Child Support vs. Alimony

Because child support and alimony have so much in common, many people are confused by what differentiates the two. Although each is a form of continued support after a divorce, the differences between them are numerous. If you have any questions about alimony and child support, contact the West Palm Beach divorce lawyer of Eric N. Klein & Associates, P.A. by calling 561-353-2800 today.

First of all, the obligations which underline the necessity of alimony and child support are different. While alimony is considered necessary to compensate your former spouse for a loss of income, a parent’s responsibilities to his or her children are covered by child support. Even though a parent may be out of the custodial picture, he or she still has an obligation to help clothe, feed, and raise them.

Because of this, child support payments are not taxed, while alimony payments are. The entirety of the child support payment will go to the needs of the child. Alimony, however, is taxable, and these taxes must be paid by the receiving spouse. The paying spouse can write alimony payments off as a tax deduction. Child support payments, though, cannot be written off, as they are not taxed.

Alimony and child support payments must be listed as such for tax purposes. That is, in order to write alimony off as a tax deduction, the money must be in cash and must be called “alimony” in the divorce documents. Likewise, for child support payments to not be taxed by the IRS, they must be in accords with “child support payments” as outlined in your divorce document.

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If you have any questions about the legal issues surrounding child support payments and alimony payments, contact the West Palm Beach divorce lawyers of Eric N. Klein & Associates, P.A. by calling 561-353-2800.