Lenders may consider whether alimony, child support, or separate maintenance payments are likely to be consistently made, as this affects the borrower's ability to repay. Consideration of family status, phone listings, or age (except as required for legal capacity) is prohibited by the Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA).

“A creditor must consider alimony, child support, or separate maintenance income to the extent that it is likely to be consistently received.”

— 12 CFR § 1002.6(b)(5), Regulation B (ECOA)