What is the Difference Between Alimony and Child Support?

The main difference between alimony and child support lies in their intended purposes and the factors used to calculate the payments. Here are the key differences:

Alimony:

Also known as spousal support, alimony is a payment one spouse makes to their ex-spouse after divorce.
Its purpose is to help the receiving spouse maintain a reasonable standard of living after the divorce.
Alimony is based on the needs of the receiving spouse and is typically determined through a contractual agreement or by a judge.
Payments can be used for whatever the receiving spouse sees fit, without any guidelines.
Alimony payments may terminate after a certain number of years or if the receiving spouse remarries.

Child Support:

Child support is a payment from the non-custodial parent to the custodial parent to help cover the costs of raising their child.
Its purpose is to support the child's basic needs, such as food, clothing, and housing.
Child support is calculated based on the income of both parents and the number of children involved, among other factors.
Payments must be used directly toward the care of the child, and there are guidelines regarding how child support payments can be used.
Child support payments typically continue until the child becomes emancipated, turns 18, or finishes college.

In summary, alimony is paid for the benefit of the spouse and is intended to help them maintain their lifestyle after divorce, while child support is paid for the benefit of the child and is intended to cover the costs of raising the child. The calculations and purposes of these payments differ, as do the factors that can terminate or modify them.