Last verified: February 2026
Everything you need to know about Nevada child support laws, including the tiered calculation formula, recent 2024 regulatory updates, and how support is enforced.
Table of Contents
Overview of Nevada Child Support Laws
Nevada underwent a major overhaul of its child support system effective February 1, 2020. The state shifted from simple percentage-based statutes to a detailed framework of regulations in Chapter 425 of the Nevada Administrative Code (NAC). Additional refinements in late 2024 clarified several aspects of the law.
Key changes from the 2020 and 2024 updates include:
- Tiered income brackets replace flat percentages
- No automatic cap on high-income support (the old maximum was eliminated)
- Low-income minimums tied to federal poverty guidelines instead of a fixed $100
- Clear distinction between “base child support obligation” and “total child support obligation”
- Support ends on the first day of the month after the child turns 18 (or graduates high school/turns 19)
- Courts must combine base support and additional costs into one total order
How to Apply for Child Support in Nevada
The Nevada Division of Welfare and Supportive Services administers child support services. The program helps ensure children have financial and medical support from both parents.
Contact Information:
- Toll Free: (800) 992-0900
- Northern Nevada: (775) 684-7200
- Southern Nevada: (702) 486-1646
- Email: [email protected]
Services provided include:
- Locating non-custodial parents
- Establishing paternity
- Establishing and enforcing child support orders
- Modifying orders when circumstances change
- Employment assistance programs for parents willing but unable to pay
Download the Application for Child Support Services or apply through the Customer Service Portal.
How Is Child Support Calculated in Nevada?
Nevada’s child support formula uses the obligor’s (paying parent’s) gross monthly income applied to tiered percentage rates. The formula considers different brackets of income, with lower percentages applied to higher income portions.
What Counts as Gross Monthly Income?
Gross monthly income broadly includes nearly all sources of income:
- Wages, salary, and consistent overtime
- Interest and investment income (excluding principal)
- Social Security benefits (disability or retirement)
- Pension and annuity payments
- Workers’ compensation and personal injury awards for lost wages
- Unemployment insurance benefits
- Military allowances and veterans’ benefits
- Voluntary retirement contributions (401k deductions)
- Undistributed business profits if the party controls the entity
- Alimony received
Excluded from gross income:
- Child support received for other children
- Foster care or kinship care payments
- SNAP benefits (food stamps)
- TANF and other public assistance
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Personal injury awards for pain and suffering (non-wage compensation)
The Tiered Percentage Formula
Under NAC 425.140, child support is calculated using tiered percentages:
| Income Bracket | 1 Child | 2 Children | 3 Children | 4 Children |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| First $6,000 | 16% | 22% | 26% | 28% |
| $6,000 to $10,000 | 8% | 11% | 13% | 14% |
| Above $10,000 | 4% | 6% | 6% | 7% |
For five or more children, add 2% to the first bracket, 1% to the second, and 0.5% to the top bracket for each additional child beyond four.
Example Calculation
If a parent earns $8,000 per month and has two children:
- First $6,000 x 22% = $1,320
- Remaining $2,000 x 11% = $220
- Total base support = $1,540 per month
Additional Costs
Beyond base support, orders must address:
- Medical support: Health insurance costs divided equitably
- Child care expenses: Work-related daycare costs allocated fairly
The 2024 updates require courts to combine base support and these additional costs into a single total support order.
Use the Nevada Child Support Guidelines Calculator to estimate support obligations.
Joint and Split Custody Adjustments
Joint Physical Custody
When parents share custody with each having at least 40% of parenting time, Nevada uses an offset approach:
- Calculate what each parent would owe if the other had primary custody
- Offset the two amounts
- The higher earner pays the difference to the lower earner
This approach was established in Rivero v. Rivero (2009) and continues under current regulations.
Split Custody
When each parent has primary custody of at least one child, the same offset method applies. Calculate each parent’s obligation for the children in the other’s custody, then offset the amounts.
Recent Case Law: Travel Costs
In Martinez v. Martinez (November 2024), the Nevada Supreme Court held that transportation costs for visitation must be factored into the child support calculation, not ordered separately. If you incur significant travel expenses for parenting time, these should adjust your support amount under NAC 425.150.
How to Modify Child Support in Nevada
Parents can request a review of their child support order:
- Every three years without showing changed circumstances
- At any time with a 20% or greater change in income
To request modification:
- Northern Nevada: (775) 684-7200
- Southern Nevada: (702) 486-1646
- Download modification forms from Nevada Courts Self-Help Center
The review process may take up to 180 days.
Key Points on Modification
- Modifications apply from the date the request was filed (not retroactively)
- Incarcerated parents can petition for modification
- Voluntary unemployment may result in imputed income based on earning capacity
- Out-of-court agreements require court approval to be enforceable
Child Support Enforcement in Nevada
Nevada’s Child Support Enforcement (CSE) uses multiple collection tools:
- Income withholding: Garnishment from wages, unemployment benefits, Social Security, military pay, and other income
- License suspension: Driver’s, professional, and recreational licenses
- Tax return interception: State, local, and federal refunds
- Credit bureau reporting: Impacts credit score, mortgage eligibility, and financing
- Bank account garnishment
- Passport denial: For arrears exceeding $2,500
- Contempt of court
Criminal Penalties
In Nevada, failure to pay child support can result in criminal charges:
- First offense with arrears over $5,000: Misdemeanor, up to 6 months in jail and/or $1,000 fine
- Second or third violation: Category C felony, up to 5 years in prison and/or $10,000 fine
Federal charges may also apply if the child lives in another state.
Interest on Arrears
Unpaid child support accrues interest at Nevada’s legal judgment interest rate. The previous 10% penalty on arrears was eliminated under the 2020 regulations (only interest applies now for new arrears).
When Does Child Support End in Nevada?
Under the 2024 regulatory updates, child support ends on the first day of the month immediately following when the child:
- Turns 18 years old, OR
- Graduates high school or turns 19, whichever comes first (if still enrolled)
Support may continue longer for a child with significant mental or physical disabilities who cannot become self-supporting.
Emancipation
Minors seeking emancipation must demonstrate:
- Parental or guardian consent
- Financial self-sufficiency
- Maturity to handle adult responsibilities
- That emancipation is in their best interests
Download emancipation forms by county.
Termination of Parental Rights
Voluntary termination typically only occurs when deemed in the child’s best interests, such as when the child is being adopted. Grounds for involuntary termination include abandonment, parental unfitness, or risk of harm to the child.
Download termination of parental rights forms.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum child support in Nevada?
The minimum is tied to federal poverty guidelines and may be less than $100 per month for very low-income parents. For incarcerated parents (6+ months), support generally does not accrue unless they have other income.
Is there a maximum child support amount in Nevada?
No. The 2020 overhaul eliminated the previous cap. However, courts can still limit excessive amounts, and the Matkulak v. Davis (2022) decision established that upward deviations cannot exceed what the other parent would owe if roles were reversed.
How does joint custody affect child support?
With joint custody (each parent having at least 40% time), support is calculated for both parents and offset. The higher earner pays the difference to the other parent.
Can I modify support if I lose my job?
Yes, if your income changes by 20% or more. File for modification promptly since changes only apply from the filing date forward.
What if my ex-spouse won’t let me see my child?
The receiving parent cannot deny parenting time for non-payment of child support. These are separate legal issues. If visitation is being denied, you should file a motion with the court.
Can incarcerated parents request modification?
Yes. Incarceration cannot be treated as voluntary unemployment, and incarcerated parents may petition for modification.
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