The Differences between Spousal and Child Support
In many ways, spousal support and child support are very similar. Both are payments made by one party to the other, with the intent that the money will go to supporting the recipient. However, there are considerable differences from there, and knowing what separates these arrangements legally can be vitally important to anyone who is going through a divorce or has been divorced.
If you or someone you love is concerned about support payments following a divorce, the San Jose divorce attorneys at the Law Office of Daniel Jensen, P.C. may be able to help. To learn more about child support and spousal support arrangements, contact us today by calling 408-296-4100.
Spousal Support vs. Child Support
Spousal support and child support have a number of commonalities. For example, both types of payments:
- Are made in cash
- Last a particular amount of time (till the child reaches the age of 18, or until a spouse dies or the receiving spouse remarries)
- Are made regularly, usually monthly
However, this is where the similarities end. Spousal support (alimony, as it is commonly known) payments are made for the general lifestyle maintenance of the spouse, whereas child support payments must go to the direct support of a child or children.
Alimony and child support payments also differ for tax purposes. While alimony can be deducted from the net income of the payer for tax purposes, child support payments cannot. Alimony payments must be listed as income for the recipient.
Contact Us
The differences between child and spousal support can be confusing for the uninitiated, and many people going through a divorce may benefit from experienced legal representation. If you would like to learn more about what the San Jose divorce lawyers at the Law Office of Daniel Jensen, P.C. may be able to do for you, contact us today by calling 408-296-4100.
