Child Support Calculations in Nevada

Nevada calculates child support using a percentage-of-obligor model with tiered rates under NAC Chapter 425. Unlike income shares states, Nevada applies percentages directly to the paying parent's gross income across three income brackets. Whether you're navigating an uncontested or contested divorce, understanding Nevada's unique tiered formula and 146-day joint custody threshold is essential.

The Percentage-of-Obligor Model

Effective February 1, 2020, Nevada implemented sweeping changes to child support law, moving detailed calculations from statutes to administrative regulations in NAC Chapter 425. This system applies tiered percentages to the obligor's gross monthly income rather than combining both parents' incomes as in income shares states.

The Nevada Division of Welfare and Supportive Services administers child support enforcement and provides official calculation guidance.

The Tiered Percentage Formula (NAC 425.140)

Nevada's formula applies different percentages across three income brackets, summing the results for the total obligation:

One Child

• 16% of the first $6,000 of gross monthly income
• 8% of income between $6,000.01 and $10,000
• 4% of income over $10,000

Two Children

• 22% of the first $6,000
• 11% of $6,000.01 to $10,000
• 6% of income over $10,000

Three Children

• 26% of the first $6,000
• 13% of $6,000.01 to $10,000
• 6% of income over $10,000

Four Children

• 28% of the first $6,000
• 14% of $6,000.01 to $10,000
• 7% of income over $10,000

For five or more children, add 2% to the first bracket, 1% to the second bracket, and 0.5% to the third bracket for each additional child beyond four.

Defining Gross Monthly Income

Under NAC 425.025, gross income includes wages, salaries, substantial and consistent overtime, interest, dividends, Social Security benefits, retirement payments, workers' compensation, unemployment insurance, military allowances, VA benefits, and undistributed business income. Alimony received counts as income.

Exclusions include child support received, SNAP benefits, SSI, and non-income personal injury damages. For self-employment, income equals gross receipts minus reasonable business expenses, with undistributed business income included when the parent controls the entity.

Low-Income Schedule (NAC 425.145)

When a court finds the obligor's total economic circumstances limit ability to pay the regular guideline, it must use the Low-Income Schedule published annually by the Nevada Administrative Office of the Courts. This schedule anchors support to Federal Poverty Guidelines, with amounts ranging from roughly 75% to 150% of the one-person poverty level.

If income falls below the lowest schedule level, courts may set an even lower "appropriate amount" balancing the obligor's need for self-support with child support obligations.

Custody Types and the Offset Method

Nevada doesn't use per-overnight credits. Instead, it distinguishes custody types and applies offsetting calculations in shared arrangements.

Primary Physical Custody

When one parent has primary physical custody, the noncustodial parent is deemed the obligor. Calculate that parent's obligation using the tiered formula on their gross monthly income.

Joint Physical Custody (146+ Days)

Nevada treats joint physical custody as each parent having the child at least 146 days per year (40%). Under NAC 425.115, each parent's support obligation is calculated separately using the tiered formula on their respective incomes, then offset so the higher-obligation parent pays the difference to the other.

This 146-day threshold was established in Rivero v. Rivero (2009) and codified in NRS 125C.003. Parents with less than 146 days are in a primary custody arrangement with visitation.

Split Custody

When each parent has primary custody of at least one child, calculate each parent's total obligation for the children in the other parent's household, then offset. The parent with the higher total pays the net difference.

Medical Support and Childcare

Every Nevada child support order must include medical support provisions under NAC 425.135.

Health Insurance

Coverage must be "accessible" (geographically available) and "reasonable in cost"—generally not more than 5% of the responsible party's monthly gross income, considering premiums, copays, deductibles, and out-of-pocket maximums.

Childcare Expenses

Under NAC 425.130, courts must consider reasonable childcare costs and make an equitable division. This doesn't necessarily mean 50/50—courts may allocate based on incomes and circumstances.

Nevada Child Support Calculator

Use our calculator to estimate your potential child support obligation under Nevada's guidelines. Enter income information and custody arrangement to see how the tiered formula applies.

For official calculations, use the Nevada Child Support Guidelines Calculator provided by the state.

Deviation Factors

Courts may adjust support amounts under NAC 425.150 for:

• Special educational needs or other necessary child expenses
• Transportation costs for visitation
• Legal responsibility to support others
• Value of services contributed by either party
• Public assistance considerations
• Relative household incomes
• Obligor's ability to pay
• Child's Social Security derivative benefits

Any deviation requires specific written findings and a statement of what the guideline amount would have been.

Modifying Child Support Orders

Nevada provides two pathways for modification under NRS 125B.145.

20% Income Change Threshold

A change of 20% or more in the gross monthly income of either parent is deemed a change in circumstances requiring review for modification. This trigger applies at any time.

Three-Year Review

Upon request by a parent, guardian, DWSS, or district attorney, a child support order must be reviewed at least every three years to determine if modification is warranted—regardless of income change magnitude.

Review your Nevada divorce timeline to understand when modification opportunities arise.

Arrears: Interest and Penalties

Nevada imposes both interest and penalties on unpaid child support.

Interest Rate

Interest accrues at the prime rate plus 2%, with the rate adjusting every January 1 and July 1 based on rates at Nevada's largest bank. For example, with a prime rate of 7.5%, the interest rate would be 9.5% per annum.

10% Annual Penalty

Under NRS 125B.095, if an installment becomes at least one month delinquent, a 10% per annum penalty is added by operation of law—in addition to interest. This penalty continues until the amount is paid.

Enforcement Mechanisms

Nevada employs comprehensive enforcement tools:

• Income withholding: Automatic wage garnishment; employers with 50+ employees must remit via EFT
• License suspension: Driver's, professional, and recreational licenses suspended at $1,000 arrears and 2+ months delinquency
• Tax refund intercepts: Federal and state refunds applied to arrears
• Property liens: Orders recorded as liens against real and personal property
• Passport denial: Federal denial at $2,500+ arrears
• Contempt proceedings: Court-ordered compliance with potential jail time

Duration of Child Support

For orders concerning one child, support ends when the child turns 18 or, if still in high school, upon graduation or age 19, whichever occurs first.

For multi-child orders with specific per-child allocations, support for each child terminates on the first day of the month after that child reaches the termination point. Without per-child allocations, the full order continues until the youngest child emancipates unless a modification motion is filed.

Parents must support a handicapped child beyond majority if the handicap occurred before majority, until the child is no longer handicapped or becomes self-supporting.

Property Division and Support Interplay

Child support calculations interact with property division. Understanding Nevada's community property division rules helps you see the complete financial picture. Nevada's 50/50 community property default affects overall financial circumstances that may influence support determinations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Nevada use income shares like most states? No. Nevada uses a percentage-of-obligor model that applies tiered percentages directly to the paying parent's gross income, not combined parental incomes.

What is the 146-day threshold? Joint physical custody requires each parent to have the child at least 146 days per year (40% of the time). Below this threshold, the arrangement is primary custody with visitation.

How does the offset method work? In joint custody, each parent's support obligation is calculated separately using their income. The obligations are compared, and the parent with the higher amount pays the difference to the other.

What interest rate applies to unpaid child support? Interest accrues at prime plus 2%, adjusting every January 1 and July 1. Additionally, a 10% per annum penalty applies to payments at least one month late.

When can I request a modification? At any time if income changed by 20% or more, or every three years upon request regardless of income change magnitude.

Is there a maximum child support cap in Nevada? No. Nevada eliminated its presumptive maximum cap when it adopted NAC 425 in 2020. The tiered percentages apply without a ceiling.