How is Alimony Calculated in Nevada?

Unlike some states, Nevada law does not have a specific mathematical formula. The foundational law, NRS 125.150, gives courts discretion to award alimony in an amount that "appears just and equitable" based on 11 specific factors.

However, many attorneys and judges use an unofficial guideline known as the "Tonopah Formula" as a starting point. This calculator's estimate is based on a common variation of this guideline for educational purposes only. It is not a legal guarantee, and the court has the final say.

Important Tax Notice: For divorces finalized after December 31, 2018, alimony is generally not tax-deductible for the payer and not taxable income for the recipient under federal law. This calculator does not account for individual tax situations. Consult a CPA or tax professional.

Types of Alimony Available in Nevada

Nevada law recognizes different types of spousal support, each with a different purpose:

• Temporary Maintenance: Paid while the divorce is pending to provide financial stability. It automatically terminates when the divorce is finalized.
• Rehabilitative Alimony: The most common type. It is a time-limited payment designed to help a spouse get the education or training needed to become self-sufficient.
• Permanent Alimony: Typically reserved for longer-term marriages (often 10-20+ years) where one spouse cannot realistically become self-sufficient due to age, health, or having been out of the workforce for an extended time.

All Factors a Nevada Court Must Consider

A judge is required by NRS 125.150(9) to weigh all of the following factors to ensure a just and equitable outcome:

• The financial condition of each spouse.
• The nature and value of the respective property of each spouse.
• The contribution of each spouse to any property held by the spouses.
• The duration of the marriage.
• The income, earning capacity, age and health of each spouse.
• The standard of living during the marriage.
• The career of the recipient spouse before the marriage.
• The existence of specialized education or training obtained by each spouse during the marriage.
• The contribution of either spouse as a homemaker.
• The property awarded to the recipient spouse in the divorce (other than child support and alimony).
• The physical and mental condition of each party as it relates to their financial condition, health, and ability to work.

How is Alimony Duration Determined?

Like the amount, the duration of alimony is not set by a formula. A judge has discretion based on the marriage length and the time needed for the recipient to become self-sufficient.

A common (but unofficial) guideline used by many Nevada courts is the "1-for-3 rule," or approximately one year of alimony for every three years of marriage. This calculator uses a similar guideline (50% of the marriage length) for its estimate.

The likelihood and type of alimony also change with the marriage length:

Modification and Termination of Alimony

According to NRS 125.150, periodic alimony payments can be modified if there is a "showing of changed circumstances," unless the original divorce decree states the payments are non-modifiable. A change of 20% or more in the gross monthly income of the paying spouse is considered a changed circumstance that warrants a review.

The statute also provides for the automatic termination of periodic alimony payments upon the death of either party or the remarriage of the recipient spouse, unless the court orders otherwise.