Child Support Attorney Las Vegas

Gastelum Attorneys is a Las Vegas child support law firm with six family law attorneys, bilingual services in English and Spanish, and experience across more than 5,000 cases. Whether you need to establish, modify, or enforce a child support order in Nevada, our team represents both custodial and non-custodial parents in Clark County Family Court. Parents navigating child support issues often face simultaneous child custody disputes in Las Vegas — our attorneys handle both.

Nevada child support is governed by NRS Chapter 125B and follows a percentage-of-income model based on the paying parent’s gross monthly income. Understanding how the formula works, what deviations the court allows, and when orders can be modified is critical to protecting your family’s financial stability.

To discuss your child support case, call Gastelum Attorneys at 702-979-1455 or schedule a case evaluation online.

How Does Child Support Work in Nevada?

Child support in Nevada is a court-ordered payment from one parent to the other to cover a child’s basic living expenses, including housing, food, healthcare, and education. Nevada uses a percentage-of-income model under NRS 125B.070, meaning the amount is calculated as a percentage of the non-custodial parent’s gross monthly income rather than both parents’ incomes combined.

In Las Vegas and throughout Nevada, child support is typically ordered when parents divorce, separate, or when paternity is established. Either parent can request a child support order through Clark County Family Court. The court considers the number of children, each parent’s income, custody arrangement, health insurance costs, and childcare expenses when setting the amount.

Key points about how child support works in Nevada:

• Who pays: The non-custodial parent (the parent with less physical custody time) generally pays child support to the custodial parent.
• Payment method: Payments are typically made through the Nevada Child Support Enforcement Program or wage garnishment.
• Duration: Child support continues until the child turns 18, or 19 if still enrolled in high school full-time.
• Enforcement: Nevada has strong enforcement mechanisms, including wage garnishment, tax refund interception, license suspension, and contempt of court proceedings.

How Is Child Support Calculated in Nevada?

Child support in Nevada is calculated by applying a statutory percentage to the non-custodial parent’s gross monthly income. Under NRS 125B.070, the base percentages are 18% of gross monthly income for one child, 25% for two children, 29% for three children, 31% for four children, and an additional 2% for each additional child.

The calculation follows these steps:

1. Determine gross monthly income. This includes wages, salary, commissions, bonuses, tips, overtime, self-employment income, disability benefits, unemployment benefits, Social Security benefits, pension income, rental income, and any other regular earnings. It does not include public assistance benefits like SNAP or TANF.
2. Apply the statutory percentage. For example, a parent earning $5,000/month gross with two children would calculate: $5,000 × 25% = $1,250/month in child support.
3. Check against the statutory cap. Under NRS 125B.080, child support cannot exceed the presumptive maximum amount, which is adjusted periodically and tied to the obligor’s income level.
4. Adjust for deviations. The court may deviate upward or downward based on the child’s special needs, extraordinary expenses, or the obligor’s ability to pay.

For joint physical custody arrangements where each parent has the child at least 40% of the time, Nevada uses an offset calculation. Both parents’ obligations are calculated separately, and the parent with the higher obligation pays the difference to the other parent.

How Much Is Child Support in Nevada?

The amount of child support in Nevada depends on the paying parent’s gross monthly income and the number of children. For one child, the standard amount is 18% of gross monthly income. For two children it is 25%, for three children 29%, and for four children 31%, with an additional 2% added for each child beyond four.

Here is what child support looks like at common income levels in Nevada:

Note: These are base calculations before any court-ordered deviations. Actual amounts may vary based on custody arrangement, health insurance obligations, childcare costs, and other factors the court considers under NRS 125B.080.

Use our free Nevada child support calculator to estimate your obligation based on your specific income and number of children.

How Much Is Child Support for 2 Kids in Nevada?

Child support for two children in Nevada is 25% of the non-custodial parent’s gross monthly income under NRS 125B.070. For example, a parent earning $5,000 per month gross would pay approximately $1,250 per month for two children before any deviations are applied.

This percentage applies to gross income, which is the total income before taxes and deductions. If the paying parent has children from other relationships, the court may adjust the calculation. The 25% rate is the starting point, not necessarily the final amount — the judge can deviate based on factors like the children’s special medical needs, educational expenses, or the custodial parent’s ability to provide for the children.

What Is the Child Support Percentage in Nevada?

The child support percentages in Nevada are set by statute under NRS 125B.070 and are applied to the obligor’s gross monthly income:

• 1 child: 18% of gross monthly income
• 2 children: 25% of gross monthly income
• 3 children: 29% of gross monthly income
• 4 children: 31% of gross monthly income
• Each additional child: Add 2% per child

These percentages have remained consistent through 2025 and 2026. Nevada’s percentage-of-income model is simpler than the income-shares model used in most other states because it focuses solely on the paying parent’s earnings rather than combining both parents’ incomes.

Do You Pay Child Support With 50/50 Custody in Nevada?

Yes, you can still pay child support with 50/50 custody in Nevada. When parents share joint physical custody (each parent has the child at least 40% of the time), Nevada uses an offset calculation under NRS 125B.070(2). Both parents’ child support obligations are calculated separately, and the parent with the higher income pays the difference to the lower-earning parent.

For example, if Parent A earns $6,000/month and Parent B earns $4,000/month with one child:

• Parent A’s obligation: $6,000 × 18% = $1,080
• Parent B’s obligation: $4,000 × 18% = $720
• Parent A pays the difference: $1,080 − $720 = $360/month to Parent B

If both parents earn approximately the same amount, the offset could result in little or no child support being exchanged. However, equal custody time does not automatically mean zero child support — the income difference is what drives the calculation.

Nevada Child Support Guidelines

Nevada child support guidelines are established under NRS Chapter 125B and provide the framework courts use to calculate and award child support. The guidelines use a percentage-of-income formula applied to the non-custodial parent’s gross earnings.

The Nevada child support guidelines address:

• Income definition (NRS 125B.070): Gross income includes all earned and unearned income — wages, commissions, bonuses, self-employment earnings, rental income, Social Security benefits, disability payments, unemployment insurance, and investment returns.
• Imputed income: If a parent is voluntarily unemployed or underemployed, the court can impute income based on what that parent could reasonably earn given their education, skills, and work history.
• Presumptive maximum (NRS 125B.080): Nevada sets a cap on child support that is adjusted periodically. The court generally cannot order support above this cap unless specific circumstances justify it.
• Health insurance (NRS 125B.080): The court may order either parent to provide health insurance for the child. The cost of premiums may be divided between parents proportional to income.
• Childcare costs: Work-related childcare expenses are typically divided between parents in proportion to their incomes, in addition to the base child support amount.
• Extraordinary expenses: Costs for special education, medical needs not covered by insurance, and travel expenses for visitation may be allocated between parents.

When Can the Court Deviate From the Child Support Formula?

Nevada courts can deviate from the standard child support formula when applying the guidelines would be unjust or inappropriate. Under NRS 125B.080, the judge must consider specific factors before ordering an amount above or below the guideline calculation.

Factors that may justify a deviation include:

• The cost of health insurance for the child
• The cost of childcare necessary for the custodial parent’s employment or education
• Special educational needs of the child
• The age of the child
• The responsible parent’s legal obligation to support other children or a spouse
• The value of services contributed by either parent
• Any public assistance paid to support the child
• Any expenses reasonably related to the pregnancy and delivery of the child
• The cost of transportation for visitation
• The amount of time the child spends with each parent
• Any other necessary expenses for the benefit of the child
• The relative income of both parents

If the court orders an amount that deviates from the guidelines, it must state the reasons for the deviation on the record. A Las Vegas child support attorney can present evidence supporting an upward or downward deviation based on your family’s circumstances.

Child Support Modification in Nevada

A child support order in Nevada can be modified when there has been a change in circumstances that is substantial and ongoing. Under NRS 125B.145, either parent can request a modification by filing a motion with the court that originally issued the order.

Common grounds for modifying child support in Nevada include:

• Significant income change: A substantial increase or decrease in either parent’s income (typically 20% or more)
• Job loss or involuntary unemployment: Being laid off, fired, or disabled (voluntary unemployment generally does not qualify)
• Change in custody arrangement: If the child begins spending significantly more time with one parent
• Child’s changed needs: New medical conditions, educational requirements, or special needs
• Remarriage or new children: New financial obligations may affect ability to pay
• Cost of living changes: Significant changes in housing, healthcare, or childcare costs
• Incarceration: The paying parent being incarcerated for more than 30 days

Nevada also allows for automatic three-year reviews. Either parent can request a review of the child support order every three years without showing a change in circumstances under NRS 125B.145. This review compares the current order to what the guidelines would produce based on current income.

When Does Child Support End in Nevada?

Child support in Nevada ends when the child turns 18 years old, or at age 19 if the child is still enrolled in high school full-time. Under NRS 125B.120, the obligation terminates automatically at the age of majority unless the court order specifies otherwise.

Child support may also end earlier or under different circumstances:

• Emancipation: If the child becomes legally emancipated before age 18
• Marriage: If the child marries before age 18
• Military service: If the child enlists in active military duty
• Death: If either the child or the paying parent dies
• Adoption: If the child is adopted by another person, the original parent’s obligation terminates

How to terminate child support in Nevada: Even when the child reaches 18 (or 19), child support does not always stop automatically. The paying parent should file a motion to terminate the obligation to prevent continued wage garnishment and ensure the order is officially closed. Any arrears (past-due amounts) that accrued before termination are still owed and enforceable.

Nevada does not require parents to pay child support for adult children attending college. Unlike some states, there is no provision in Nevada law extending support beyond age 18/19 for higher education expenses.

How to File for Child Support in Nevada

To file for child support in Nevada, you can either file a complaint through Clark County Family Court or apply through the Nevada Division of Welfare and Supportive Services (DWSS) Child Support Enforcement Program. The court process provides more control over the outcome and allows an attorney to advocate for your interests.

Steps to file for child support in Las Vegas:

1. Establish paternity (if not married). If the parents were not married, paternity must be established through a Voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity or a court-ordered genetic test before child support can be ordered.
2. File a complaint for child support. Submit the complaint to the Clark County Family Court at the Family Courts and Services Center, 601 N. Pecos Rd., Las Vegas, NV 89101.
3. Serve the other parent. The respondent must be legally served with the complaint and summons.
4. Financial disclosure. Both parents must complete a Financial Disclosure Form (FDF) detailing income, assets, debts, and monthly expenses.
5. Court hearing or settlement. The court reviews both parents’ financials and applies the NRS 125B formula. Parents can negotiate an agreement, or the judge will set the amount.
6. Court order issued. The judge signs the child support order, which becomes enforceable immediately.

A child support attorney in Las Vegas can file on your behalf, ensure all financial disclosures are complete and accurate, and advocate for a fair support amount at the hearing. Call 702-979-1455 or contact us online to get started.

Child Support Enforcement in Nevada

Nevada has aggressive enforcement mechanisms for child support orders. If a parent fails to pay court-ordered child support, the custodial parent or the state can pursue enforcement through multiple channels under NRS 125B.140 and related statutes.

Enforcement tools available in Nevada include:

• Wage garnishment: The most common method. The employer deducts child support directly from the obligor’s paycheck.
• Tax refund interception: Federal and state tax refunds can be intercepted to satisfy past-due child support.
• License suspension: Nevada can suspend the obligor’s driver’s license, professional licenses, and recreational licenses for non-payment.
• Bank account levy: Funds can be seized directly from the non-paying parent’s bank account.
• Property liens: A lien can be placed on real estate, vehicles, and other property owned by the delinquent parent.
• Contempt of court: The non-paying parent can be held in contempt, which may result in fines or jail time.
• Passport denial: If child support arrears exceed $2,500, the federal government can deny or revoke the obligor’s passport.
• Credit reporting: Delinquent child support is reported to credit agencies, affecting the obligor’s credit score.

If your former spouse or co-parent is not paying child support as ordered, a Las Vegas child support lawyer can file a motion for contempt and pursue the full enforcement remedies available under Nevada law. Call 702-979-1455 or contact us online.

Nevada Child Support Laws (2025–2026 Updates)

Nevada child support laws are primarily found in NRS Chapter 125B, which governs the calculation, modification, and enforcement of child support orders. These statutes apply to all child support cases filed in Las Vegas, Henderson, North Las Vegas, and throughout Nevada.

Key Nevada child support statutes:

• NRS 125B.070 — Obligation of support; formula: Establishes the percentage-of-income formula (18% for one child, 25% for two, etc.) and defines how joint custody offsets are calculated.
• NRS 125B.080 — Deviation factors and presumptive maximum: Lists the factors a court must consider when deviating from the guideline amount and establishes the statutory cap on child support.
• NRS 125B.120 — Duration of support: Child support lasts until age 18, or 19 if the child is still in high school.
• NRS 125B.140 — Enforcement remedies: Authorizes wage garnishment, license suspension, contempt proceedings, and other enforcement mechanisms.
• NRS 125B.145 — Modification of support: Allows modification upon showing a substantial change in circumstances or through automatic three-year review.
• NRS Chapter 126 — Paternity: Governs establishment of paternity, which is required before child support can be ordered for unmarried parents.

As of 2025–2026, no major legislative changes have altered the core child support formula. However, the presumptive maximum amounts are subject to periodic adjustment, and courts continue to refine how they impute income in cases involving self-employed or underemployed parents.

Nevada Child Support Calculator

Our free Nevada child support calculator lets you estimate your monthly child support obligation based on your gross income and the number of children. The calculator applies the NRS 125B.070 formula to give you a starting estimate of what the court may order.

Keep in mind that the calculator provides an estimate based on the statutory percentages. The actual amount ordered by a Las Vegas family court judge may differ based on:

• Your custody arrangement (sole vs. joint physical custody)
• Health insurance costs for the child
• Work-related childcare expenses
• Extraordinary medical or educational needs
• The other parent’s income (for joint custody offset calculation)
• The presumptive maximum cap

For an accurate assessment of your child support obligation or entitlement, speak with a child support attorney who can analyze your full financial picture and custody arrangement.

Why Hire a Child Support Lawyer in Las Vegas?

While it is possible to handle a child support case without an attorney, having an experienced Las Vegas child support lawyer can significantly impact the outcome. Child support calculations may seem straightforward, but issues like imputed income, deviations, hidden income, self-employment earnings, and interstate enforcement create complexity that benefits from legal representation.

A child support attorney at Gastelum Attorneys can help you:

• Ensure accurate income calculation. Identify all sources of the other parent’s income, including bonuses, side businesses, and investment returns that may not appear on tax returns.
• Request appropriate deviations. Present evidence for upward or downward adjustments based on your child’s needs or your financial circumstances.
• Modify existing orders. File for modification when your income changes, you lose your job, or your custody arrangement shifts.
• Enforce unpaid support. Pursue contempt of court, wage garnishment, license suspension, and other remedies when the other parent is not paying.
• Handle interstate cases. If one parent lives outside Nevada, the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act (UIFSA) adds procedural complexity.
• Protect against imputed income arguments. If the other side argues you are voluntarily underemployed, an attorney can counter with evidence of your actual earning capacity.

Gastelum Attorneys has six family law attorneys serving Las Vegas, Henderson, and North Las Vegas. Our bilingual team (English and Spanish) has handled more than 5,000 family law cases. To discuss your child support matter, call 702-979-1455 or schedule a case evaluation online.

Frequently Asked Questions About Child Support in Las Vegas

This page was reviewed by the family law attorneys at Gastelum Attorneys and reflects Nevada law as of March 2026. Laws change, and every case is different. This information is educational and does not constitute legal advice for your specific situation.

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