Elwher wrote:Novus America wrote:Which is why I said usually.
There are times the at fault part gets something, but it will generally be for services or goods already rendered, the at fault party cannot usually claim expectation damages.
It would still invalidate on going alimony, though not necessarily invalidate a one time payment for services already rendered.
In your hypothetical you will not get money in future months you no longer plow.
Also that would still invalidate the concept of no fault divorce (at least the “until death do us part” bit).
And often, the alimony is based on services already rendered, such as support during education. The fact that it is not a one time payment is based, to some extent, on the fact that a lump sum payment for the full value of the support would be impossible for most people to make. There are cases, however, where a sufficiently large lump sum payment is acceptable instead of the monthly checks.
As to the till death do up part, all contracts have termination clauses. That is the marriage contract's one, and if it is not acceptable to either party they should not enter into the contract; and if they wish to modify the contract by early termination, they must agree to whatever penalties that may cost.
And yet alimony is often based on expectation damages, to allow the party to maintain their lifestyle after the divorce. And if the one time payment is too much for the at fault party to make, it SHOULD never be indefinite. But in terms of installment payments. It should still be a fixed amount, and cease when that amount is paid.
In fact it is extremely rare (if ever) outside of divorce that there be indefinite damages for breach of contract.
Well not all contracts have an explicit termination clause, but yes, they will have ways to end the contract without fault. As you said in marriage death is explicitly the only valid grounds for termination.
So I agree, if both parties cannot agree to that clause, they should not bind themselves too it.
At the very least we need to reform the way alimony is awarded, and “no fault” divorce states should stop using the vow stating otherwise. The fact is quite often it is not in line with other contracts.
Actually I can see the libertarian argument of removing the state from marriage. Where marriage contracts would be no different than any other contract.
And even if not abolished, alimony would be awarded very differently in many if not most cases.