Nevada Child Support Calculator

Nevada uses a tiered percentage-of-income model under NAC § 425.140, applied to the obligor's gross monthly income. For one child, the rate is 16% on the first $6,000, 8% on income between $6,001 and $10,000, and 4% on income above $10,000. This tiered system replaced the former flat 18% formula under NRS 125B.070 on February 1, 2020, and eliminated the prior presumptive maximum cap of approximately $1,165 per child per month.

Nevada child support is based on the obligor's gross monthly income before taxes or personal deductions. Gross monthly income includes wages, salaries, tips, bonuses, commissions, overtime, self-employment income after legitimate business expenses, Social Security benefits, disability payments, pensions, retirement income, interest, and investment income. Means-tested benefits such as SSI, SNAP, and TANF are excluded from the calculation.

In sole physical custody arrangements, the non-custodial parent pays the full tiered percentage based on their gross monthly income. In joint physical custody, both parents' obligations are calculated separately using the NAC § 425.140 formula, and the higher-earning parent pays the difference to the lower-earning parent. This offset method follows the Nevada Supreme Court's ruling in Wright v. Osburn.

Nevada courts can modify child support when there is a material change in circumstances. Under NRS 125B.145, either parent may request a review at least every three years. A change of 20% or more in a parent's gross monthly income is specifically defined as a changed circumstance warranting review. Modified orders take effect from the date the motion to modify is filed, not retroactively.

The base child support obligation under NAC § 425.140 covers basic living expenses including food, housing, and clothing. Additional mandatory costs—including health insurance premiums, unreimbursed medical expenses, and work-related childcare—are calculated separately and added to the base amount to form the total child support obligation. Courts may also include costs for a child's special educational or medical needs under NAC § 425.150.

Nevada establishes a minimum of $100 per month per child under NRS 125B.080(4), even if the obligor is unemployed—willful underemployment is not grounds for going below this floor. There is no maximum cap under the current tiered system that took effect February 1, 2020. The prior presumptive maximum of approximately $1,165 per child per month was eliminated, so the 4% rate on income above $10,000 applies without limit.

Nevada child support continues until the child turns 18, or until age 19 if the child is still enrolled in high school, whichever comes first. Support terminates on the first day of the month following the qualifying event. Under NRS 125B.110, support may continue indefinitely for a child with a disability that occurred before the age of majority who cannot become self-supporting. Any arrearages owed at termination must still be paid in full.

Nevada enforces child support through wage garnishment, tax refund interception, bank account liens, suspension of driver's and professional licenses, credit bureau reporting, and seizure of lottery winnings. Under NRS 201.020, willful nonpayment is a criminal offense with penalties based on the amount owed. Courts can also hold a non-paying parent in civil contempt, resulting in fines or jail time. Interest accrues on arrearages at the prime rate plus 2%, with an additional 10% annual penalty.