Does child support or alimony count for conventional?
Yes, both directions. Court-ordered support that you receive can count as qualifying income with documented payment history (typically 6-12 months) and 3+ years of remaining duration. Support that you pay counts as a recurring debt and reduces DTI room.
What this actually means.
Receiving side: court order or divorce decree, plus 6-12 months of bank statements showing receipt. Continuance: 3+ years remaining typically required. Voluntary support (no court order) is harder to count. Paying side: court-ordered amount comes off as a debt or as a reduction to qualifying income (lender's choice — same DTI effect). Subject to Fannie/Freddie guidelines.
Where this can move.
Documentation type, employment stability, year-over-year trends, and any recent job/business changes can change the answer.
Ask the question. Get the straight answer.
Send the scenario and I'll tell you what I'm seeing. No application fee. No long form just to get a basic answer.
More conventional questions on Income.
Educational only. Conventional loan guidelines, lender overlays, rates, fees, PMI, LLPAs, and underwriting requirements can change. Final eligibility depends on full underwriting review. Mortgage Expert, Inc. is not affiliated with Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, FHFA, or any government agency.