Nevada · Alimony · Updated Oct 2026

Alimony in Nevada

What Nevada law says about alimony: when a court can order it, amount and length, how it relates to dividing property and how to ask for it.

Quick answer

The judge may award alimony to either spouse, as a lump sum or periodic payments, as is 'just and equitable.' There is no formula; the statute lists factors such as each spouse's finances, length of the marriage, income and earning capacity, age and health, standard of living, and career sacrifices.

Property division
Community property
Law
NRS 125.150.

When Nevada courts can order alimony

The judge can also order rehabilitative alimony for training or education.

Amount, limits and length

The judge may award alimony to either spouse, as a lump sum or periodic payments, as is 'just and equitable.' There is no formula; the statute lists factors such as each spouse's finances, length of the marriage, income and earning capacity, age and health, standard of living, and career sacrifices.

Law: NRS 125.150.

Alimony and property in Nevada

Spousal support is a separate question from dividing property and debts.

System
Community property
The rule
Community property must be divided equally as far as practicable. The judge can divide it unequally only for a compelling reason stated in writing.

How to ask for alimony in Nevada

  1. Ask for it in your divorce papers

    Spousal support is decided in the divorce case: ask for it in your petition, or in your response if your spouse filed. Use the court's official divorce forms: Divorce forms (Nevada courts)

  2. Pay the fee or ask for a waiver

    Can't afford it? File an Application to Proceed In Forma Pauperis (fee waiver application) with a request for submission and an order.

  3. Agree, or let the judge decide

    If you and your spouse agree, put it in your written agreement; if not, the judge decides. In counties with 100,000 or more people (Clark, Washoe), the district court must run a mandatory mediation program for custody and visitation disputes; a judge can exclude a case for good cause, such as domestic violence or child abuse.

  4. Get it in the final decree

    Spousal support is ordered in the decree. Get a certified copy and keep it.

Questions about alimony in Nevada

How does alimony work in Nevada?

The judge may award alimony to either spouse, as a lump sum or periodic payments, as is 'just and equitable.' There is no formula; the statute lists factors such as each spouse's finances, length of the marriage, income and earning capacity, age and health, standard of living, and career sacrifices. The judge can also order rehabilitative alimony for training or education.

How much alimony is paid in Nevada, and for how long?

The judge may award alimony to either spouse, as a lump sum or periodic payments, as is 'just and equitable.' There is no formula; the statute lists factors such as each spouse's finances, length of the marriage, income and earning capacity, age and health, standard of living, and career sacrifices.

Is Nevada a community property state?

Yes. Community property must be divided equally as far as practicable. The judge can divide it unequally only for a compelling reason stated in writing.

More about divorce in Nevada

Alimony in nearby states

Sources

Last checked: Oct 24, 2026.