In a Connecticut divorce case, there are three types of alimony:
1. Lifetime alimony. There once was a time when lifetime alimony was the norm. The receiving spouse would get a weekly or monthly amount until he/she remarried or until the death of one of the parties. Lifetime awards are becoming increasingly rare in Connecticut and across the country. In fact, there is a movement in Connecticut to abolish alimony through extensive alimony reform legislation. However, there are still cases where a strong argument can be made for lifetime alimony. These cases while very fact dependent typically involve long-term marriages (30 plus years) where the paying spouse has significant financial resources.
2. Lump sum alimony. This type of alimony award can be a one-time payment or a series of installment payments (usually short term). Ordinarily, lump sum alimony payments are ordered when the receiving spouse is in need of immediate financial assistance rather than waiting for periodic, term payments.
3. Term alimony. Term or periodic alimony is the most common award of alimony in Connecticut. For example, $1,000 per week for 8 years.
A few points:
Lump sum alimony awards are payable in full regardless of future events such as the remarriage by the receiving spouse or the death of paying spouse.
Term alimony may be modified unless precluded by the Separation Agreement.
In some cases, a nominal amount of alimony is awarded – usually a $1 per year. This is done to allow future modification of the alimony award because if alimony is not awarded at the time of the divorce it cannot be ordered in the future regardless of the circumstances of the parties.