When a couple is planning to file for divorce, each person may wonder about the possibility of spousal support. They might be unsure how long a couple has to be married before one of them could be considered responsible for supporting the other after splitting up, at least temporarily. A Family Court Lawyer in Summerlin NV can represent either side, helping one spouse to obtain support payments or helping the other avoid being ordered to pay.
About Alimony
In Nevada, support payments from an ex-spouse to the other are legally called alimony. Spousal support is only paid while the two are still married, but separated. Alimony used to be much more common decades ago, typically with ex-husbands paying ex-wives who had been homemakers. A Family Court Lawyer in Summerlin NV knows in which situations a judge would likely grant a petition for alimony.
Factors of Influence
Numerous factors make it probable a judge will order one spouse to pay alimony. Length of marriage is indeed a factor, although there is no specific amount of time guaranteeing an order for alimony. The state does not provide guidelines or calculations, as it does with child support. A judge uses subjective measures in the decision-making process.
Other factors include the ability of the petitioner to earn a living and the difference between incomes of the two individuals. Temporary alimony may be granted so the lower-earning person can complete occupational training.
When Alimony Will End
No matter what the circumstances, the order for alimony will end if the recipient remarries. The person who is paying may also petition the court for an end to the arrangement if the ex-spouse’s financial situation changes significantly. That might include cohabitation with a new domestic partner or an inheritance.
Avoiding Going to Court
Divorcing couples often work out the agreement on their own without going to court. That way, they don’t have to deal with the unpredictability of a judge’s opinions on the case. One of the spouses may be represented by a law firm such as Pintar Albiston LLP; the other will need a different lawyer to prevent conflicts of interest. You can also connect them on Facebook.
