraining, or re-entry into the workforce. Courts often rely on this analysis when setting maintenance duration.

What a Vocational Evaluation Involves

A vocational evaluation may include interviews, standardized testing, review of medical records, and labor market research. The evaluated spouse may be asked to provide résumés, employment records, and educational documentation.

The expert then prepares a written report summarizing findings and opinions. In contested cases, the expert may testify at deposition or trial.

Strategic Considerations Before Hiring a Vocational Expert

Not every divorce case requires a vocational expert. These evaluations can be expensive and are typically reserved for cases where income disputes materially affect support outcomes.

Before hiring an expert, it is important to consider whether the likely impact on child support or maintenance justifies the cost and whether other evidence may address the issue adequately.

Final Thoughts
Vocational experts can be powerful tools in Washington divorce cases involving income disputes, underemployment claims, or long-term support issues. When used appropriately, their analysis helps courts reach fair and informed decisions based on earning capacity rather than speculation.

At Magnuson Lowell, P.S., we regularly work with vocational experts in complex family law cases. We offer free telephone case evaluations to help you determine whether a vocational evaluation may be useful in your divorce or support matter.

One of the most common questions parents ask during or after a divorce is when child support actually ends. Many parents assume support automatically stops on a child’s 18th birthday, but in Washington, the answer is often more nuanced. While there is a “typical” way child support is handled, Washington courts have broad discretion to extend child support obligations in certain circumstances.

Understanding how and when child support terminates can help parents plan financially and avoid surprises.

The Typical Order: Age 18 or High School Graduation

In most typical Washington divorces, the Court often orders that child support will end when a specific child either turns 18 or graduates from high school, whichever happens later. This rule reflects the state’s recognition that many children are still financially dependent on their parents while completing high school.

For example, if a child turns 18 during their senior year of high school, child support typically continues until graduation. Conversely, if a child graduates at 17, support will usually continue until the child turns 18.

This termination date is often written directly into the child support order so both parents know when support is expected to end.

Post-Secondary Educational Support

Washington courts have discretion to order post-secondary (college or trade school, etc.) educational support, which can extend child support beyond high school graduation and age 18.

This type of support is not automatic. A parent seeking post-secondary support must usually ask the court to extend child support and present evidence that may include:

• The child’s academic performance and educational goals
  
  
• The child’s age and aptitude
  
  
• The financial resources of both parents
  
  
• The child’s own ability to contribute through work, scholarships, or grants

Post-secondary support can include contributions toward tuition, housing, books, fees, healthcare, travel, and more. Courts may also place limits on duration, academic performance, or enrollment status. Again, the Courts have broad discretion to ensure the child is properly supported even during college.

Child Support for Children with Disabilities or Other Circumstances

Since the Court has broad authority regarding Child Support, if they feel the child has circumstances where it is unlikely they will be able to support themselves beyond their 18th birthday or high school, the Court may extend it for a longer period. While most often this applies to children with disabilities, the Court may apply this is any reasonable situation.

In these cases, courts focus on the child’s ongoing needs rather than age alone. Support may be extended pending health developments or for a defined period, depending on the child’s condition, ability to work, and required level of care. This scenario is highly fact dependent.

Every child support order is different. Some include a clear termination date; others require additional court action. Some anticipate post-secondary support, while others are silent on the issue. Some Orders will reserve post-secondary support requiring you to take affirmative action before ethe Child Support Order is terminated for a chance to update the Order.

If you are considering divorce or have questions about child support, it may be important to seek legal advice before making assumptions that could affect your finances or child’s future. At Magnuson Lowell, P.S., we help parents navigate child support issues at every stage, including termination, modification, and post-secondary support. We offer free telephone case evaluations to discuss your situation and next steps. Call today for a free telephone case evaluation 425-800-0582.

False allegations in a Washington divorce or protection-order proceeding can feel overwhelming. You may suddenly find yourself defending against claims that distort what happened, exaggerate past events, or invent behavior outright. These accusations can affect custody, temporary orders, financial support, or even your reputation.

Washington courts are experienced at sorting through conflicting stories. Judges rely far more on credibility and evidence than on the loudest accusation. How you respond can significantly influence the outcome of your case.

Stay Calm and Stick to Verifiable Facts

When someone lies about you in a declaration or motion, it is natural to feel angry and want to fire back with equal intensity. But emotional responses often backfire. Judges look for clarity and credibility, not drama. Your filings should be steady, factual, and concise.

State what happened and, if necessary, what did not happen. Avoid editorial commentary. A calm tone reinforces your reliability and makes the false statements easier for the court to identify.

Use Evidence to Undermine False Claims

False allegations lose power when you can pair your version of events with documents, messages, or third-party observations.

Evidence can include text messages, emails, screenshots, police reports, photos, school records, bank statements, medical notes, or anything else that contradicts the inaccurate claim. Even small pieces of documentation can demonstrate that the opposing party’s statements are not reliable.

You do not need to attach every scrap of evidence you own. Instead, provide targeted exhibits directly tied to the most important allegations, such as those relating to parenting, safety, and finances.

Respond Directly but Briefly to False Statements

Keeping your responses tight and focused shows the court that you are not trying to “win the narrative battle”, you’re simply presenting accurate information. This approach often makes the opposing party’s exaggerations stand out even more starkly.

Be Consistent Across All Filings

One of the biggest credibility killers in Washington family law cases is inconsistency. Judges routinely compare declarations filed months apart. Even small contradictions may be used against you, especially in cases where credibility is central.

Third-Party Declarations Can Strengthen Your Response

Neutral witnesses can significantly help when you are dealing with false allegations. Teachers, neighbors, coaches, childcare providers, police officers, or friends who have observed relevant events can provide short declarations that confirm your version of events. Courts value independent perspectives. This is particularly useful in custody cases, where a single parent’s accusations can otherwise create a “he said, she said” dynamic. That being said, avoid “character statements” in most scenarios as they provide little assistance in these situations.

Acknowledge Your Own Imperfections When Appropriate

If part of an allegation is true, acknowledge the piece that is accurate while correcting the parts that are false. Judges know people are imperfect. Taking responsibility where appropriate often increases your credibility and reduces the impact of the opposing party’s accusations.

Avoid Filing False Counter-Allegations

It may be tempting to retaliate by exaggerating the other party’s behavior. Resist that urge. Courts punish dishonesty, and responding to a lie with your own falsehood can severely damage your case. Keep your filings accurate, even when you feel attacked.

False allegations are stressful, but they do not determine the outcome of your case. Judges look carefully at credibility, consistency, and evidence. By responding calmly, providing documentation, and focusing on what truly matters you can counter false claims effectively. Call today for a free telephone case evaluation 425-800-0582.