When a marriage ends, the state of Nevada allows for courts to award spousal support—referred to as alimony—to people who have been financially dependent on their spouse during the course of their marriage. This can come in several different ways, the most common being specific, periodic payments based on a myriad of factors that courts can consider. Besides this traditional form of alimony, there is another type of alimony that can benefit both spouses: rehabilitative alimony.
Rehabilitative Alimony
“Rehabilitative alimony” is designed to put dependent spouses in a position to financially support themselves by entering the workforce or furthering their own earning potential. Specifically, courts are required to consider whether to grant alimony to a spouse “for the purpose of obtaining training or education relating to a job, career or profession.”
When deciding whether to grant rehabilitative alimony, courts have wide latitude in what they can consider. Some of the specific factors that courts have to consider are:
- Whether the spouse who would pay such alimony has obtained greater job skills or education during the marriage; and
- Whether the spouse who would receive such alimony provided financial support while the other spouse obtained job skills or education.
These factors are designed in the interest of spouses who financially helped the supporting spouse to further their education and career during the marriage. But courts are also free to consider “any other factor” when awarding rehabilitative alimony.
Rehabilitative alimony is not a blank check. Instead, the money is meant to pay for:
- Payment for the costs of tuition, books, and fees to obtain a high school diploma, college courses related to the spouse’s career, and career-related training
- Testing and evaluation of the spouse’s job-related skills and abilities
- Job counseling
- Additional training through the spouse’s employer
- Assistance with a job search
Further, this money can be ordered in addition to periodic alimony payments.
How Long Does Rehabilitative Alimony Last?
Rehabilitative alimony is not meant to last forever. The court must specify a time frame for the dependent spouse to commence their training or education. And if there are “changed circumstances”, then the supporting spouse may ask the court to modify the alimony order.
Trust Viloria, Oliphant, Oster & Aman L.L.P. to Fight for You
Divorce can be a time of great emotional and financial uncertainty. The attorneys at Viloria, Oliphant, Oster & Aman, L.L.P. understand this and strive to provide thoughtful, compassionate representation to people who need help ending their marriage. You have significant legal rights when it comes to marital property, child custody, alimony, and child support. We want to fight for your rights and give you all the information you act decisively. Call Viloria, Oliphant, Oster & Aman L.L.P. today at (775) 227-2280 to schedule an appointment or contact our office through our website.