How to Calculate Child Support Payments in Nevada

How to Use the Nevada Child Support Calculator

Under Nevada's child support guidelines, the basic support obligation is determined by a schedule that uses different percentages of parental income, based on the number of children being supported.

But rather than do the math, you may use the official Nevada Child Support Guidelines Calculator to learn the basic support obligation under the state's current schedule. You can find links to the calculator, as well as the full text of the regulations with the current guidelines and schedule, on the Nevada Child Support Guidelines page.

Before doing the calculation, you'll need to know:

• what your physical custody (parenting time) arrangements will be, and
• the gross monthly income of the noncustodial parent (the one who doesn't have primary physical custody, called the "Respondent" on the calculator), or both parents' incomes if you'll have joint physical custody or if each of you will have custody of at least one of your children (known as split or mixed custody).

If you're still negotiating custody, you might try calculations under different scenarios of parenting time.

Are Other Child Support Calculators Accurate?

Watch out for other websites with so-called child support calculators for Nevada. There's no guarantee that these calculators are accurate and up-to-date. Nevada updates its child support guidelines regularly, and you usually can't tell whether any of these other websites have kept up with the latest changes.

It's best to stick with the official state calculator to get the most accurate estimate of the amount of child support you may pay or receive. But notice that word "estimate." The judge may order a different amount in your case (more on that below).

When Support May Be Higher or Lower than the Guideline Calculation

Judges in Nevada may adjust the basic child support obligation, as calculated under the formula, to account for things like child care costs, health care expenses, the child's special needs, and the parents' economic circumstances. Also, there's a special schedule for low-income parents. (Nev. Admin. Code §§ 425.130, 425.135, 425.140, 425.145, 425.150 (2024).)

Even after these adjustments, the amount of child support calculated under the Nevada guidelines won't necessarily apply in every situation. The state presumes that amount will meet the child's needs. But the judge might allow a different amount if you can prove that the guideline amount either doesn't meet your child's needs or exceeds those needs. (Nev. Admin. Code § 425.100 (2024).)

Learn more about how child support works in Nevada.

Applying for Child Support in Nevada

Typically, you'll apply for child support as part of the process of filing for divorce in Nevada. You'll include a completed Child Support Worksheet along with the other divorce papers.

If you aren't married to your child's other parent, you may get help with requesting support by applying for child support services with the Division of Welfare and Supportive Services (DWSS) in the Nevada Department of Health and Human Services. If needed, the DWSS can also help with establishing the child's legal parentage.

How to Collect Child Support in Nevada

Typically, child support payments will be withheld from the paying parent's paychecks. When that isn't appropriate, parents may pay child support online. Parents who are receiving child support can arrange direct deposits or use the Nevada Child Support Debit Card.

If you're having trouble collecting support payments, the Nevada DWSS can also help with child support enforcement. Depending on how much the other parent owes, the agency has several ways of enforcing child support, including

• reporting the debt to credit bureaus
• intercepting income tax refunds, workers' compensation, or unemployment benefits
• seizing money from bank accounts
• placing liens on property (so the delinquent parent can't sell it or borrow money before paying off the debt), and
• suspending the parent's driver's or other licenses.

How to Change the Amount of Child Support

You (or the other parent) may request a modification in the amount of child support if there's been a change in circumstances. (Nev. Admin. Code §§ 425.170 (2024).)

Typically, a judge will review your existing child support order if there's been at least a 20% change in a parent's income or it's been at least three years since the order was issued or last reviewed.

To request a modification, you'll need to file a motion (written request) with the court. You can find step-by-step directions and more information on the Nevada Courts Self-Help page on modifications.

There's no guarantee a judge will grant a modification, particularly if the other parent is opposing your request. So you should strongly consider speaking with a lawyer who can help you navigate the legal process and represent you in the court hearing.