Alimony Lawyers

serving clients in Henderson, Las Vegas and Clark County, NV

In Nevada, alimony (spousal support) is not automatically granted after a divorce or separation. Instead, it is awarded at the court’s discretion, based on various factors.

Not all divorces result in alimony. It is typically granted only when there is a significant financial disparity between the spouses or when one spouse has a clear need for support.

Smith Legal Group has experienced alimony lawyers who can represent either side of the spousal support issue—whether you are seeking alimony because you believe you deserve it, or opposing it because you believe your spouse isn’t entitled to it.

Call (702) 410-5001 for a free consultation if you are pursuing or contesting alimony in your Nevada divorce.

How much alimony will you pay or receive?

The amount of alimony or spousal support you may pay or receive is decided by a family court based on various factors. If you disagree with the court’s decision, consult one of our alimony lawyers for representation.

Generally, alimony rules are more complex than those for child support. In Nevada, child support follows statutory guidelines based on factors like income and the number of children, using clear formulas.

Alimony, however, is more discretionary and depends on subjective factors. Courts have broad flexibility in deciding the type, amount, and duration of alimony, making these cases more complex and variable than child support cases.

Remember, alimony court decisions are not based on gender. Whether you’re the husband or wife, either of you may have to pay alimony depending on these circumstances:

  • Financial need of the receiving spouse
  • Ability to pay of the paying spouse
  • Length of the marriage
  • Financial and non-financial contributions of each spouse
  • Standard of living during the marriage
  • Earning potential of both spouses

How long will you pay or receive alimony?

The Nevada courts have broad discretion in deciding the type, amount, and duration of alimony, making each case unique based on its specific circumstances.

They don’t use a specific alimony calculator or formula. Therefore, hiring an alimony lawyer can be crucial to advocate for your interests and manage the complexities of your case.

Here are some real alimony cases we’ve handled to illustrate a range of scenarios. Even if you see similarities with the examples below, your outcome is likely to be different due to your unique circumstances and various factors.

FactsOutcome
Marriage lasted 4 years. Spouse A had a significantly higher income than Spouse B.The court awarded short-term alimony to Spouse B to allow Spouse B time to become self-sufficient.
Spouse B became a stay-at-home parent and lacked recent work experience.
FactsOutcome
Marriage lasted 25 years. Spouse A was a high-earning professional, while Spouse B had been out of the workforce for most of the marriage to manage the household and raise children.The court awarded permanent alimony to Spouse B to help maintain a similar standard of living to what was enjoyed during the marriage.
Spouse B had limited job prospects due to age and lack of recent work experience.
FactsOutcome
Marriage lasted 15 years. Spouse A was self-employed with a fluctuating income, while Spouse B had a steady but lower-paying job.The court awarded long-term alimony to Spouse B after financial statements and business records revealed Spouse A hid income from Spouse B.
Spouse B argued that Spouse A’s reported income did not fully reflect their earning capacity.
FactsOutcome
Marriage lasted 20 years. The couple had a high net worth and substantial assets, including investments and real estate.The court awarded a significant alimony amount to Spouse A to address the disparity in the financial management role Spouse A had during the marriage.
Both spouses had substantial financial resources, but Spouse A was less involved in managing investments and real estate.
FactsOutcome
Marriage lasted 10 years. The court ordered Spouse A to pay alimony to Spouse B following the divorce.The court allowed Spouse A to terminate alimony to Spouse B because Spouse B did not have a financial need in the new marriage.
Spouse B remarried 3 years after divorce.
FactsOutcome
Marriage lasted 30 years. Spouse A had a higher and stable income, while Spouse B had significant health issues that limited their ability to work.The court awarded permanent alimony to Spouse B due to their health condition, ensuring Spouse B receive ongoing support to cover living expenses and medical needs.

Can alimony cases be settled out of court?

Yes, an alimony settlement can often be resolved out of court through negotiation or mediation. Here’s how it typically works:

Negotiation: The parties involved can negotiate directly or through their attorneys to reach an agreement on the terms of alimony. This can include the amount, duration, and any conditions attached to the support. Settling out of court can be less adversarial and more flexible than a court trial.

Mediation: A neutral third party, known as a mediator, can help facilitate discussions between the spouses to reach a mutually acceptable agreement. Mediation is less formal than court proceedings and can help both parties find common ground.

Settlement Agreement: If both parties agree on the terms, they can draft a settlement agreement outlining the details of the alimony arrangement. This agreement must be approved by the court to become legally binding.

Court Approval: Even if an alimony settlement is reached out of court, it must be submitted to the family court for approval. The court will review the agreement to ensure it is fair and complies with legal standards before issuing a formal order.

Settling out of court can be advantageous as it may save time, reduce legal costs, and allow for more personalized solutions that suit both parties’ needs.

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Further Reading

alimony concept of spouse receiving money from ex

Smith Legal Group specializes in alimony (spousal support) within family law.

Our Nevada alimony lawyers understand how the court determines who should pay or receive alimony, whether it’s for a short term, long term, or permanently.

This understanding enables us to negotiate effectively on your behalf, whether you’re seeking a fair settlement or contesting an alimony request. We present arguments and evidence in line with the court’s evaluation, improving your chances of a favorable outcome.

Complete our submission form below or call us at (702) 410-5001 to discuss your alimony or spousal support questions in a free consultation.

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