Able-Bodied Definition and Legal Meaning

On this page, you'll find the legal definition and meaning of Able-Bodied, written in plain English, along with examples of how it is used.

What is Able-Bodied?

adj. physically capable of, say being able to earn and pay to support child or spouse after separation.

History and Meaning of Able-Bodied

The term "able-bodied" is used to describe someone who is physically capable of performing work or fulfilling certain duties. The term has been used in various legal contexts over the years, particularly in relation to social welfare programs and obligations to support dependents.

In the context of family law, an able-bodied spouse or parent is someone who is physically capable of earning income to support their family, even if they are not currently doing so. This can be relevant in cases of divorce or separation, where the court may consider the earning potential of each party when making decisions about alimony or child support.

Examples of Able-Bodied

  1. In a child support case, the court may determine that the non-custodial parent is able-bodied and capable of supporting their child financially, even if they are currently unemployed or underemployed.
  2. A person who receives government assistance may be required to demonstrate that they are not able-bodied and are unable to work due to a disability or other health condition.
  3. An employer may be required to provide reasonable accommodations for an employee who becomes temporarily unable-bodied due to an injury or illness, in order to ensure they can continue to perform their job duties.

Legal Terms Similar to Able-Bodied

  1. Disability: A condition that impairs a person's physical or mental abilities to the extent that they are unable to perform certain tasks or activities.
  2. Income imputation: A legal doctrine that allows a court to assign hypothetical income to a party who is capable of earning more than they currently are.
  3. Work requirement: A condition placed on government benefits or assistance programs that requires the recipient to demonstrate that they are actively seeking employment or participating in job training programs.