Las Vegas Alimony Attorney

Types of Alimony/Spousal Support

There are four main types of alimony or spousal support that may be awarded under Nevada law. Each type serves a different purpose, and selecting the right approach can have a major impact on the outcome of your case.

Under Nevada law, there are essentially four primary kinds of alimony or spousal support that can be awarded to a spouse in a divorce case:

1. Temporary Maintenance

Temporary maintenance is short-term support awarded during the divorce process. Courts often grant this type of spousal support to help the lower-earning spouse maintain the marital lifestyle and manage expenses while the divorce is pending. It is commonly requested at the start of a divorce to ensure financial stability during the proceedings.

2. Permanent Alimony

Permanent alimony may be awarded without a defined end date. It generally terminates upon the remarriage of the recipient or the death of either party—but in some cases, Nevada courts may continue alimony payments beyond those events. These awards are typically granted in long-term marriages or when one spouse cannot become self-sufficient due to age, illness, or disability.

3. Temporary (Post-Divorce) Alimony

Post-divorce temporary alimony is awarded for a set duration or until a specific event occurs—such as remarriage, cohabitation, or a future date. This allows the receiving spouse time to adjust to financial independence while providing predictability to the paying spouse.

4. Rehabilitative Alimony

Rehabilitative alimony is designed to support a spouse while they gain the skills, education, or training needed to re-enter the workforce and become self-supporting. Nevada law requires courts to consider this type of alimony, especially if one spouse supported the other through school or career advancement during the marriage.

5. Lump-Sum Alimony

In certain cases, a court may award a lump sum alimony payment. This can be paid all at once or in scheduled installments. Lump-sum support is often used when there is a significant age difference between spouses or when one spouse’s health or life expectancy could affect the longevity of ongoing payments.