Paras v. Paras

(dissenting) :

I respectfully dissent.

My analysis of the agreement, without laboring it, is that the payments constituted lump sum alimony and nothing more or less. The maximum and the minimum to be paid was precisely prescribed, namely 48 months X $250.00, for a total of $12,000. It was payable monthly or in single sum at the husband’s option. The critical difference here when compared with periodic alimony hinged upon the husband’s common law obligation of support is that in the latter situation, the sum is always indeterminate and depends upon the future life, needs and abilities of the…