In Louisiana, alimony is referred to as spousal support. Spousal support provides financial assistance to a spouse in need of support. There are two types of spousal support: 1) interim periodic spousal support and 2) final periodic spousal support. Interim periodic support is received during the divorce process and is determined by need and ability to pay. It maintains the economic status of the receiving party during divorce. Final periodic spousal support is received after divorce and is determined by fault, need and ability to pay, along with several other factors, such as duration of marriage, education of party, health and age of parties, earning capacity, etc.