In some states, spousal support is allowed. Spousal support can also be referred to as maintenance. Some states recognize spousal support and some do not. In the states that do recognize spousal support, if child support is also an issue of the divorce, the spousal support will be determined first, as that will be considered income for the spouse who receives it, then child support will be derived off, of the income of both parents. Spousal support can be awarded for life, as well as any specified period of time. Spousal support can also be called alimony. Spousal support is awarded because throughout the marriage the two parties have obligations to support each other and sometimes those obligations continue on after the divorce. Factors that can affect spousal support include, but are not limited to: length of the marriage, age of the parties at the time of the divorce, relative income of the parties, future income and financial prospects of the parties, health of the parties involved, fault in the marriage, and gender of the recipient.