Alimony orders are modifiable in many circumstances, depending on the type of alimony that is received and whether the parties agreed to make the alimony modifiable or nonmodifiable. Permanent alimony is awarded for the lifetime of the recipient. However, the amount of the payments may be able to be modified to reflect changes in the parties' financial circumstances.
Bridge-to-gap alimony is a temporary type of alimony intended to assist one party in transitioning from their financial situation when they were married to being single. The amount of this type of alimony is generally not modifiable, but a recipient can request a modification in the duration of the order if they have not yet been able to make the transition when the period of collection expires.
Lump-sum alimony payments are sometimes ordered and provide one party with a sum of money upfront to help with their expenses. This type of alimony is generally not modifiable.