Legal Definitions - periodic alimony

Periodic alimony is a court-ordered allowance that one spouse pays to the other spouse for maintenance and support while they are separated, while they are involved in a matrimonial lawsuit, or after they are divorced. It is also known as permanent alimony. This type of alimony is paid in weekly or monthly installments either indefinitely or until a time specified by court order. It can be modified for changed circumstances of either party and terminates upon the death of either spouse and usually upon the remarriage of the obligee.

For example, if a couple gets divorced and one spouse has been a stay-at-home parent for many years, the court may order the other spouse to pay periodic alimony to help support the stay-at-home parent until they can find a job and become financially independent. The payments would be made on a regular basis, such as monthly or weekly, until a time specified by the court.