Nevada Child Support Calculator

How Nevada Child Support is Calculated

Nevada determines support by first combining your and the other parent's gross monthly incomes to find a 'basic support obligation' from a state table. The court then assigns a portion of that obligation to you based on your percentage of the combined income. This is known as the 'Income Shares Model'.

Understanding Nevada's Shared Custody Rules

When you have joint physical custody, meaning each parent has the children for at least 146 nights per year, the calculation method changes. The court calculates each parent's obligation and then offsets them based on the difference, ensuring the higher-earning parent pays the lower-earning parent, reflecting the shared time.

Nevada Child Support FAQs

At what age does child support end in NV?

In Nevada, the duty to pay child support typically ends when a child turns 18. However, if the child is still enrolled in high school, support continues until they graduate or turn 19, whichever happens first.

How is child support calculated if one parent is unemployed in NV?

If a parent is unemployed or underemployed without a valid reason, a judge can 'impute' income. This means support is calculated based on what that parent could be earning, considering their work history, skills, and local job opportunities. A parent cannot avoid their duty to pay by voluntarily quitting a job.

How do I modify a child support order in NV?

You can ask for a child support modification if there's been a 'substantial change in circumstances,' legally defined as a change that would alter the monthly support amount by 20% or more. Additionally, an order can be reviewed every three years without needing to prove a change in circumstances.

Does NV child support cover college expenses?

No, Nevada law does not require a parent to pay for college or other post-secondary education expenses. The legal obligation for support terminates at age 18 (or 19 if still in high school), unless the parents have a separate, written agreement stating otherwise.

How does NV handle health insurance and childcare costs?

The costs for a child's health insurance premiums and any reasonable childcare needed for a parent to work are typically added to the basic child support obligation. These additional costs are then divided between the parents in proportion to their incomes.