If you and your wife have agreed to alimony payments to be made then as long as you have a valid agreement between you  - and by that I mean an agreement in writing - then no, you do not have to go through the courts.  Generally agreements such as these are part of the divorce agreement and the courts rubber stamp them, so to speak, as long as they do not violate the law.  I would consult with ana ttorney - both of you individually - before signing anything to be sure.  Good luck.