What exactly is alimony? Is any of it for child support? What is the difference between the two?
2007-03-27 04:34:43 · 23 answers · asked by radioactive_babywipes 3 in Family & Relationships ➔ Marriage & Divorce
Alimony is paid to the ex-spouse for the ex-spouses use and discretion to help maintain the standard of living while he/she was married. During that time they are suppose to work on themselves to get to a point that after alimony payments are complete they can continue to maintain themselves in the standard of living they are accustomed to. Alimony is tax deductible (to the one who pays it) and is reportable income (to the one who receives it). Usually, alimony support does not last very long. A few years (1-7). And alimony is terminated when the one who receives it re-marries.
Child support is money paid to the ex-spouse who has majority custody of the children. This money is to be used to the children's benefit. IE - rent and utilities, food, clothes, gas for the car, entertainment, etc. Basically normal (but not extravagant) living expenses. Usually child support is paid until the children reach the age of 18 OR (if stipulated in the support paperwork) until the age of 22 to help pay for college. Child support payments are NOT tax deductible and is not reportable income.
2007-03-27 04:45:56 · answer #1 · answered by Poppet 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Alimony is payment to the ex spouse not awarded much any longer except in cases where the "displaced" spouse had been out of the workforce for many years and needs time to get working skills and return to the work force, once they do so alimony ceases. Child support is for the CHILDREN. It is a percentage of what it takes to support that child (food clothing, a roof over their heads, household bills; electric, water,sewer, telephone, internet etc), through age 18, and if the support papers require beyond. (until they are 23 as long as they are enrolled in school) Child support, (contrary to what some seem to think), is NOT payment for visitation. Vistation is the right between the non-custodial parent and the child and is NOT dependent upon child support being up to date.
2007-03-27 12:14:04 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
the difference between alimony and child support is simple , the woman does not have to lie and say it's all being spent on the kids when it's alimony.Child Support they have to lie . I think alimony should be banned just like Common Law Marriage woman have the same rights as men so they need to get a job
2007-03-29 22:17:59 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
alimony is spousal support, it is completely different form child support. If you made a lot of money and your wife didnt work, then she could get alimony, but usually it is only for a certain period of time. Child support has to be paid until the child is out of school.
2007-03-27 11:38:21 · answer #4 · answered by tandyrae_1976 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Alimony is for the spouse to get on with their life. Child support is for the support of the child or children.
2007-03-27 11:38:08 · answer #5 · answered by dgreer58 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Alimony can be paid to someone who does not have children and is often called spousal support...support for the former spouse. Child support is for the support of the child or children..not the parent. Hope this answers your question.
2007-03-27 23:42:43 · answer #6 · answered by curious74432 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Alimony is for the support of the ex-spouse, and child support is paid for the support of the children.
2007-03-27 11:39:39 · answer #7 · answered by michy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Alimony is spousal support. This could be ordered for a set number of years or indefinitely.
Child support is separate and usually continues until the child is eighteen. Both alimony and child support could be ordered simultaneously.
2007-03-27 11:39:20 · answer #8 · answered by big_mustache 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Alimony is also referred to as spousal support. Meaning that when you get divorced your wife could take you to court for alimony, which is money you pay your ex-wife until she marries again. Most judges grant alimony.
Child Support is when you pay money each week or each month (whichever the judge sets) for your children. This is meant to buy them clothing and school things..It is meant to help put food on the table. All judges grant child support with the proof that the child/children are yours either biologically or by adoption.
2007-03-27 11:44:44 · answer #9 · answered by Mel 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Alimony is support for the wife or husband to maintain the life style they had obtained with their spouse. Child support is primaraly for the chile.
2007-03-27 12:34:14 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋