Alimony in Nevada: The 11 Factors, Training Alimony, Modification and When It Ends
Nevada family law · Last reviewed October 27, 2026
Nevada calls spousal support alimony. 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)). Neither sex is favored, and no statute promises alimony after a marriage of any particular length.
No formula
Nevada has no alimony calculator in its statutes. The state self-help center says: "There is no exact formula to figure out whether someone should receive alimony or how much money they should get." It adds that alimony "is usually only considered in longer term marriages where there is a large difference in income." Be wary of any website that claims to compute a Nevada alimony figure.
The 11 factors
Under NRS 125.150(9), in addition to anything else the judge finds relevant, the court must consider:
- the financial condition of each spouse;
- the nature and value of each spouse's property;
- each spouse's contribution to any property the spouses hold under NRS 123.030;
- the length of the marriage;
- each spouse's income, earning capacity, age and health;
- the standard of living during the marriage;
- the career, before the marriage, of the spouse who would receive alimony;
- specialized education, training or marketable skills either spouse gained during the marriage;
- either spouse's contribution as a homemaker;
- the property awarded in the divorce to the spouse who would receive alimony, apart from child support and alimony; and
- each spouse's physical and mental condition as it affects finances, health and ability to work.
Fault isn't on the list.
Alimony for training or education
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" (NRS 125.150(10)). It looks at whether the paying spouse gained job skills or education during the marriage, and whether the other spouse supported the family while that happened. An award must say when the training must begin, and it can cover skills testing, career guidance, job search help, and tuition, books and fees for a high school equivalency, college courses or job training (NRS 125.150(11)).
Temporary support while the case is pending
Either spouse can ask the court for money during the case "To provide temporary maintenance for the other party", to support the children, or to pay for carrying on or defending the case (NRS 125.040). The court can also award reasonable attorney's fees to either party (NRS 125.150(4)).
Changing alimony
Past-due payments can't be changed. Under NRS 125.150(8), periodic alimony that has already accrued isn't subject to modification. Payments not yet due when a motion is filed can be modified on a showing of changed circumstances, even if the decree didn't reserve the power. The court must consider whether the payer's income, as shown on last year's federal tax return, has dropped so far that the payer can't pay.
The 20% rule. A change of 20 percent or more in the payer's gross monthly income "shall be deemed to constitute changed circumstances requiring a review for modification of the payments of alimony" (NRS 125.150(12)).
Lump-sum awards are different. Subsection 8 speaks only of specified periodic payments, so ask a lawyer before assuming a lump sum can be revisited.
When alimony ends
On the death of either spouse, or the remarriage of the spouse receiving periodic payments, "all the payments required by the decree must cease, unless it was otherwise ordered by the court" (NRS 125.150(6)). Nevada's statute says nothing about cohabitation or retirement; those arguments go to a motion based on changed circumstances.
Agreements
Spouses can settle alimony themselves. A joint petition requires either a waiver of spousal support by both spouses or an agreement on its amount and manner (NRS 125.181). An enforceable premarital agreement can also control.
Separate maintenance
A spouse who doesn't want a divorce can ask for permanent support in a separate maintenance action, if he or she has grounds for divorce or has been deserted for 90 days (NRS 125.190).
Frequently asked questions
How is alimony calculated in Nevada?
It isn't calculated by formula. A judge weighs the 11 factors in NRS 125.150(9), including each spouse's finances, earning capacity, the length of the marriage and the standard of living.
How long does alimony last in Nevada?
As long as the decree says. Alimony may be limited to a set period or awarded without an end date; periodic payments stop on either spouse's death or the recipient's remarriage unless the court ordered otherwise.
Does remarriage end alimony in Nevada?
Yes, for periodic payments, unless the decree provides otherwise.
Can alimony be changed in Nevada?
Future periodic payments can be modified on changed circumstances, and a 20% change in the payer's gross monthly income counts as one. Payments already due can't be changed.
Does adultery affect alimony in Nevada?
Marital misconduct isn't one of the factors in NRS 125.150(9). The judge decides on financial and personal circumstances.