Spousal support, also known as spousal maintenance or alimony, is when a portion of one spouse’s income is delivered to the other spouse by court order. This is done in order to aid the supported spouse while he or she transitions into becoming self-supporting. Spousal support is generally not intended to be permanent, but that doesn’t mean you don’t deserve compensation for a time. There are long term marriages where spousal support may be awarded for life. A Reno spousal support lawyer can ensure that you receive the financial assistance to which you are entitled.

In Reno, the Nevada court will consider an alimony award if one of the spouses is financially unstable or unemployable. Alimony can be sought by either spouse. The court’s decision will be determined by the needs of the spouse seeking assistance weighed against the ability of the other spouse to support them. In most cases, the court will determine periodic payments over a specified length of time. In more rare cases, there may also be a singular, lump sum payment.

Spousal support cases can be complicated, and families may feel frustration and confusion while they are being decided. Nevada family law courts will examine an array of matters relating to the separation in question. When you work with the Petroni Law Group, we understand the complexity of the process and we will ensure both that your rights are protected and that you receive a fair outcome.

The length of the marriage, the couple’s income, and award of other assets, will all impact the court’s decision regarding alimony. Just as the circumstances of a divorce are always different, so are spousal support decisions. In Nevada, courts consider the following when making their decisions about alimony:

• Each spouse’s income
• Each spouse’s financial assets, including the nature and value of property owned
• The length of the marriage
• Each spouse’s education level
• The career of the dependent spouse prior to the marriage
• Each spouse’s potential to obtain work
• Distribution of property
• Living conditions prior to separation
• Each spouse’s age
• Each spouse’s health
• Each spouse’s contribution as homemaker

All of the above elements contribute toward the decision about spousal support payments. Seeking the counsel of a Reno spousal support lawyer is integral to your success in the determination of alimony. The above list is representative of how Nevada courts consider a variety of factors when determining spousal support.

Courts in Nevada award financial support explicitly to assist an individual in receiving training or education that will increase their potential for gainful employment. It is possible for a court to award both types of alimony at the same time — short term and long term.

Because of the complicated and inconsistent nature of alimony in Nevada, settling outside of court can be difficult if the couple isn’t sure how a court is likely to rule. In addition to the financial expense of court, there is an emotional cost as well. Many individuals remain in troubled marriages due to monetary concerns — sometimes even abusive ones where one individual controls joint finances. Reno spousal support lawyer Gloria Petroni offers decades of experience when advising you as to what can be anticipated in an alimony decision, from if it will be offered at all, to how much or for how long.

CALL A RENO SPOUSAL SUPPORT LAWYER

Gloria Petroni is who you should contact for quality and expert counsel in seeking spousal support. As a Reno family law attorney she has a reputation for excellence and results. Call our office today at 775-420-4221 for an initial consultation.