The State assumes any person can work at least 40 hours a week for minimum wage. If a parent is unemployed, the court may calculate potential income by either:
Looking at his or her past earning history, job qualifications, and available jobs in the community, or;
Use his or her unemployment earnings, or;
Use the amount of income he or she would earn working 40 hours per week at 150 times the Federal or State minimum wage.
Rare exceptions apply such as, working as a caretaker for a child who has special needs, or economic conditions which directly affect your employment status. You should meet with an attorney if you think an exception should apply to your situation.