Williams v. Williams, 97 P.3d 1124 (Nev.

2004)
Facts: Richard E. Williams files for an annulment against Marcie C. Williams after being married
for 27 years, and discovering that Marcie was still married to Allmaras without her knowing that
the divorce was not final. Both parties entered the marriage in good faith. Marcies counterclaim
is for half of the property and spousal support as a putative spouse.
Issue: Does the putative spouse doctrine for spousal support apply to the state of Nevada?
Holding: No, the state of Nevada does support the putative spouse doctrine to a certain extent.
Reasoning: The Putative Spouse Doctrine has two elements making it valid. Proper marriage
ceremonies have to be performed and parties have to marry in good faith, in a honest and
reasonable belief that the marriage was valid at the time. However putative spouse doctrine
doesnt support spousal support under bad faith, fraud, or statutory authority. Being that Nevada
doesnt award for alimony after an annulment, Marcies counterclaim for spouses support was
reversed.