This is the first post in a series of articles discussing spousal support awards, also known as alimony, in Las Vegas, Nevada. Divorces can be extremely stressful, both emotionally and financially. Very often, Nevada courts are asked to award spousal support during the pendency of the case and on an ongoing basis after the divorce is complete. The goal of this series is to provide basic information about Nevada’s laws on alimony. Given the significant impact of a spousal support determination on both spouses, I cannot overemphasize the importance of retaining an experienced divorce attorney to aggressively represent your interests. If you are in need of assistance, contact my office today to speak to a lawyer.
This series will review several important subjects, including:
- Understanding Nevada’s alimony laws
- How underemployment may impact a spousal support award
- How a settlement agreement may affect alimony
- Litigating a spousal support claim
- Seeking modification of an alimony determination
These topics are relevant for a variety of reasons. First, it is important to understand the specific factors a court will consider when calculating alimony and how these may impact your potential rights and obligations. Second, the income of both spouses will play a role in the court’s determination of spousal support. If one spouse is “underemployed” for purposes of reducing the amount of support that would otherwise be due, the court may base its decision on a party’s potential earnings instead. Third, divorce cases are often resolved through settlement agreements between the parties. Before agreeing to settle on a spousal support amount, both parties should understand their rights. Fourth, when a settlement cannot be reached, decisions will be made through the litigation process. Last, under certain circumstances, alimony awards may be modified. It is important to be aware of the factors that could result in a modification and how they may impact your financial situation.
I cannot overemphasize the need for experienced legal counsel in cases involving alimony and spousal support. My firm is dedicated to representing clients in family law matters. If you need assistance in a divorce proceeding, contact my office today to speak to a lawyer.