How OAS Vocational Assessments Help Ensure Fairness in Divorce & Matrimonial Cases?

Divorce cases are rarely simple. Along with the emotional toll, they often bring complicated financial decisions—especially when one spouse is seeking alimony (spousal support) or child support. A central question in these situations is whether a spouse can earn an income and how much they are reasonably capable of earning.

That’s where vocational assessments play a crucial role.

In many divorce and matrimonial proceedings, determining a person’s earning capacity is essential for establishing fair financial arrangements. A vocational evaluation provides the court with a clear, objective understanding of a spouse’s employability, job prospects, and income potential. One of the most trusted names in this field is Occupational Assessment Services, Inc. (OAS), which specializes in delivering detailed, court-ready evaluations used to support fair decisions during divorce.

In this article, we’ll explore the value of vocational assessments in divorce cases, how they influence legal outcomes, and why OAS is the go-to provider for accurate and unbiased evaluations.

What Is a Vocational Assessment?

A vocational assessment is a professional evaluation that measures a person’s ability to work and earn an income. This type of assessment takes into account a wide range of factors that affect employability, including:

• Education – Degrees, certifications, and training history.

• Work Experience – Prior roles, industry experience, and job responsibilities.

• Skills – Technical (hard) skills and interpersonal (soft) skills.

• Health – Physical or mental conditions that may limit job performance.

• Job Market Conditions – Current labor market trends, available job opportunities, and wage data.

In divorce proceedings, vocational assessments are used to determine if a spouse seeking support is capable of earning income, what kind of jobs they qualify for, and what they could reasonably earn in today’s job market.

Why Vocational Assessments Matter in Divorce Cases

When financial support is being requested, courts must determine whether that support is justified, how much is appropriate, and for how long it should last. A vocational assessment helps eliminate speculation by providing evidence-based answers to critical questions.

Here’s how a vocational evaluation can influence divorce outcomes:

1. Clarifies Earning Potential

A vocational expert assesses a spouse’s skills, qualifications, and work history to estimate how much they can earn based on current labor market conditions. This prevents courts from awarding support based on outdated or inaccurate information.

2. Identifies Employability of Non-Working Spouses

If one spouse has been out of the workforce—often due to raising children—a vocational assessment evaluates their current ability to return to work. It also considers whether retraining, upskilling, or further education is needed for re-entry into the job market.

3. Offers Expert Testimony in Court

Vocational evaluations can be presented in court as expert testimony. Judges often rely on these professional insights to guide decisions on alimony, spousal support, and related financial matters.

4. Prevents Unfair Financial Burdens

Sometimes a spouse may claim they are unable to work in order to receive higher support payments. A vocational evaluation ensures that support is calculated based on realistic earning capacity, protecting the paying spouse from excessive or unjust financial obligations.

5. Supports Child Support Calculations

In cases involving children, both parents' incomes play a role in determining child support. A vocational evaluation helps establish a fair and accurate estimate of what each parent can contribute financially, based on their true earning potential.

Common Scenarios Where Vocational Assessments Are Useful

Vocational assessments are especially beneficial in the following divorce and family law situations:

➤ Spousal Support Disputes

A vocational evaluation helps the court decide whether the requesting spouse is genuinely unable to support themselves, or if they have the capacity to earn an income through employment.

➤ Stay-at-Home Parents Re-Entering the Workforce

If one spouse has been a stay-at-home parent for many years, a vocational assessment evaluates their current job prospects and identifies what career paths or training would make them employable again.

➤ Uneven Income or High-Asset Divorces

In cases where one spouse earns significantly more than the other, vocational evaluations help determine if the lower-earning spouse is underemployed or capable of increasing their income. This prevents inflated claims of dependency.

➤ Suspected Hidden Income or Underemployment

Some individuals intentionally reduce their income or job responsibilities during a divorce to lower their support obligations. A vocational evaluation can detect this behavior and provide evidence of the person’s actual earning potential.

Why Choose OAS for Vocational Evaluations?

Occupational Assessment Services, Inc. (OAS) is one of the nation’s leading providers of vocational evaluations for divorce and family law cases. With decades of experience and a strong reputation among legal professionals, OAS offers expert assessments that are detailed, impartial, and highly respected in court.

Here’s why OAS is the preferred choice for attorneys and clients:

✔ Certified Experts with Legal Knowledge

OAS employs experienced, credentialed vocational evaluators who understand not only job markets and career development—but also how their evaluations fit into legal proceedings.

✔ Neutral, Unbiased Reporting

OAS evaluations are 100% objective. Their purpose is to provide the court with an accurate picture of employability and earning potential—without favoring either party.

✔ Detailed Reports Tailored for Legal Use

Each report is custom-built for use in family court and includes a full review of job market research, salary ranges, skill assessments, and job availability.

✔ Expert Testimony Available

If needed, OAS evaluators can appear in court to explain their findings and provide expert testimony that supports their report. Their ability to clearly communicate complex information makes them effective witnesses.

✔ Proven Track Record

OAS has a long history of supporting fair outcomes in family law cases. Attorneys across the country rely on OAS to help resolve alimony and child support disputes with professional, data-driven insights.

How the Vocational Assessment Process Works

The OAS vocational assessment process is designed to be clear, efficient, and comprehensive. Here’s a breakdown of how it works:

Step 1: Initial Consultation

The evaluator meets with the individual (in person or remotely) to collect detailed information about their education, work experience, skills, and career history.

Step 2: Skills and Qualifications Review

The expert examines the person’s background, certifications, and work history to assess their employability and job readiness.

Step 3: Labor Market Analysis

OAS performs in-depth job market research to find out what opportunities are available, which jobs the individual qualifies for, and what those roles typically pay.

Step 4: Comprehensive Report

A court-ready report is created, outlining the person’s employment prospects, estimated income, and recommendations for retraining if needed. This report can be submitted as evidence in court.

Step 5: Expert Testimony (If Required)

If the case goes to court, OAS experts are available to explain the report’s findings and provide clear, professional testimony to support fair and factual rulings.

Final Thoughts: The Power of a Vocational Assessment in Divorce

When it comes to divorce and financial support issues, making the right decisions starts with having the right information. A vocational evaluation gives attorneys, judges, and divorcing spouses the facts they need to make informed, equitable choices—especially in emotionally charged situations.

Whether it’s a question of whether someone can return to work, how much they can earn, or whether they are underemployed, a vocational assessment from OAS provides reliable, objective answers that courts trust.

If you’re facing a divorce case involving alimony, spousal support, or child support and need expert insight into earning capacity, don’t leave it to chance—contact OAS today to schedule a consultation.