Divorce Services

Vocational evaluations in California divorce

A vocational evaluator assesses a spouse's ability to find work, which can matter when support is decided.

What this professional does

California Family Code section 4331 allows a court in a dissolution or legal separation case to order a party to be examined by a vocational training counselor. The statute says the examination assesses the party's ability to obtain employment based on age, health, education, marketable skills, employment history and the current availability of employment opportunities.

The evaluator gathers information, may test skills or interests, and writes a report. The judge decides what weight it gets. The statute also says the order may be made only on motion, for good cause, and on notice to the parties.

When to seek this help

  • One spouse has been out of the workforce for an extended period.
  • Support depends on what a spouse could reasonably earn.
  • The other side has requested an evaluation.
  • You want a realistic plan for returning to work.

How to prepare

  • Resume, education records and certificates.
  • Employment history with dates and reasons for changes.
  • Relevant health information, discussed first with your attorney.
  • Any court order specifying time, place, scope and evaluator.

Questions to ask before hiring

  • What qualifications do you hold, and how often do you testify in family court?
  • Are you retained by one side or appointed jointly?
  • What tests or interviews will you use?
  • Will I receive a copy of the report?

Checking qualifications

  • There is no single dedicated California license for vocational evaluators. Ask what credentials they hold and confirm with the issuing body.
  • If they hold a counseling or psychology license, verify it through the DCA License Search.

Limits of this role

  • An evaluation is evidence, not a support order.
  • Do not refuse or ignore an evaluation order without legal advice. The statute describes consequences for non-compliance.

Providers & resources to explore

External organization listed for information only. No endorsement, partnership or referral. Checked on its official website on November 6, 2026; confirm qualifications, availability and local service directly.

  • Vocational Economics, Inc. (Provider): National forensic consulting firm focused on economic damages and earning capacity; site states it is headquartered in Louisville. Official website. A local divorce service has not been verified. Confirm it performs divorce earning-capacity evaluations and that its work suits California family court. Source checked 2026-11-06.

Frequently asked questions

Can I be forced to take a vocational evaluation?

Under Family Code 4331, a court may order one on motion, for good cause, and with notice. Talk to your attorney if one is requested.

Does the report set my support?

No. The judge considers it along with other evidence.

Can I hire one myself to plan a return to work?

Yes, though a privately retained evaluation may be treated differently from one ordered by the court. Ask your attorney before sharing it.

Related topics

Primary resources

This page is general education for San Diego County residents. It is not legal, tax, financial or mental health advice and has not been reviewed by an attorney. External organizations named here are informational listings only: no endorsement, partnership, referral or ranking is implied, and qualifications, availability and local service must be confirmed directly with each organization.