The award establishes a defined total amount rather than a periodic obligation of uncertain duration. It typically survives remarriage and death and is not modifiable absent fraud.
Tax treatment differs from periodic support.
Alternative Names:
Alimony in Gross|Lump Sum Support
Why it Matters?
Non-modifiability and survival of remarriage make lump sum awards attractive to recipients and risky for payors, since the obligation continues regardless of changed circumstances that would reduce periodic support. Characterizing an installment obligation as lump sum rather than periodic therefore has substantial consequences and should be stated expressly. Property division characterization produces similar non-modifiability with different enforcement mechanics.
Frequently Confused with
Related terms
Frequently asked questions
Why is characterization consequential?
How should it be documented?
