Types of Alimony in Mississippi
Mississippi alimony can be periodic, which ends on either spouse’s death or the recipient’s remarriage and can be modified; rehabilitative, for a set period; or lump-sum, a final settlement that cannot be modified absent fraud, and an unclear award is treated as periodic.
The forms
Mississippi courts award periodic (sometimes called permanent or continuing) alimony, rehabilitative alimony, lump-sum alimony or alimony in gross, and reimbursement alimony. The chancellor chooses the form and the amount.
| Form | Duration | Modification |
|---|---|---|
| Periodic (permanent) | No set end date; ends on the death of either spouse, the recipient’s remarriage or court order | Modifiable on an unanticipated, material change |
| Rehabilitative | A set period while the recipient becomes self-supporting | Modifiable on a material change within the period |
| Lump-sum (alimony in gross) | A fixed total, payable at once or in installments | Final settlement; not modifiable absent fraud |
Periodic alimony
Periodic alimony terminates automatically on the death of the obligor or the death or remarriage of the obligee (Mississippi Court of Appeals and Armstrong). It has no termination date otherwise, and continues until a court changes it on a change in circumstances.
Lump-sum alimony
Lump-sum alimony may be payable in a single sum or fixed installments. It is a final settlement between the spouses and may not be changed or modified by either party, absent fraud. If a judgment does not make clear whether the award is periodic or lump-sum, the court treats it as periodic.
Rehabilitative alimony
An award for a set period to help a spouse become self-supporting. It is the chancellor’s decision, based on the Armstrong factors, whether a spouse should receive periodic alimony or only rehabilitative alimony.
Why the label matters
The label decides whether the payments end on remarriage, whether they can be modified and whether they survive death, so a settlement should say exactly what is meant, in clear and express language.
Questions for the negotiation
Decide which form of alimony you want and make the agreement say so in clear and express language.
Next steps
See modifying and ending alimony and the Mississippi alimony calculator.
Frequently asked questions
What types of alimony does Mississippi have?
Periodic, rehabilitative, lump-sum and reimbursement alimony.
Can lump-sum alimony be changed in Mississippi?
No. It is a final settlement that cannot be modified absent fraud.
What happens if a Mississippi decree does not say which type of alimony?
The award is treated as periodic alimony.
Does periodic alimony end at death in Mississippi?
Yes, on the death of the obligor or the death of the obligee, or the obligee's remarriage.
Is rehabilitative alimony permanent in Mississippi?
No. It is for a set period meant to let the recipient become self-supporting.
Official sources
- Mississippi Court of Appeals: Armstrong factors and modification of alimony
- Mississippi Court of Appeals: equitable distribution and alimony
A local family law attorney can review your situation — many offer a free consultation.
This is general information, not legal advice. It is based on the cited Mississippi statutes, rules and court opinions, and every case turns on its own facts. Confirm how the law applies to your situation with a licensed Mississippi attorney.