Originally Posted by
LexieCat 
Liz,
Even if you decide to go for a lump sum in terms of a property/alimony settlement, in all likelihood your state would not permit a lump sum to be paid for child support. Child support is the right of the child, not you (as the custodial parent), and if he makes more money in the future, or if inflation dramatically decreases the value of the dollar, or if other circumstances should occur (for example, god forbid, that your son is injured or ill and requires very expensive medical treatment), that lump sum might not account for those eventualities.
Talk to your lawyer about it--you might not be allowed to do this even if you would like to.
I thought I addressed this prior. I know that the lump sum would not cover child support but it would cover spousal support. I would still put requirements upon him to pay for our son's future expenses or to share those expenses until he's a certain age. My son would still be covered under AH's medical insurance as well, provided that AH remains employed.
I already know I can ask for a lump sum for alimony and, as a matter of fact, AH actually asked that we do it that way.
I think my lawyer will be able to walk me through this completely so that I understand the process even better.