Why Didn’t I Get Alimony?

Alimony is not always granted in Nevada divorces as much as people think it is. If you are going through a divorce, you must be ready for the possibility that you will not be granted alimony, especially if your marriage was short.

Times Have Changed

Historically, alimony was awarded almost exclusively to wives, regardless of the nature of divorce (whether fault or no-fault). However, this was largely due to social factors of the time. Statistics from the U.S. Department of Labor show that in 1950, the number of women in the workforce was less than 30 percent, meaning that many divorced women had no job with which they could support themselves. Alimony kept many from poverty.

Over time, the number of women in the workforce has risen – and as such, the alimony is not always as necessary. Also, of course, more and more men are being awarded alimony, as gender roles in U.S. society grow and change. Judges generally take into account a number of factors in determining the need and appropriateness of alimony to either party.

Statutory Factors

The reasons that someone may or may not be granted alimony in a Nevada court is based on the factors in the statute and the relevant case law. There are numerous factors that a court must consider in making an alimony determination. Some include:

• The financial condition of both spouses – their current and future earning potential and assets;
• Any property owned by one or both spouses, and their contributions to it;
• The standard of living during the marriage;
• Any contribution of the spouse as a homemaker;
• Both spouses’ mental and physical condition (in the sense of being able to work); and
• Several other monetary and social factors.

A court may also award what is called “rehabilitative alimony”, which is alimony awarded for a set term while a spouse acquires new skills in order to be able to (re)enter the workforce. The statute says that any alimony award must be “just and equitable,” and if a court finds that it would be appropriate to award alimony for a shorter or longer term, it can be done as long as it can be justified.

Contact A Dedicated Attorney

If you did not receive alimony, or you fear that you may not, you are not without options. Discussing your case with a Las Vegas divorce lawyer is a good first step, and the Kainen Law Group has years of experience in these types of cases. Contact our office today to schedule an appointment.

Resource:

dol.gov/wb/stats/NEWSTATS/facts/women_lf.htm#one

https://www.kainenlawgroup.com/what-should-i-know-about-my-estate-plans-after-my-nevada-divorce/