If a parent voluntarily quits a job, gets fired for cause, or takes a lower-paying job without a good reason, most states let a court calculate support based on what that parent could and should be earning — not what they're actually earning. This is called imputing income.
What triggers imputation
Courts generally look at whether the reduction in income was voluntary and whether it was done in bad faith (specifically to reduce support) or for a legitimate reason (a documented layoff, a genuine career change with a reasonable transition period, a disability). The burden of proof and exact standard varies by state.
How the imputed amount is set
When a court does impute income, it typically looks at the parent's work history, education, occupational qualifications, and the prevailing wage for similar work in the local job market — sometimes with expert vocational testimony in contested cases — rather than picking an arbitrary number.
It cuts both ways
Imputation isn't only used against paying parents. A parent who could work but chooses not to, on either side of a case, can have income imputed to them for calculation purposes — the goal is an accurate picture of earning capacity, not a penalty aimed at one side.
FAQ
Can income be imputed if I lost my job through no fault of my own?
Generally no — an involuntary, good-faith job loss is treated differently than a voluntary reduction, though you may still need to show you're making reasonable efforts to find comparable work.
Does staying home with a young child count as voluntary underemployment?
This varies significantly by state and by the child's age — some states have specific carve-outs for a parent caring for a very young child. Consult a family law attorney for your state's rule.