Both are possible, and choosing between them is a genuinely important strategic decision rather than a mere formality. Permanent alimony under Section 25 of the Hindu Marriage Act — or Section 37 of the Special Marriage Act for civil marriages — can be awarded either as a one-time lump sum or as periodic monthly payments, at the discretion of the court or, more commonly, as agreed between the parties.

Each option has a distinct character. A one-time lump-sum settlement offers a genuine "clean break" — finality, no ongoing contact over money, and no risk of a defaulting spouse dragging you back to court month after month. Monthly maintenance, on the other hand, provides a steady income stream, which suits a dependent spouse who needs ongoing support, but it carries the real risk of default and the litigation that follows to enforce it. The Supreme Court's framework in Rajnesh v. Neha guides how courts fix the quantum, weighing the payer's income and assets against the recipient's reasonable needs and standard of living.

Which is better depends on your specific facts — the paying spouse's capacity to pay a large sum at once, the receiving spouse's need for security and their ability to manage a lump amount, and the level of trust between the parties. Our alimony and maintenance lawyers in Agra can model both options against your finances so you choose with open eyes.

As a general instinct, where the paying spouse is financially capable, a fair lump sum often serves both parties better by ending the financial relationship cleanly. But if that is not feasible, a well-secured monthly arrangement is perfectly sound.