This is the first post in a series of articles discussing spousal support or alimony awards, in Las Vegas, Nevada. Divorces can take an emotional toll on the parties involved. Financial issues caused by the end of the marriage can add to the stress. For these reasons, the issue of alimony can be one of the most contentious aspects of a divorce case. The goal of this series is to provide a general overview of Nevada’s laws on spousal support. Decisions made on this subject will have long-lasting impacts on both spouses. For that reason, I strongly recommend engaging a knowledgeable Las Vegas divorce lawyer to explain your rights and obligations related to spousal support. If you are in need of assistance, contact my office today to speak to an attorney.
This series will focus on several important topics, including:
- Understanding Nevada’s spousal support laws
- How underemployment may impact an alimony award
- The potential consequences of a settlement agreement on alimony
- Seeking modification of an alimony determination
- Litigating an alimony claim at trial
These issues are relevant for a variety of reasons. First, a Nevada family court judge will consider certain factors when determining a spousal support award. Understanding how these factors may impact your rights and obligations in advance will help manage your expectations. Second, because the income of both spouses is a factor in determining spousal support, the voluntary “underemployment” of one spouse may impact the court’s award decision. Third, the majority of divorces are settled out of court when the parties reach a settlement agreement. For obvious reasons, it is imperative to understand your rights prior to agreeing to any binding settlement. Fourth, under certain circumstances, alimony awards may be modifiable or non-modifiable. Before agreeing to the terms of any settlement, the parties should be fully aware of how this may impact them in the future. Finally, cases that cannot be settled will proceed through the litigation process. The parties should have a basic understanding of what to expect at trial and the importance of gathering information through the discovery process.
In light of the significant impact spousal support may have on long-term finances, I cannot overemphasize the importance of consulting with an experienced Las Vegas divorce attorney to understand your rights. My office is dedicated to helping clients navigate divorce and alimony issues. If you are considering terminating your marriage, contact my office today to speak with a lawyer.