Opinion ID: 1668095
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: lump sum and periodic alimony

Text: Ben Gray argues that the lump sum award of $5000.00 was error and not supported by the record. The total assets in the two bank accounts controlled by Ben Gray was $16,157.21. The other assets of the parties were the business, Gray's Auto Repair, which the trial court found to consist mainly of necessary tools having no appreciable value, and Mary Gray's checking account which had $40-50 in it. Alimony, if allowed, should be reasonable in amount, commensurate with the wife's accustomed standard of living, minus her own resources, and considering the ability of the husband to pay. As long as the chancellor follows this general standard, the amount of the award is largely within his discretion. Wood v. Wood, 495 So.2d 503, 506 (Miss. 1986); Miss. Code Ann. § 93-5-23 (Supp. 1989). Ben Gray relies in part on Cheatham v. Cheatham, 537 So.2d 435 (Miss. 1988), which provides a summary of recent lump sum cases. According to Cheatham, four of the primary factors to be considered in reviewing a lump sum award are: (1) Substantial contribution to accumulation of total wealth of the payor either by quitting a job to become a housewife, or by assisting in the spouse's business; (2) a long marriage; (3) where recipient spouse has no separate income or the separate estate is meager by comparison; (4) without the lump sum award the receiving spouse would lack any financial security. Cheatham, 537 So.2d at 438 (citations omitted). After a review of the record we find that the chancellor was well within his discretion in making the lump sum award and if we apply the Cheatham argument, we affirm the award of the chancellor. The standards for review of periodic alimony are much the same as those used in reviewing lump sum alimony. The chancellor should consider the reasonable needs of the wife and the right of the husband to lead as normal a life as possible with a decent standard of living. Massey v. Massey, 475 So.2d 802, 803 (Miss. 1985). Each case is decided on its own facts, and each party here has cited numerous cases. We cannot say that the award of $400/month periodic alimony is an abuse of discretion. However, we can note that a Petition for Modification of Alimony was filed after the decision by the chancery court. If there is further action on the Petition, the Chancery Court can review the monthly alimony award and there consider any evidence Ben Gray may offer.