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July 17, 2018 by admin

Is Child Support the Same as Alimony?

Family Attorneys

It’s possible that you will receive alimony in a divorce, child support is likely to be included if you have children from the marriage. It may be complicated to tell the difference between the two if you are receiving both in a divorce settlement. It’s important to note that there is a difference between the two as they serve different purposes, and possibly seek the counsel of experienced family attorneys Tampa, FL residents trust.

Child Support

When a custody agreement is reached, one parent will become the custodial parent, meaning the child will spend most of their time living with them. Child support will be paid to the custodial parent by the noncustodial parent for the care of the child. Child support helps to pay for things such as: daycare, food, clothing etc. Usually, a non custodial parent is responsible for making custody payments until the child reaches the age of 18, and in some cases, even 21.

Alimony

Alimony, also known as spousal support, is when one spouse is financially obligated to the other. Alimony can be received regardless of whether there are children involved. Spousal support can be received in payments made over time or in one lump sum to the spouse who earns less money. Alimony is put in place to help a spouse maintain their life despite a separation. There are some situations in which a spouse may have not worked because they stayed at home to take care of the children. When this occurs, alimony is awarded to them to help take care of themselves in the way that child support is designed to help care for the children. While the rules vary depending on the state you live in, alimony payments are usually halted when the dependent spouse moves in with someone else or is remarried.

Key Differences

  • Alimony is for the spouse while child support is for the child.

  • Alimony is awarded regardless of whether or not there are children involved.

  • There are serious implications to being late or missing child support payments, it is even considered a crime in some states.

  • Alimony is received by the person who earns lower wages whereas child support can be paid by the lower earning person.

  • Child support is not taxable while alimony is taxed as it is a type of income.

The court is expected to consider what is best for the child, including being taken care of financially so that the child doesn’t suffer as a result of the parent’s divorce. The spouse that primarily takes care of the child will receive support so that both parents are supporting the child and some of the weight is taken off of their shoulders as the primary parent.


Thank you to our friends and contributors at The McKinney Law Group for their knowledge about family law.

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