When a marriage ends, it’s natural to worry about how you’ll support yourself and your family. We’ve worked with many clients concerned about keeping their kids in the same school district, covering medical bills, or rebuilding their careers after years out of the workforce. These are not just legal issues; they’re deeply personal challenges that raise important questions about what comes next. Many people want to know, Do alimony and child support work together, or are they separate? Others ask, What can I do if my ex refuses to pay what the court ordered? These are critical questions, and understanding the answers can give you peace of mind during an otherwise stressful time. At The Cimino Law Firm, Rochester alimony lawyer Michelle Cimino has helped clients like you protect their rights and secure the support they deserve.
Understanding Alimony vs. Child Support With an Alimony Lawyer
Many people assume alimony and child support are the same thing, but they’re not.
Child support is intended to cover the needs of the children, including food, clothing, medical care, childcare, school costs, and even extracurricular activities. In New York, the amount is determined using state-mandated guidelines that take into account each parent’s income, the number of children, and how much time the children spend with each parent.
Alimony serves a different purpose. It helps the lower-earning spouse maintain financial stability and transition to an independent life after the marriage ends. To calculate alimony, the court considers factors like the length of the marriage, each spouse’s earning ability, and contributions to the household.
Can You Receive Both Alimony and Child Support?
One of the most important things to know is that child support and alimony are separate obligations. Child support covers the needs of the children, while alimony helps support the lower-earning spouse.
You can receive one, both, or neither, depending on your circumstances. If you qualify for both, the court usually calculates child support first and then determines alimony based on the remaining income.
An experienced alimony lawyer can help you understand how these calculations apply to your unique situation and make sure you pursue the full support you’re entitled to.
How an Alimony Lawyer Can Help You Enforce Court-Ordered Payments
Unfortunately, not everyone follows through with their court-ordered obligations. Whether it is alimony, child support, or both, failure to pay can cause serious financial stress. The good news is that the law provides ways to enforce these payments.
If your former spouse refuses to pay, our alimony lawyer can file the proper motion with the court. There are several tools available to enforce the order:
- Garnishing wages by automatically deducting payments from your ex’s paycheck
- Seizing tax refunds or placing liens on property
- Suspending a driver’s license or a professional license
- Holding your ex in contempt of court, which can result in fines or even jail time in some cases
You do not have to face this situation alone. With an experienced alimony lawyer on your side, you can take action and collect the support you deserve.
Why Choose The Cimino Law Firm?
At The Cimino Law Firm, we understand how stressful and emotional divorce can be. Michelle Cimino brings more than 20 years of experience to every case and is known for her compassionate yet strong advocacy.
We help clients in Rochester and throughout Monroe County understand their rights, negotiate fair agreements, and take action when a former spouse refuses to comply with a court order.
If you are concerned about how alimony and child support will affect you, or if you are struggling to collect the payments you deserve, we are here to help.
Call Today for a Confidential Consultation With a Rochester Alimony Lawyer
You deserve peace of mind about your future, even during one of life’s most challenging transitions. At The Cimino Law Firm, we know how deeply personal these decisions are, whether it’s making sure your children are cared for or finding your own financial stability again. Understanding how alimony and child support work, knowing your rights, and having a trusted advocate by your side can make all the difference. If you need help qualifying for support, enforcing a court order, or simply knowing you’re not alone, we’re here for you.
Ready to get started? Contact The Cimino Law Firm today to schedule your confidential consultation. Let us help protect your financial future and your family’s well-being.
