Child support is never deductible and isn't considered income. Additionally, if a divorce or separation instrument provides for alimony and child support, and the payer spouse pays less than the total required, the payments apply to child support first. Only the remaining amount is considered alimony.
Often, people confuse alimony with child support. However, they are two completely different types of financial remedies. In simple terms, the financially weaker spouse receives alimony. Whereas child support is about providing financial assistance by one parent to the other, who has custody of the child.
Misconduct: Certain behaviors can also lead to the disqualification of alimony. For instance, if a spouse is found to have engaged in financial misconduct, such as hiding assets or failing to disclose financial information during the divorce proceedings, this can result in disqualification.
The court will determine how long you or the other party will receive alimony. If you have been married for 20 years or longer, there is no limit to how long you can receive alimony. However, if you were married for less than 20 years, you cannot collect alimony for more than 50% of the length of the marriage.
How to fill out the Child Support Guidelines Worksheet? Collect your gross weekly income and related expenses. Enter all deductions applicable to your income. Calculate your available income by subtracting expenses from income. Determine the combined available income with the second parent.
Alimony is spousal support and provides financial assistance to one spouse from the other. It aims to help the recipient maintain a similar standard of living to the one they had during the marriage. On the other hand, child support is considered financial support for children.
Child support is mandatory in Georgia. That's because both parents must contribute to the financial well-being of their children, regardless of their relationship status.