How Child Support Is Calculated in Nevada

Nevada uses a percentage-of-gross-income model applied to the paying parent's monthly gross income in tiers. For one child: 16% of the first $6,000, 8% of the next $4,000, and 4% above $10,000. For two children: 22%, 11% and 6%; three children: 26%, 13% and 6%; four children: 28%, 14% and 7%; each additional child adds 2%, 1% and 0.5%. A separate low-income schedule based on federal poverty guidelines applies when income limits ability to pay.

To apply for child support services from the Nevada Division of Social Services Child Support Enforcement program, download, print and complete the Application for Child Support Services and mail, fax or bring it to your local child support office. The Child Support Customer Service Portal also lets customers apply for services online. Questions can be emailed to cse@dwss.nv.gov.

Nevada's child support security statutes define a "minor child" as a person under 18, or under 19 if enrolled in high school, or under a legal disability, and not declared emancipated. A parent must also support an adult child with a handicap that began before the age of majority until the child is no longer handicapped or becomes self-supporting. A parent who is behind on support when a child is emancipated must keep paying as ordered until the arrears are paid.

When a parent, legal guardian, the Division of Social Services or the district attorney files a request, the court must review a child support order at least every 3 years to decide whether it should be modified under the state guidelines. An order can also be reviewed at any time based on changed circumstances; a change of 20% or more in the gross monthly income of a person subject to the order is considered a changed circumstance requiring review. Parents must be told at least every 3 years (or in the order) that they may request a review.

If a parent is behind on support (or ignores a child support or paternity subpoena or warrant), the district attorney or other child support agency sends a notice; if the parent does not pay under an approved plan, comply, or request a hearing within 30 days, the parent's name is reported to the Department of Motor Vehicles and the Department of Wildlife for license suspension, and professional, occupational and recreational licenses can also be suspended. The state also matches accounts at financial institutions and can place liens and levies on a parent's assets. The program notes that, effective October 5, 2026, the U.S. Department of State began revoking passports of parents who owe $15,000 or more in past-due support.

Nevada's child support program is Child Support Enforcement, part of the Division of Social Services (DWSS). It establishes paternity, collects and distributes payments (including on a Way2Go prepaid debit card), handles income withholding and new hire reporting with employers, and changes the payee when needed. To apply, print and complete the Application for Child Support Services (English or Spanish) and mail, fax or deliver it to your local child support office. Payments can be made online through iPayOnline, and customers can view payments and notices, apply for services and update information in the Customer Service Portal. Phone: toll free (800) 992-0900; Northern Nevada (775) 684-7200; Southern Nevada (702) 486-1646.

The Nevada Child Support Guidelines Calculator is a free web tool, linked from the Nevada Division of Social Services' Child Support Guidelines page, that calculates the guideline obligation from the calculation year and the respondent's gross monthly income. The calculator says its results are for informational purposes only, are not legal advice, and that the court can make adjustments to any estimated obligation.