Alimony for Training and Education in Nevada
In a Nevada divorce, the court must consider alimony for a spouse to obtain job training or education, set the time to begin, and may add money for skills testing, career guidance, job search help and tuition, books and fees.
The requirement
In granting a divorce, the court shall consider the need to grant alimony to a spouse for the purpose of obtaining training or education relating to a job, career or profession. In addition to any other relevant factors, it considers whether the spouse who would pay has obtained greater job skills or education during the marriage and whether the spouse who would receive provided financial support while the other obtained them (NRS 125.150(10)).
The order
If the court awards this alimony, its order must set the time within which the recipient must start the training or education. The paying spouse may file a motion to modify on changed circumstances (subsection 11).
What can be added
The recipient may be granted, in addition to other alimony, money for testing of skills, evaluation of abilities and goals, guidance in a plan for training or education, subsidization of an employer’s training costs, help searching for a job, or tuition, books and fees for the equivalent of a high school diploma, college courses directly applicable to the recipient’s career goals or training in skills desirable for employment.
Why it matters
A spouse who supported the household while the other earned a degree or credential can ask for this alimony, and a spouse who needs retraining after years out of the workforce can ask for the cost of it.
Evidence to gather
Tuition and program costs, a plan with dates, records showing who paid for the other spouse’s education and the recipient’s work history.
Questions for the negotiation
Decide whether to ask for training alimony, with a plan and a start date.
Next steps
See the eleven factors for the general standard and modification and termination for changing an order.
Frequently asked questions
Does Nevada award alimony for school or training?
Yes. The court must consider alimony to let a spouse obtain training or education for a job, career or profession.
Can the Nevada order set a start date for training?
Yes. It must set the time within which the recipient must start.
What costs can Nevada training alimony cover?
Skills testing, career evaluation, a training plan, job search help and tuition, books and fees for approved courses.
Can the payer change training alimony in Nevada?
The payer may file a motion to modify on changed circumstances.
Does it matter who paid for the education in Nevada?
Yes. The court considers whether the recipient supported the other spouse while he or she gained skills or education.
Official sources
A local family law attorney can review your situation — many offer a free consultation.
This is general information, not legal advice. It is based on the cited Nevada statutes, rules and court opinions, and every case turns on its own facts. Confirm how the law applies to your situation with a licensed Nevada attorney.