Periodic alimony is a description of how alimony payments will be made. Generally, alimony payments are made on a monthly basis. However, they may also be made weekly, quarterly or annually. It is also possible for alimony payments to be made in a lump sum payment. However, lump sum payments may be seen as a division of property. As such, they may be taxable under law. Rather, it may be a better option to make periodic payments to pay down alimony as agreed during the divorce or through the courts. Alimony is paid by the higher paid spouse in a divorce to the other spouse, assuming the divorce decree orders this to be paid.