Alimony in Nevada — How Spousal Support Works in Las Vegas Divorces
Alimony — called spousal support in Nevada — is one of the most contentious issues in many Las Vegas and Henderson divorces. Hauser Family Law’s Michelle Hauser has negotiated and litigated spousal support in Clark County Family Court for over 20 years and explains exactly how Nevada courts approach these awards.
IS ALIMONY AUTOMATIC IN NEVADA?
No. Unlike child support which follows a statutory formula spousal support in Nevada is entirely discretionary. Nevada courts have broad authority to award or deny spousal support and to set its amount and duration based on the specific circumstances of each case. There is no formula and no guarantee.
FACTORS NEVADA COURTS CONSIDER FOR SPOUSAL SUPPORT
The financial condition of each spouse including income, earning capacity, assets, and debts. The nature and duration of the marriage — longer marriages are more likely to result in spousal support awards and for longer durations. Each spouse’s contribution to the marriage including the contribution of a spouse who left the workforce to care for children or support the other spouse’s career. The standard of living established during the marriage. The age and health of each spouse. Whether the spouse seeking support has marketable skills and what time and cost would be required to acquire them. Learn more about Nevada spousal support law at leg.state.nv.us.
TYPES OF SPOUSAL SUPPORT IN NEVADA
Temporary support is awarded during the divorce proceedings to maintain the status quo while the case is pending. Rehabilitative support is awarded for a defined period to allow a spouse to gain education, training, or work experience needed to become self-supporting. Permanent support — which is rarely awarded in Nevada except in long marriages where one spouse cannot become self-supporting due to age or health — provides ongoing support without a defined end date.
MODIFYING AND TERMINATING SPOUSAL SUPPORT IN NEVADA
Nevada spousal support orders can be modified when there has been a substantial change in circumstances. Spousal support typically terminates when the recipient spouse remarries. The death of either party also terminates the support obligation. Recipients should be aware that cohabitation with a romantic partner can provide grounds for modification even without remarriage.
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