The most significant difference between alimony vs. child support is what each is used for. Alimony gets paid to the spouse for their benefit. Child support, on the other hand, is meant to take care of the kids coming from the partnership and is designed to be used for the basic needs that children have. Let’s take a closer look at the two with this alimony and child support comparison.
Difference Between Alimony and Child Support
Alimony, otherwise referred to as spousal support, is the amount that one spouse pays to another after divorce. The judge might order these alimony payments for a specified time or until the spouse remarries, but it is rarely granted automatically. The spouse in need must ask for it. Overall, alimony is designed to let the spouse maintain a similar lifestyle to when the marriage was existing, without financial burden.
Child support is automatically designated for the children of the marriage or partnership. This financial support is meant to supply basic needs to the children. It should be used for housing, medical care, clothing, food, and other necessities.
Alimony and Child Support Calculator
While you can use an alimony calculator and child support calculator to get a basic idea of what you will receive, it’s always best to consult with a professional. Under Colorado law, when a couple has been married for three years but less than twenty, the court can use statutory guidelines to determine the appropriate term and amount of alimony. Alimony payments will then equal forty percent of the higher-earning spouse’s monthly adjusted gross income, with fifty percent of the lower-earning spouse’s monthly adjusted gross income deducted.
Child support is calculated by the gross income of both parents. It’s typically a percentage, such as twenty percent for one child and ten percent for each additional.
How Much Will I Pay in Alimony and Child Support?
You can use the calculators or the general rules above to figure out the estimated alimony and child support payments, but the only way to know for sure is to speak with a professional.
Related Article: How Alimony is Determined in Colorado
Can I Get Alimony and Child Support?
Colorado offers no guarantees for spousal support, even if you are in great need. The lower wage earner is not automatically entitled to alimony. Instead, the courts consider both financial situations and look at the whole picture. Before child support can be ordered, the courts might request acknowledgment of paternity, especially if the parents were not married. Then, standard child support guidelines are used to determine the child support payments for any dependents.
Does Alimony Affect Child Support in Colorado?
Spousal alimony is no longer tax-deductible to the payor, so it does affect child support since the courts are looking at gross income. The parent receiving spousal support will receive this alimony payment as income, which could reduce the child support payments.
Is Alimony and Child Support Tax Deductible?
Since 2018, child support and alimony were no longer tax-deductible to the payor and handled by the payee. Instead, the person paying support will need to pay all of the taxes. A professional can help you figure out how all of the calculations work.
Alimony and Child Support Requirements
Colorado has strict guidelines about determining child support and alimony payments. You can speak with a professional to find out what you are looking at before you start the proceedings.
Alimony and Child Support Lawyer
You deserve the best alimony and child support lawyer in the Colorado Springs and Denver areas. You want someone that understands the ins and outs of both alimony law and child custody law, so everyone gets what’s owed. Whether you are paying support or receiving, it’s wise to seek counsel with Thomas Ramunda first.
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Divorce Lawyer in Denver
If you are looking for help with your Denver, Colorado divorce or child support, contact Thomas Ramunda at South Denver Law. He maintains two office locations for easy access. Visit at 19590 E. Mainstreet, Suite 103, Parker, CO 80138 (Parker/Main Office) or 4610 Ulster Street, Suite 150, Denver, Colorado 80237 (Denver Tech Center). Don’t attempt a Denver divorce or child support case without professional guidance.
Divorce Lawyer in Parker
Thomas Ramunda is an experienced and reputable lawyer available for your Denver, Colorado divorce and child support case. Visit our offices at 19590 E. Mainstreet, Suite 103, Parker, CO 80138 (Parker/Main Office) or 4610 Ulster Street, Suite 150, Denver, Colorado 80237 (Denver Tech Center).
Divorce Lawyer in Colorado Springs
If you want the best divorce lawyer in Colorado Springs, you don’t need to search any longer. Thomas Ramunda has the years of experience you require, and he has worked with countless military families in the area. He can work with both parties to create an amicable solution to your Colorado Springs divorce.
