Matrimonial Expert Services in DC
KWVRS provides matrimonial vocational and life care planning analysis for attorneys handling cases in the District of Columbia. KWVRS provides forensic economic analysis with its affiliated firm, Kincaid Wolstein Economics.
Overview
Matrimonial vocational evaluations quantify earning capacity for support and maintenance determinations, often where one spouse has been out of the workforce or is imputed an earning capacity different from actual income.
Vocational and economic impact
A vocational evaluation reconstructs the spouse's earning capacity based on education, training, work history, and local labor market conditions, addressing any re-entry timeline and retraining needs.
Exposure is defined by jurisdictional support formulas applied to imputed or actual income. Vocational opinions can significantly affect temporary and permanent support determinations.
District of Columbia courts and expert standards
Matrimonial matters in the District of Columbia are litigated in the state's trial courts, with vocational, life care planning, and economic testimony evaluated under the District of Columbia's expert evidence standard. KWVRS prepares reports and testimony that account for these requirements.
Where these cases are heard
- Family Court of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia - Divorce, alimony and support matters
Highest court: District of Columbia Court of Appeals.
Sources: District of Columbia Courts, Superior Court Divisions: the Family Court Operations Division receives and processes divorce, custody, paternity and child support cases among others (reviewed 2026-10-08); District of Columbia Courts, Family Court Operations Division, Divorce: alimony and distribution of marital property are asked for in the divorce case, and child custody and child support may be included in it (reviewed 2026-10-08); District of Columbia Courts, 2025 Family Court Annual Report: the mission of the Family Court of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia (reviewed 2026-10-08); Code of the District of Columbia (D.C. Law Library, Council of the District of Columbia), Jurisdiction of the Family Court: actions for divorce and legal separation, including proceedings for alimony and for support and custody of minor children (supporting evidence) (reviewed 2026-10-08)
Attorney guides for matrimonial cases
Other case types in the District of Columbia
Frequently Asked Questions
What is earning capacity imputation in divorce?
When a court finds that a spouse is voluntarily underemployed or unemployed, it may impute earning capacity based on education, training, and labor market data, applying that figure rather than actual income to support calculations.
How does a vocational expert address re-entry after a career interruption?
The expert evaluates skill currency, retraining needs, expected re-entry wage trajectory, and a realistic timeline to reach full earning capacity, supported by labor market data.
Are matrimonial vocational reports different from personal injury reports?
Yes. Matrimonial reports focus on prospective earning capacity for support purposes, while personal injury reports focus on the effect of an injury on capacity to earn. Methodology and labor market data are similar; application differs.
References
- BLS Occupational Employment StatisticsGovernment
- O*NET OnLineGovernment
- Census Bureau - Educational Attainment & EarningsGovernment
- District of Columbia Courts, Superior Court Divisions: the Family Court Operations Division receives and processes divorce, custody, paternity and child support cases among others (reviewed 2026-10-08)Government
- District of Columbia Courts, Family Court Operations Division, Divorce: alimony and distribution of marital property are asked for in the divorce case, and child custody and child support may be included in it (reviewed 2026-10-08)Government
- District of Columbia Courts, 2025 Family Court Annual Report: the mission of the Family Court of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia (reviewed 2026-10-08)Government
- Code of the District of Columbia (D.C. Law Library, Council of the District of Columbia), Jurisdiction of the Family Court: actions for divorce and legal separation, including proceedings for alimony and for support and custody of minor children (supporting evidence) (reviewed 2026-10-08)Government
Ready to Get Started on matrimonial cases in the District of Columbia?
Contact KWVRS to discuss scope, timing, and the deliverables appropriate to the matter. KWVRS accepts matrimonial engagements from either spouse's counsel, the evaluation may be of either spouse, and the opinion is neutral whichever party retains it.