Just and Equitable Alimony in Nevada: The Eleven Factors
A Nevada court may award alimony to either spouse, as a principal sum or periodic payments, as appears just and equitable, after considering eleven factors, from each spouse’s finances, property and earning capacity to the length of the marriage, the standard of living and the property awarded in the divorce.
Just and equitable
In granting a divorce, the court “may award such alimony to either spouse, in a specified principal sum or as specified periodic payments, as appears just and equitable” (NRS 125.150(1)(a)). Unless a premarital agreement says otherwise, that is the whole standard for the amount; there is no formula and no maximum or minimum term in the statute.
The eleven factors
In addition to any other factors it considers relevant in determining whether to award alimony and the amount, the court shall consider (subsection 9):
| Factor | |
|---|---|
| (a) | The financial condition of each spouse |
| (b) | The nature and value of the respective property of each spouse |
| (c) | The contribution of each spouse to any property held by the spouses under NRS 123.030 |
| (d) | The duration of the marriage |
| (e) | The income, earning capacity, age and health of each spouse |
| (f) | The standard of living during the marriage |
| (g) | The career before the marriage of the spouse who would receive the alimony |
| (h) | The existence of specialized education or training or the level of marketable skills attained by each spouse during the marriage |
| (i) | The contribution of either spouse as homemaker |
| (j) | The award of property granted by the court in the divorce, other than child support and alimony, to the spouse who would receive the alimony |
| (k) | The physical and mental condition of each party as it relates to the financial condition, health and ability to work of that spouse |
The property comes into it
Factors (b), (c) and (j) tie alimony to the property division: the court looks at what each spouse owns and what the recipient is awarded in the divorce, so a larger share of the property can reduce the need for alimony.
Principal sum or periodic payments
The court may fix a principal sum, paid at once or in installments, or periodic payments. Which one the court chooses matters for modification, because only periodic payments that have not accrued can be modified (subsection 8).
Evidence to gather
Budgets for each household, tax returns and pay records, the history of each spouse’s career and education, and evidence of the marital standard of living.
Questions to bring to an attorney
Ask how the court is likely to weigh the factors and the property you will receive.
Next steps
See alimony for training and education and test numbers in the Nevada alimony calculator.
Frequently asked questions
What factors does Nevada consider for alimony?
Eleven, from each spouse's financial condition, property and income to the marriage's duration, the standard of living, homemaker contributions and the property awarded.
Is there a formula for Nevada alimony?
No. The standard is what appears just and equitable.
Can either spouse receive alimony in Nevada?
Yes. The statute says either spouse.
Is fault a factor for Nevada alimony?
Fault is not among the eleven factors listed in NRS 125.150(9); the court may consider other relevant factors.
Is alimony a lump sum or monthly in Nevada?
Either: a specified principal sum or specified periodic payments, as appears just and equitable.
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.