If you are seeking a divorce in the state of Nevada, you may be wondering if alimony will affect your life after the divorce. Whether you would be the one seeking alimony or possibly the one paying alimony to your ex, understanding the situations in which it may be granted will give you some insight as you move forward with your divorce.
What Is Alimony?
Alimony, or spousal support, is financial support that one spouse may be required to pay to the other after a divorce or separation. In Nevada, as in many other states in the United States, the court decides alimony obligations based on various factors. Depending on what the court determines, alimony obligations vary in how long they will last as well as other specifics and are considered on a case-by-case basis.
What Determines Alimony?
In the state of Nevada, the court considers several different factors when determining alimony payments, such as:
Financial need and ability to pay: The court will assess the financial needs of the spouse seeking alimony. This includes their income, expenses, and standard of living during the marriage. The court will also examine the paying spouse’s financial situation, including income, assets, and expenses. The court will consider whether the paying spouse can afford to make alimony payments without suffering financial hardship.
How long the marriage lasted: The length of the marriage is an important factor. Longer marriages may result in longer lasting or permanent alimony awards, while shorter marriages may lead to shorter-term awards, if any.
What each spouse brought to the marriage: The court will evaluate each spouse’s contributions to the marriage, both financially and non-financially. This includes factors such as homemaking, child-rearing, and career sacrifices made for the benefit of the marriage.
Marital misconduct: Nevada is a no-fault divorce state, which means that marital misconduct (such as adultery) is generally not considered when awarding alimony. However, in exceptional cases, egregious misconduct may be a factor in awarding alimony.
Property division: The division of marital property and assets can also affect alimony. A spouse who receives a significant share of marital property may be less likely to receive alimony.
Agreements: If the spouses have a prenuptial agreement or postnuptial agreement that specifies alimony terms, the court will typically uphold those terms, provided they are legally valid. If you have signed such agreements, speak with an attorney to help you understand what it means for you practically.
If you are needing legal advice regarding divorce or the possibility of alimony payments, give Warnock Family Law a call today. Our team will help you through each step of this difficult process and make sure you get the alimony you deserve or prevent you from paying alimony to your ex if it is unwarranted.
