Key Takeaways
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Alimony and child support can count as income if they meet the 6/36 rule.
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Paying support reduces borrowing power since it adds debt or lowers income.
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Documentation is essential—court orders, bank records, and tax returns are required.
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Government-backed loans may offer flexibility with documentation and continuation requirements.
Divorce reshapes nearly every part of your financial life, including your ability to qualify for a mortgage or refinance. One of the most common questions borrowers ask is: How do alimony and child support affect mortgage approval?
The answer depends on whether you receive or pay support. In some cases, alimony and child support can help you qualify for a larger mortgage by boosting income. In other cases, they count as debt and reduce your borrowing power. Understanding how lenders evaluate these payments—and what documentation you need—will help you prepare for the home loan process.
Does Alimony Count as Income for a Mortgage?
Yes. If you receive alimony, most lenders allow it to be counted as income, which can increase your qualifying amount. To use it, lenders generally follow the 6/36 rule:
| Requirement | What It Means |
| 6 months of proof | You must show documented payments for at least six months. |
| 36 months of continuation | Payments must be expected to continue for at least three years after applying. |
FHA and VA loans may allow just three months of proof in certain cases. Regardless, lenders will require documents such as:
- Divorce decree or separation agreement
- Bank statements, canceled checks, or deposit slips showing consistent payments
When properly documented, alimony strengthens your mortgage application by improving your debt-to-income ratio (DTI).
How Paying Alimony Affects Your Mortgage
If you pay alimony, lenders treat it as a recurring obligation similar to a loan or credit card payment. This reduces your borrowing power.
Lenders may account for it in two ways:
| Method | Example | Impact |
| Subtracting from income | $6,000 monthly income – $800 alimony = $5,200 qualifying income | Lowers income available to qualify |
| Adding to debts | $6,000 income ÷ ($1,000 debts + $800 alimony) = 30% DTI | Increases monthly obligations |
Either method lowers the amount you qualify to borrow, but both give lenders a clearer view of repayment ability.
Child Support and Mortgage Qualification
Child support follows the same rules as alimony:
- If you receive it → It can be counted as income, provided it meets the 6/36 consistency rule.
- If you pay it → It’s considered a debt obligation and added to your DTI ratio.
Because child support usually ends when a child reaches adulthood, lenders verify that it will continue for at least three years to include it in income calculations.
Documentation You’ll Need
Whether you’re paying or receiving support, documentation plays a critical role. Expect lenders to request:
- Divorce decree or court order outlining terms
- Bank statements, canceled checks, or direct deposit records
- Two years of tax returns and W-2s/1099s
- Credit report showing existing debts
- Proof of other income sources (Social Security, rental income, dividends)
The more consistent and complete your records, the stronger your application will be.
Bottom Line
Divorce can make mortgage qualification seem complicated, but alimony and child support don’t have to prevent homeownership. If you receive payments, they can strengthen your application by boosting income. If you pay them, they will count against your borrowing power, but preparation and documentation can help balance the impact. By understanding lender requirements and working with an experienced mortgage professional, you can navigate the process with confidence.
FAQs About Alimony & Mortgage Qualification
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