Alimony Modification

There are two primary forms of alimony.  Periodic alimony is usually paid in weekly or monthly installments for a specific time set out by court order and terminates on death of either party or the remarriage or cohabitation of the receiving spouse.  Periodic alimony can be modified on a showing of a material change in circumstances such as a change in income, illness, or retirement.

Alimony in gross is a fixed amount of money to be paid by one spouse to the other in a lump sum, or in installments.  Alimony in gross is considered a property settlement and is not subject to modification even if there is a material change in circumstance.