If the divorce was granted in NC and one of the parties still lives here then the NC courts would retain jurisdiction over those issues. Permanent alimony can be terminated if you can show a substantial change in circumstances that justifies its termination (change in income, expenses, serious illness, etc.). North Carolina law does not authorize the payment of lump sum alimony to terminate a future alimony obligation, however you and your ex are free to reach an agreement that permits that.
If the alimony was in a contract and not a court order, and it was not incorporated into your divorce judgment, then it cannot be modified by the courts.
In order to get a comprehensive response to your questions you should take your agreement to an attorney and review it when them, they should be able to make you aware of your options.
P.S. Please feel free to bring up this or any other topic on our live call-in show every Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. EST. Visit radio.rosen.com/live for details
Helena M. Nevicosi
Attorney with Rosen Law Firm
4101 Lake Boone Trail, Suite 500
Raleigh, North Carolina 27607
919.787.6668 main phone
919.787.6361 main fax
Charlotte Office
301 McCullough Drive
Suite 510
Charlotte, NC 28262
Main Phone: (704)307.4600
Main Fax: (704) 9343.0044
Durham & Chapel Hill Office
1829 East Franklin Street
Building 600
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
(919) 321.0780
The response posted above is based upon the limited factual information made available and is not intended as a full and complete response to the question. The only reliable manner to obtain complete and adequate legal advice is to consult with an attorney, fully explain your situation, and allow the attorney sufficient opportunity to research the applicable law and facts required to render an accurate opinion. The basic information provided above is intended as a public service only, a full discussion with an attorney should be undertaken before taking any action. The information posted on this forum is available for public viewing and is not intended to create an attorney client relationship with any individual. These answers are provided for informational purposes only, a person should consult with their own individual legal counsel before taking any action that could affect their legal rights or obligations.