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We're the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), a U.S. government agency that makes sure banks, lenders, and other financial companies treat you fairly.

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If I want to rely on the alimony or child support that I receive in my mortgage or home equity loan application, does a lender or broker have to consider that income?

Answer:

Yes, if the payments are likely to be consistently made.

A creditor such as a lender or broker can consider the amount of such income and likelihood that it will continue, as with all other forms of income. In determining this, a lender or broker may consider factors such as whether there is a written agreement or court decree, how long and how regularly you have been receiving payments, and the creditworthiness of the payor when that information is available.

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