Nevada Child Support Calculator

How Child Support is Calculated in Nevada

Nevada law calculates child support based on each parent's Gross Monthly Income (GMI) and the physical custody arrangement, which is determined by the number of overnights each parent has with the child per year.

1. Determine Gross Monthly Income (GMI): The GMI for each parent is established. This includes nearly all income before taxes.
2. Identify Custody Type by Overnights: The law defines custody based on a 365-day year (NAC 425.100).
   • Primary Custody: One parent has the child for more than 60% of the year (more than 219 nights).
   • Joint Physical Custody: Each parent has the child for at least 40% of the year (at least 146 nights).
3. Calculate the Obligation using a Tiered Model: Per NAC 425.140, a percentage is applied to a parent's GMI in tiers. For example, for two children, the obligation is 22% of the first $6,000 of GMI, plus 11% of GMI from $6,001-$10,000, plus 6% of GMI over $10,000. The calculation method changes based on the custody type:
   • In a Primary Custody case, only the non-custodial parent's income is used to calculate the support they must pay.
   • In a Joint Custody case, an obligation is calculated for *both* parents. The lower amount is subtracted from the higher amount, and the parent with the higher obligation pays the difference.

Factors a Nevada Court May Consider for Deviation

The calculator provides a "presumptive" amount based on the standard guidelines. However, a judge can deviate from this amount if there is evidence that a child's needs are not being met. According to NAC 425.150, a court must evaluate all relevant factors to ensure a just outcome, including:

• Any special educational needs of the child.
• The legal responsibility of the parents to support others.
• The value of services contributed by either parent.
• The cost of transportation for visitation.
• The relative income of both households.
• The obligor's ability to pay.
• Any other necessary expenses for the benefit of the child.

Additional Expenses Beyond Base Support

The calculator above estimates the base child support obligation. Nevada law also requires parents to share other child-rearing costs. These expenses are handled separately from the base support payment.

The following costs are typically shared by the parents in proportion to their gross monthly incomes:

• Health Insurance: The cost of the child's portion of the health insurance premium.
• Childcare: Reasonable childcare costs necessary for the parent to work or attend school.
• Special Needs: Any reasonable costs related to a child's special educational or medical needs.
• Unreimbursed Medical Expenses: Co-pays and other medical costs not covered by insurance.

For example, if Parent A earns 60% of the combined income and Parent B earns 40%, they would typically be responsible for 60% and 40% of these additional costs, respectively.

When Does Child Support End in Nevada?

A parent's legal obligation to pay child support in Nevada terminates when the child:

• Turns 18, unless an exception applies.
• Turns 19 or graduates from high school, whichever occurs first, if the child is still enrolled in high school.
• Becomes legally emancipated.

Support may continue indefinitely if a child has a handicap that occurred before the age of majority, rendering them unable to be self-supporting, as outlined in NRS 125B.110.

Can Child Support Be Changed or Modified?

Yes. A Nevada court can modify a child support order if there has been a change in circumstances. According to NRS 125B.145, an order can be reviewed by the court at least every three years. A change of 20% or more in the gross monthly income of a parent is specifically defined as a changed circumstance that warrants a review for modification.