The Difference Between Alimony and Child Support

Alimony and child support are two types of continuing financial obligation that one spouse may be required to pay the other. Though they are similar, alimony and child support are two distinct things. A number of factors affect the determination of alimony and child support and these factors will inform the judge's decision as to how long you receive payment, and how much each payment is for. For more info about a Bethesda lawyer, follow the link. Each state has different laws regarding these two aspects of family law.

Payment made from one spouse to the other is alimony. It is made irrespective of whether the couple has dependents. The money is meant to help support the less financially stable spouse. A judge might look at things like income, health, and age when determining whether alimony is necessary and how much the payments will be. He or she may also consider the length of the marriage and whether there is fault.

There are different types of alimony including that which is temporary, that which is meant to repay a debt, and that which is permanent. Alimony pendente lite, or temporary alimony, is awarded to one spouse from the other while the divorce proceedings are active and will end when the divorce is final. Alimony paid to a spouse for a set period of time while the payee finds employment is rehabilitative alimony. If one spouse has paid for the other to accomplish something, such as attend college, he or she may be awarded reimbursement alimony to repay the money he or she spent. Follow the link for more information on a Maryland custody lawyer. Permanent alimony is granted less and less often and is alimony that must be paid until one of the spouses dies, or the lesser-earning spouse remarries.

Child support is money paid by one spouse (the obligor) to the other (the obligee) for the maintenance of dependent children. Often this is a non-custodial parent giving money to the custodial parent, though if both parents share equal custody, one of the custodial parents may be required to pay child support to the other, if there is income disparity between the two parties. The rationale behind child support is the understanding that parents have a financial obligation to provide for their children.

Whether the parents had a legal relationship or not does not matter. Paternity or maternity are the only things that must be shown for a judge to order child support. Legal guardians may also be awarded child support from a biological parent. Learn more about a Montgomery County MD Law Firm. Though it is sometimes ordered and arranged during a divorce proceeding, child support orders can be made at a later date, as well. Changes in circumstances can lead to a renegotiation of a child support order.