i have court-ordered spousal support. Does that count as a dependant?

gbdala · ‎April 13, 2026

ThomasM125 · ‎April 13, 2026

No, a spouse does not qualify as a dependent.

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xmasbaby0 · ‎April 13, 2026

No. You cannot claim your ex-spouse as a dependent because you pay spousal support.

Whether you can enter the spousal support as a deduction depends on when the divorce was finalized.

You can deduct alimony paid if the divorce was finalized by the end of 2018. If the divorce was finalized after 12-31-2018 the alimony paid is not deductible.

Go to Federal>Deductions and Credits>Other Deductions and Credits>Alimony Paid

**Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to offer the most correct information possible. The poster disclaims any legal responsibility for the accuracy of the information that is contained in this post.**