Alimony may be modified in the future if a change in circumstances occurs.  In the following case, the trial court found a change in circumstances and modified alimony.  The Court of Appeals reversed. Also, monetary judgments are considered income for child support purposes.  Generally, a percentage of the judgment will be calculated and paid to the custodial parent in a lump sum. Here's the case... http://courts.state.ar.us/unpublished/2007a/20070404/ca06-680.pdf