Are child support payments or alimony payments considered taxable income? Spousal support is an amount of money that the court orders one spouse to pay to the other spouse for his or her reasonable needs.In this article, we will explain the differences between alimony, spousal support, and child support and how to determine which will apply to you. Until What Age Is a Parent Obligated to Support a Child? In this article, learn about how spousal maintenance is ordered, the requirements to be eligible for spousal maintenance, and other important information. The amount of child support that either parent may have to pay following a divorce is based on several factors, and one of those factors is alimony. To start your case, go to a Family Court clerk and ask them to help you with a "Spousal Support Petition. Alimony, also referred to as spousal support, refers to payments made to support a former spouse and maintain their standard of living after a divorce. Child Custody and Support: Spousal support may also be considered alongside child support, especially if you have custody of a physically disabled child. If you are struggling to verify your spouse's income one should go to court and get an order to compel your spouse to produce the tax return.