How Short-Term Marriages in Nevada Affect Spousal Support

The rules around spousal support (also referred to as alimony) can vary depending on many factors, but one of the most significant is the length of the marriage.

So, what happens when the marriage is short? In Nevada, the length of the marriage plays a big role in determining whether spousal support is awarded and how much, if any, will be provided.

Let’s dive into how much spousal support you can expect if you’re facing a divorce after a relatively short marriage.

What Is a Short-Term Marriage in Nevada?

In Nevada, a “short-term marriage” is generally considered to be one that lasts fewer than 5 years. While the exact definition can vary depending on the circumstances, most courts will consider a marriage lasting under 5 years to be short-term.

Short-term marriages lead to shorter or even no spousal support. Why? Because courts in Nevada often view them as not needing the same level of financial support that longer marriages might require.

For example, if a marriage lasts only a couple of years, the court might decide that both spouses are still relatively early in their careers or personal lives and that they should be able to support themselves without significant assistance. The idea behind this is that both individuals should have the opportunity to move forward without being financially dependent on one another for the long term.

That said, it doesn’t mean that spousal support is automatically off the table in every short-term marriage. There are situations where a court might still grant support, especially when there are unique factors at play.

What Factors Influence Spousal Support in Short-Term Marriages?

Even in short-term marriages, several factors can influence whether spousal support is granted. Here are some of the most important ones:

1. Income and Financial Needs: If one spouse earns significantly more than the other, the court may consider whether the lower-earning spouse has the financial means to support themselves after the divorce. If not, they may award temporary spousal support to help them get back on their feet.
2. Contributions to the Marriage: While both spouses contribute to a marriage in different ways, these contributions can be especially important in a short-term marriage. For example, if one spouse put their career on hold to support the other (perhaps by staying at home to care for children or manage the household), the court may take this into account and decide that spousal support is necessary, at least temporarily.
3. Standard of Living: Even though spousal support is less likely in short marriages, the standard of living during the marriage can still be a factor. If one spouse lived a lifestyle significantly different from what they could afford on their own, they might be granted support to help them adjust to a more reasonable standard of living after the divorce.

Can a Spouse Receive Support After a Short-Term Marriage?

Yes, there are situations where spousal support may still be granted, even in a short-term marriage. Here are a few scenarios where support might be awarded:

1. Education or Job Training: If one spouse needs to go back to school or receive job training in order to become financially independent, the court may grant temporary support while they complete their education or retraining.
2. Major Imbalance in Earning Potential: If there is a significant difference in the spouses’ earning power (for example, one spouse gave up their career to support the family while the other spouse climbed the career ladder), the lower-earning spouse may be granted support to help them adjust to a new lifestyle.
3. Health Issues or Disability: If one spouse has a medical condition or disability that affects their ability to work, or if they agreed to leave their job to care for the other spouse’s live-at-home parent, spousal support may be awarded, even in a short-term marriage.

How Long Does Spousal Support Last in a Short-Term Marriage?

In most cases, spousal support in a short-term marriage is only awarded for a limited period. The idea is that short-term marriages typically don’t require long-term financial assistance. Instead, the goal of spousal support is to help the lower-earning spouse become self-sufficient as quickly as possible as they get back on their feet.

In Nevada, courts generally award spousal support for a period that reflects the length of the marriage. For example, a 2-year marriage may result in up to 2 years of spousal support.

What Are Alternatives to Spousal Support in Short-Term Marriages?

Sometimes, spousal support isn’t the best or most appropriate option for both spouses, even in a short marriage. Fortunately, there are other ways to handle financial matters in a divorce. For example:

• Lump-Sum Payments: Instead of ongoing spousal support, the higher-earning spouse might offer a lump-sum payment that allows the lower-earning spouse to avoid long-term financial dependence.
• Property Division: In some cases, dividing marital assets (like real estate or savings) more evenly can provide one spouse with enough financial support to avoid the need for spousal support.

Mediation and negotiation can also help the couple find a solution that works for both parties without resorting to the court’s decision.

Secure or Contest Spousal Support from A Short-Term Marriage

In short-term marriages, spousal support is often temporary and limited. While it’s less likely that spousal support will be awarded in short marriages, it’s not impossible—especially if there are special circumstances like a major difference in income or the need for job training

If you have been married for 5 years or less and live in Clark County, NV, Smith Legal Group can help you navigate the court process to either secure or contest a spousal support award.

Contact us today at 702-410-5001 to request a free consultation at our Henderson, NV office.