4 Ways to Calculate Child Support in Nevada

At Kelleher and Kelleher, we understand that navigating child support calculations can feel like trying to solve a complex puzzle while blindfolded. The regulations can be confusing, and the stakes are high—this is about providing for your children’s needs while maintaining your own financial stability.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through four methods to calculate child support in Nevada, explaining each in clear, straightforward terms.

Method 1: Use Kelleher and Kelleher’s Nevada Child Support Calculator

The simplest way to get a reliable estimate of your child support obligations is to use our firm’s specialized Nevada Child Support Calculator. This digital tool takes the guesswork out of complex calculations and provides you with a reasonable expectation of what the courts might order.

How Our Calculator Works

Our calculator considers many of the relevant factors under current Nevada law:

• Both parents’ gross monthly incomes
• Number of children requiring support
• Custody arrangement percentages

Think of our calculator as your financial GPS through the child support landscape—it won’t make the journey for you, but it will show you the most direct route to understanding your obligations.

Benefits of Using Our Calculator

• Accuracy: Updated regularly to reflect the latest Nevada laws
• Convenience: Available 24/7 from any device
• Privacy: No personal information is stored
• Preparation: Helps you prepare financially and emotionally for court proceedings

While our calculator provides a solid estimate, remember that a judge may deviate from standard calculations based on your family’s unique circumstances. Just as no two families are identical, no two child support orders will be exactly the same.

Use our Child Support Calculator HERE

Method 2: The “Income Shares” Model

In 2019, Nevada adopted the “income shares” model for calculating child support in Nevada, which was fully implemented by 2023. This model operates on the principle that children should receive the same proportion of parental income that they would have received if their parents lived together.

Step-by-Step Breakdown

1. Calculate Each Parent’s Gross Monthly IncomeThis includes wages, salary, commissions, bonuses, self-employment income, and other earnings. Imagine your income as ingredients in a recipe—everything gets added to the pot, with few exceptions.

   Included Income:

   • Wages and salary
   • Commissions and bonuses
   • Self-employment income
   • Rental income
   • Interest and dividends
   • Retirement benefits
   • Workers’ compensation benefits
   • Unemployment insurance benefits
   • Disability insurance benefits
   • Monetary gifts and prizes

   Excluded Income:

   • Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
   • Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
   • Social security benefits received by a child
   • Certain other public assistance benefits
2. Determine the Combined IncomeAdd both parents’ gross monthly incomes together. This combined figure forms the foundation of the calculation, like the total budget a unified household would have available.
3. Find the Basic Support ObligationNevada has established economic data tables that indicate how much of the combined income typically goes toward raising children. These tables show the presumptive basic support amount based on the combined income and number of children.

   For example, if the parents’ combined monthly income is $6,000 and they have two children, the table might indicate a basic support amount of $1,380 per month.

   You can see the table here: https://www.leg.state.nv.us/nac/NAC-425.html#NAC425Sec140

4. Calculate Each Parent’s Percentage ShareDivide each parent’s income by the combined total to determine their percentage share of the financial responsibility.

   For instance, if:

   • Parent A earns $4,000 per month (67% of combined income)
   • Parent B earns $2,000 per month (33% of combined income)

   Then Parent A is responsible for 67% of the support obligation, and Parent B is responsible for 33%.

5. Apply Percentages to the Basic Support ObligationMultiply the basic support amount by each parent’s percentage to determine their share of the financial obligation.

   Continuing our example:

   • Parent A’s share: $1,380 × 67% = $924.60
   • Parent B’s share: $1,380 × 33% = $455.40
6. Adjust for Physical CustodyThe actual amount paid depends on the custody arrangement:
   • In primary physical custody situations, the non-custodial parent pays their share to the custodial parent
   • In joint physical custody situations, the calculation is more complex (see Method 3 below)
7. Apply Any Applicable AdjustmentsThe court may adjust the amount based on:
   • Healthcare costs for the child
   • Childcare expenses necessary for parental employment
   • Special educational needs
   • Other factors deemed relevant by the court

This process is similar to building a house—each step builds upon the previous one to create a structure that’s appropriate for your family’s specific situation.

Low-Income Adjustments

Nevada recognizes that parents need sufficient resources to meet their own basic needs. The law provides for low-income adjustments:

• For gross monthly income below $1,700, the presumptive minimum support amount is $100 per month
• In cases of extreme financial hardship, the court may set support as low as $50 per month

High-Income Considerations

Nevada sets a cap on the income considered for child support calculations at $14,000 of combined gross monthly income. However, the court has discretion to set higher amounts based on the specific needs of the children and the parents’ resources.

Method 3: The Joint Custody Calculation for Nevada Child Support

When parents share joint physical custody (each having at least 40% of the time with their children), the calculation takes a different approach. This method acknowledges that both parents are already covering many of the child’s expenses during their respective parenting time.

The Offset Method

1. Calculate what each parent would pay if the other had primary custodyUse the Income Shares Model (Method 2) to determine what each parent would pay in support if the other parent had primary custody.
2. Determine the difference between these two amountsSubtract the smaller obligation from the larger obligation.
3. The higher-earning parent pays the difference to the lower-earning parentThis creates an “offset” that equalizes the financial resources available for the child in both households.

Example of Joint Custody Calculation

Let’s illustrate with our previous example:

• Combined income: $6,000/month
• Parent A: $4,000/month (67%)
• Parent B: $2,000/month (33%)
• Basic support for two children: $1,380/month
• Parent A’s theoretical obligation: $924.60
• Parent B’s theoretical obligation: $455.40

In a joint custody situation, Parent A would pay Parent B the difference: $924.60 – $455.40 = $469.20 per month.

This approach is like balancing a scale—adding weight to the lighter side until both sides are level, ensuring the child experiences similar financial resources in both homes.

Adjustments for Unequal Time-Sharing

If the time-sharing is not exactly 50/50 but still qualifies as joint custody (at least 40% to each parent), the court may adjust the calculation to account for the disparate time distribution.

For example, if Parent A has the children 60% of the time and Parent B has them 40% of the time, the court might adjust the support amount to reflect this difference, similar to how you might adjust ingredients in a recipe based on the number of people being served.

Method 4: Voluntary Agreement Method of Nevada Child Support

Nevada law recognizes that parents often understand their children’s needs better than anyone else. The state allows parents to create their own child support agreement that deviates from the standard calculations, provided certain conditions are met.

Requirements for a Valid Voluntary Agreement

1. The agreement must be in writingVerbal agreements aren’t enforceable—like building on sand, they provide no stable foundation.
2. Both parents must sign the agreement voluntarilyThere can be no coercion or duress in creating the agreement.
3. The agreement must be approved by the courtA judge must review and approve your agreement, ensuring it meets legal requirements.
4. The agreement must provide adequate support for the childThe court will not approve an agreement that provides less than adequate support without compelling reasons.
5. The agreement must be in the best interests of the childThis is the court’s paramount concern—like a compass that always points north, the best interests standard guides all child-related decisions.

Factors to Consider in Your Voluntary Agreement

When drafting a voluntary agreement, consider including provisions for:

• Base child support amount
• Healthcare coverage and uninsured medical expenses
• Educational expenses
• Extracurricular activities
• Transportation costs between homes
• Future adjustments based on changes in income or needs
• College expenses (though not legally required in Nevada)

Think of your voluntary agreement as a tailored suit rather than off-the-rack clothing—it’s designed specifically for your family’s unique measurements and needs.

Benefits of a Voluntary Agreement

• Flexibility: Can be customized to your family’s unique circumstances
• Cooperation: Promotes parental collaboration and communication
• Predictability: Provides certainty about financial obligations
• Efficiency: Often faster and less expensive than litigation
• Amicability: Generally creates less conflict than court-imposed orders

Limitations of Voluntary Agreements

While voluntary agreements offer flexibility, they must still:

• Provide adequate support for the child
• Be deemed in the child’s best interests by the court
• Comply with certain minimum legal requirements
• Be modifiable if circumstances change substantially

Which Method Is Right for You?

The “best” method depends on your specific circumstances:

• Method 1 (Our Calculator): Ideal for getting a quick, reliable estimate to start your planning
• Method 2 (Income Shares Model): The standard approach used by courts when parents don’t agree
• Method 3 (Joint Custody Calculation): Appropriate when parents share physical custody
• Method 4 (Voluntary Agreement): Best when parents can cooperate and wish to create a customized arrangement

In many cases, you might use a combination of these methods—perhaps starting with our calculator to get an estimate, understanding how the Income Shares Model would apply to your situation, then negotiating a voluntary agreement that works for your family.

Need Help Calculating Your Child Support?

At Kelleher and Kelleher, we understand that these calculations can be complex and emotionally charged. Our experienced child custody attorneys can help you navigate Nevada’s child support system with confidence.

Whether you need assistance using our calculator, understanding how the Income Shares Model applies to your situation, navigating joint custody calculations, or drafting a voluntary agreement, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

Contact us today for a consultation and take the first step toward clarity and peace of mind regarding your child support matters.

Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Child support laws can change, and individual cases may have unique factors. Always consult with a qualified family law attorney for advice regarding your specific situation.