If the other parent is not working, but could work, the amount of support will be based on minimum wage or the wage of his/her previous job. If the other parent could work, the court may order the other parent to look for work. If that happens, s/he will have to go back to court or the child-support office to report on his/her work search.

If the other parent is not working, and cannot work now (because s/he is in high school or jail, or has a disability), the court may decide not to order support at this time.