The Supreme Court has clarified that a one-time lump‑sum divorce settlement designated as “permanent alimony” does not cover periodic claims such as interim maintenance or maintenance arrears. When a one-time settlement is accepted, any separate maintenance obligations—including for children—remain intact and must be enforced independently. The Court emphasized that settling permanent alimony in entirety doesn’t discharge the payer from continuing or past maintenance liabilities .

The Supreme Court has clarified that a one-time lump‑sum divorce settlement designated as “permanent alimony” does not cover periodic claims such as interim maintenance or maintenance arrears. When a one-time settlement is accepted, any separate maintenance obligations—including for children—remain intact and must be enforced independently. The Court emphasized that settling permanent alimony in entirety doesn’t discharge the payer from continuing or past maintenance liabilities .

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