Spousal and child support are two entirely different issues. While almost all couples make arrangements for one to pay the other a set amount of money that is dedicated to the care and feeding of a child, not many make arrangements for spousal support (also known as alimony). In fact, fewer than ten percent of modern divorces include arrangements for ongoing alimony. Because it is a simple fact that it requires the income of two parents to successfully raise a child, however, almost all divorces in which children are involved will include terms for child support payments. The ways in which spousal or child support are determined are usually based on such factors as income, need, and the cost of living. Most awards for alimony tend to have a finite time span and are geared only at helping the spouse transition into an independent lifestyle. Child support is usually paid until all children are no longer considered minors.