Child Support Lawyers in Las Vegas, NV

Calculating Child Support in Nevada

The calculation of Nevada child support is guided by specific statutes that consider various factors to determine the appropriate amount. The calculation method changed with the implementation of the new Nevada Child Support Guidelines on February 1, 2020. The guidelines now utilize a percentage-based model adjusted for income and the number of children requiring support. 

The new guidelines call for calculating child support using a tiered percentage system based on the non-custodial parent's gross monthly income. 

The main aspects of the child support calculation process include:

• Gross monthly income: This includes all income before taxes or deductions from all sources, such as wages, salaries, commissions, bonuses, pensions, and even unemployment benefits. The custodial parent's income can also factor into the calculation under certain circumstances.
• Tiered percentages: The non-custodial parent’s gross monthly income is matched with specified percentage values depending on the number of supported children:
  • For one child, the parent will contribute 16% of their gross monthly income.
  • For two children, it increases to 22%.
  • For three children, the percentage is 26%.
  • For each additional child, add 2% per child up to a maximum of 30%.
• Income cap: An established income cap is a maximum threshold of the non-custodial parent's income subject to the percentage calculation. As of 2023, this cap is set at $6,000 per month but may be adjusted periodically. Additional calculations could apply if the non-custodial parent's gross monthly income exceeds this cap.
• Low-income adjustment: A low-income adjustment can ensure that child support orders do not exceed the capacity to pay for non-custodial parents earning below a certain income level.
• Shared custody adjustments: In cases where parents share custody, and the child spends at least 40% of the time with the non-custodial parent, calculation adjustments are made to account for the significant time a parent spends with the child. 
• Additional expenses: Courts may also consider additional costs, such as healthcare, education, and special needs expenses, and may assign responsibility to either or both parents in addition to the calculated support amount.

Child Support Duration

In Nevada, child support obligations typically continue until the child reaches the age of majority, which is 18 years old, or until the child graduates from high school, not to exceed the age of 19 years and six months. A court order may specify a different duration or circumstances, such as when a child’s disability may extend the support period.