If I'm helping to pay my ex spouse's medical bills incurred during the marriage, through court ordered payments, is that considered alimony? It's not said to be alimony

[naimphee]

To further explain, while I've read that as long as it's not listed in court documents as NOT alimony, it's alimony. Do they mean the court documents will literally state "this payment is not to be considered alimony"? It is worded that the payment is for medical bills, but not whether it is or is not considered alimony.

[DanO · Accepted solution]

Yes, this is considered alimony. 

Child support or property settlements would not be alimony.

Click here to see IRS topic 452 on Alimony Requirements.

You will see this statement that clarifies your concern about whether something is alimony or not. It is alimony if "the divorce or separation instrument doesn't designate the payment as not alimony".