What if my ex-spouse is underemployed?

Some parents unfortunately shirk their responsibility to their children for the purpose of reducing the amount owed in child support.  This can be done by taking a different job prior to the calculation which pays less, or taking fewer hours.  There are potential remedies to deal with this.  If it can be proven that the parent is underemployed then child support can be based upon “imputed” income if one ex-spouse is underemployed, for example.  This requires an assessment of the spouse’s skill-set, prior work experience and education, and the job market in the area.