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.
Plain-English explanation
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.
What can change the answer?
Documentation type, employment stability, year-over-year trends, and any recent job/business changes can change the answer.
Want the real answer for your conventional file?
Conventional guidelines are the rule. Your credit, income, DTI, PMI, LLPAs, and Florida payment math are what decide the actual 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.