What is a key characteristic of lump sum alimony?

Lump sum alimony is designed to provide a one-time payment to the recipient, which serves as a means of property division and seeks to balance the financial situation of both parties after divorce. This characteristic emphasizes the equitable distribution of resources, as it aims to ensure that one spouse doesn't suffer disproportionate financial hardship compared to the other. While various forms of alimony focus on supporting a spouse temporarily, lump sum alimony's primary purpose is to achieve a final financial settlement between the divorcing parties, which is why it is classified as intended to act as an equity equalizer.

The other options reflect characteristics that are more typical of other forms of alimony rather than lump sum specifically. For instance, lump sum alimony does not terminate upon remarriage or become modifiable based on life changes, since it is a fixed amount paid once. Additionally, it is not inherently temporary as it is meant to be a definitive settlement.