Do I Need a Vocational Expert for My Illinois Divorce?

 Posted on January 30, 2026 in Divorce

Getting the financial picture of a divorce can be hard when one spouse has been out of the workforce or earns a lot less than the other. Some spouses are not sure if their partner is being honest about how much income they can actually earn. This is important to figure out before decisions like child support orders are made.

A vocational expert can help in these cases. Knowing if you need a vocational expert can make a real difference when it comes to the money your spouse may owe you for spousal or child support.

If you have concerns about your spouse's employment claims in your 2026 divorce, contact a Kane County divorce attorney for help. We offer free consultations and can help you find the best strategy for your case.

What Does a Vocational Expert Do?

A vocational expert evaluates someone's ability to earn income. They review the person's work history, education, training, and any physical or mental limitations. They also look at current job opportunities in the local area that match that person's qualifications. 

A vocational expert  will usually interview the person being evaluated. They might ask them to take aptitude tests or skills assessments. They search local job listings and salary data to see what jobs are available and what those jobs pay. Based on all this information, the expert reports back with how much money they believe the person can earn.

Vocational experts can testify about their findings in court. They will explain to the judge how they made their final decision and answer questions from both attorneys. Their testimony can be very helpful when the court decides how much someone should pay or receive in support.

When Would I Need a Vocational Expert in My Illinois Divorce?

Illinois law considers actual and potential income when calculating spousal maintenance and child support under 750 ILCS 5/504. Because of this, vocational experts are important in cases when there are concerns about a spouse's earning capacity. If your spouse recently quit a good job, took a lower-paying position right before or during the divorce, or has been out of the workforce for a while and claims they cannot find work, it may be worth looking into.

A vocational expert can also help if you are the lower-earning spouse and need to show the court what you can realistically earn given your skills and the job market. This is very important when determining how much spousal maintenance you should receive and for how long.

How Much Does a Vocational Expert Cost, and Who Pays?

Vocational experts often charge between $2,000 and $5,000 for a complete evaluation and court testimony. Usually, the person who requests the expert pays for their services. However, the court can order the other spouse to contribute to or fully cover the cost if the judge thinks a vocational expert benefits both parties, or if one spouse cannot afford it. Your attorney can request that the court split these costs fairly between spouses.

While hiring a vocational expert is a big up-front expense, the financial impact of an inaccurate income assessment can be much bigger. If your spouse successfully hides their earning potential, you could receive thousands of dollars less in support over the years.

Can the Court Order My Spouse to Be Evaluated by a Vocational Expert?

If you request a vocational evaluation and the court agrees it is necessary, your spouse must cooperate. They have to attend interviews, provide work history information, and do any testing the expert requires.

If your spouse won’t cooperate with a court-ordered evaluation, the court can assume that they are trying to hide something or punish them. In this case, your spouse’s refusal can actually strengthen your case.

Call a St. Charles, IL Divorce Lawyer Today

If you’re considering a vocational expert for your divorce case, you should get the opinion of a good lawyer before spending the money. Our Kane County divorce lawyers at Shaw Sanders, P.C. can evaluate your case and advise you on the best approach. 

Our lead attorney is a trained mediator with significant experience in family law, and while we focus on mediation when possible, we are prepared to aggressively litigate cases in court when necessary. Contact Shaw Sanders, P.C. at 630-584-5550 today for a free consultation.