What is imputed income in Virginia child support?

Imputed income is income a court assigns to a parent it finds is voluntarily unemployed or under-employed without good cause. Instead of using the actual paycheck, the court bases support on what the parent could and should be earning. It looks at earning history, education, job-search efforts, and the local job market.

When can a court impute income?

A court can impute income when it finds a parent is voluntarily unemployed or under-employed without good reason. It is aimed at a parent who quits a good job, turns down work, or takes a deliberate pay cut. It does not apply to a genuine job loss or a legitimate, good-faith career change.

What does the court look at?

The judge weighs the parent's recent earning history and pay records, their education, certifications, and experience, their actual efforts to find or keep work, and what comparable jobs pay in the local area. Real limitations like a disability or caregiving duties are also considered.

Can imputed income be used against me unfairly?

It can be argued against you, but you can respond. If your income dropped because of a genuine layoff, a health condition, or a legitimate career change, you can show the court the drop was not voluntary. The law only reaches parents who lower their income without good cause.

Imputed Income in Child Support

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