Nevada Child Support Calculator
Navigating the complexities of child support matters can be a daunting task for parents going through a divorce or separation in Nevada. Fortunately, the Nevada child support calculator serves as a valuable tool for parents seeking insight into their potential child support obligations.
In this guide, we will explore the nuances of child support in Nevada and how these calculations are made. Keep reading to learn more and see how the family law attorneys at Mills & Anderson can help you in your child support matter today.
Factors Considered in Calculating Child Support in Nevada
Before attempting to calculate your Nevada child support obligation, there are a few pieces of information you will need. Below is an overview of the key factors that are typically considered in determining child support amounts in Nevada.
Gross Income
The first piece of information you will need is your gross monthly income. Gross income includes salary and wages, but it also includes other sources of income such as:
- Interest and investment income;
- Social security disability benefits;
- Periodic pension, retirement plan, or annuity payments;
- Workers’ compensation proceeds or other personal injury awards;
- Unemployment insurance;
- Military allowances and veterans’ benefits;
- Child care subsidy payments if you are a child care provider; and
- Alimony payments.
Notably, these are not the only examples, and other sources, regardless of whether such income is taxable, may constitute gross income for the purposes of child support calculations.
That said, there are certain exclusions to be aware of. Specifically, the term “gross income” does not include the following:
- Child support received,
- Foster care of kinship care payments,
- Benefits received under the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP),
- Cash benefits paid by a county, and
- Supplemental security income benefits and state supplemental payments.
If you have questions about what sources of income to use in your calculation, be sure to consult with a qualified family law attorney to discuss your options moving forward.
Number of Children
You will also need to identify the number of children you may be obligated to support. Importantly, only children from the subject relationship need to be included.
Other Relevant Factors
In addition to the number of children and your gross income, there may be other factors that a court will take into consideration in determining the total amount of your child support obligation. Below are some examples of these factors:
- The existence of any special educational needs of the child,
- Whether either party has a legal responsibility to support other individuals outside of the subject child support matter,
- The value of services contributed by either party,
- Whether any public assistance is paid to support the child,
- The cost of transportation of the child to and from visitation,
- The relative income of each party,
- Whether and to what extent there are other necessary expenses for the benefit of the child, and
- The parties’ ability to pay.
After assessing these factors, a court may decide that a deviation from the standard child support guidelines may be warranted.
Child Support Calculator in Nevada
At a high level, the amount of your child support obligation will be calculated by multiplying your gross monthly income by a percentage that is based on the number of children you share with the other parent. To calculate your child support obligation, you will follow the guidelines set forth in NAC 425.140. Notably, however, if your ability to pay your child support obligation is limited by your economic circumstances, you may qualify to have your obligation calculated by using a low-income schedule instead.
Once you have calculated your base child support obligation, it will then be prudent to determine whether any circumstances exist that could warrant a deviation from the guidelines to adjust the base support obligation. This will of course vary from case to case, and an adjustment will not always be possible.
Questions? Speak with an Experienced Family Law Attorney Today
If you have questions regarding the calculation of child support obligations in Nevada, the family law attorneys at Mills & Anderson are here to help.
When your family’s future is at stake, don’t choose just any law firm—rather, choose one you can trust to effectively fight for your rights to help you get the results you need and deserve. With more than 40 years of collective practice experience and a focus on providing personalized attention to each of our clients, we hope we can be just that law firm for you. Contact our team to discuss your case and get started today.
FAQs
Can I Get Child Support If I Was Never Married to My Child’s Other Parent?
Yes, parents can still seek child support even if they were never married. This is because individuals do not have to be married to be parents to a child. Rather, Nevada child support laws are designed to help ensure that both parents contribute financially to the upbringing of their children, regardless of marital status.
Is There an Actual Child Support Calculator in Nevada I Can Use to Determine Child Support Obligations in My Case?
Yes. The Nevada Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Welfare and Supportive Services (DWSS) provides an online child support calculator on its website. This calculator allows users to enter relevant information, such as their gross monthly income and number of children, to help them determine their estimated child support obligation. Other websites and legal resources may also exist and offer similar child support calculators to assist parents in estimating their child support obligations under Nevada law.
Will the Nevada Child Support Calculator Amount Always Be Accurate?
No. While Nevada child support calculators can be a helpful tool for estimating child support obligations, they should only be used as a starting point. It is important to remember that courts can consider other factors and may deviate from the guidelines in certain circumstances. Thus, child support calculators will not always be accurate in determining child support obligations.
