MA Family Law: Imputing Income: Reasonable Efforts to Find Employment

 

The Probate and Family Court imputed income to an ex-wife based on her present ability to obtain employment.  On appeal, the Appeals Court reminds us that the test for imputing income is a two-part inquiry: (1) whether the person has a present ability to obtain a particular job and (2) whether the person exercised “reasonable efforts” in the job search.  Here, the trial court made no findings regarding the second requirement.  Accordingly, the case was remanded to the trial court for further fact finding on the “reasonable efforts” issue.  Ulin v. Polansky, 83 Mass.App.Ct. 303 (February 19, 2013)