Retaining an Expert for Matrimonial Cases
Matrimonial vocational expert retention supports earning capacity imputation for support purposes. The analysis reconstructs earning capacity from education, training, and work history, with a realistic re-entry timeline where applicable.
Checklist
- Identify whether imputation is at issue (voluntary underemployment, career interruption)
- Obtain educational records, employment history, and any current earnings
- Retain vocational expert with matrimonial experience in the jurisdiction
- Scope any labor market survey to the relevant geographic area
- Plan for deposition and potentially trial testimony
Questions to ask the expert
- Have you testified in this state's family court?
- How do you handle career interruption and re-entry timelines?
- What labor market data supports your earning capacity opinion?
Timeline
Reports are typically 30 to 60 days from receipt of complete records.
Required documents
- Educational records
- Employment history and wage records
- Current earnings documentation
- Any prior vocational testing
Common pitfalls
- Applying personal-injury methodology unchanged to matrimonial context
- Ignoring re-entry timelines for long career gaps
Frequently Asked Questions
Are matrimonial vocational opinions different from personal injury opinions?
Methodology is similar; application differs. Matrimonial focuses on prospective earning capacity for support; personal injury focuses on effect of injury on earning capacity.
References
- BLS OESGovernment
Ready to Get Started on matrimonial cases?
Contact KWVRS to discuss scope, timing, and the deliverables appropriate to the matter. Plaintiff and defense.