Support in Nevada (2026)

Nevada’s Percentage-of-Income Formula: A Simpler Approach

Nevada takes a different approach to child support than the majority of states. While most states use an income shares model that considers both parents’ incomes, Nevada calculates child support using a percentage-of-income formula that focuses primarily on the obligor’s gross monthly income — the noncustodial or higher-earning parent.

This approach, established under NRS 125B.070, is relatively straightforward in standard cases, though the tiered structure and joint custody offset add complexity for higher earners and shared-custody families.

The Tiered Percentage Schedule

Under NAC 425.140 (effective February 2020), the percentages follow a tiered system based on gross monthly income. For the first $6,000 per month of gross income:

• One child: 16%
• Two children: 22%
• Three children: 26%
• Four children: 28%

Reduced percentages apply at higher income tiers. The statute also sets a minimum obligation to ensure some support is paid even by low-income obligors, and establishes a presumptive maximum to prevent excessive obligations for very high earners.

For a general overview of child support calculation methods nationwide, see our guide on how child support is calculated. You can also estimate your potential obligation with our child support calculator.

The Joint Physical Custody Offset

When parents share joint physical custody — meaning each parent has the child at least 40% of the time — Nevada courts do not simply apply the standard percentage formula. Instead, they use an offset formula that:

1. Calculates each parent’s theoretical support obligation using the percentage formula
2. Subtracts the lower obligation from the higher one
3. Orders the parent with the higher income to pay the net difference

This offset recognizes that both parents incur direct expenses during their custodial time and prevents the lower-earning parent from effectively paying support to the higher-earning parent. The offset formula makes the 40% threshold a critical dividing line in Nevada custody and support cases.

Income Included in the Calculation

Gross monthly income for child support purposes includes virtually all sources: wages, salaries, commissions, bonuses, overtime, self-employment income, pensions, annuities, Social Security benefits, workers’ compensation, unemployment benefits, disability payments, interest, dividends, rental income, and trust income.

Courts may impute income to a parent who is voluntarily unemployed or underemployed, based on that parent’s earning capacity and employment history.

Tip Income in Nevada

Given Nevada’s service-oriented economy, tip income is a significant factor in many child support calculations. Tips are included in gross income and must be fully disclosed. In industries like gaming, hospitality, and food service, tips can constitute a substantial portion of a parent’s total earnings. Courts may examine tax returns, employer records, and industry averages when a parent’s reported tip income appears inconsistent with their lifestyle or occupation.

Deviations from the Formula

The statutory percentages create a rebuttable presumption that the calculated amount is appropriate. However, under NRS 125B.080, the court may deviate from the formula if strict application would be unjust or inappropriate. Factors the court considers include:

• The cost of health insurance for the child
• The cost of child care
• Special educational needs of the child
• The age of the child
• The obligor’s legal responsibility for other dependents
• The value of services contributed by either parent
• Any public assistance paid to support the child
• The cost of transportation for visitation
• The amount of time the child spends with each parent
• Any other necessary expenses for the child’s benefit

Modifying Child Support: The 20% Rule

Either parent may petition for modification by demonstrating a change of circumstances. Nevada provides a clear benchmark: under NRS 125B.145, a change of 20% or more in the obligor’s gross monthly income is presumed to constitute a change of circumstances sufficient to warrant modification.

This bright-line rule provides more certainty than the vague “material change” standards used in many states. Parents can evaluate whether they have grounds for modification by comparing their current income to their income at the time of the last order.

Duration and Termination of Child Support

Child support in Nevada generally continues until the child turns 18, or until age 19 if the child is still enrolled in high school. Support terminates upon the child’s emancipation, marriage, or entry into military service. Nevada does not require parents to contribute to post-secondary education expenses.

Enforcement of Child Support Orders

Nevada’s Division of Welfare and Supportive Services (DWSS) and the courts have broad enforcement authority:

• Income withholding from wages and other income sources
• Interception of state and federal tax refunds
• Suspension of driver’s licenses, professional licenses, and recreational licenses
• Liens on real and personal property
• Passport denial for arrearages exceeding $2,500
• Reporting to credit bureaus
• Contempt of court proceedings, which may result in fines or incarceration

Alimony (Spousal Support) in Nevada

Nevada courts may award alimony under NRS 125.150. There is no statutory formula for calculating alimony; the court exercises discretion based on the facts of each case. The primary types awarded include:

• Temporary alimony — Support paid during the pendency of the divorce proceedings
• Rehabilitative alimony — Support for a defined period to allow the receiving spouse to obtain education, training, or employment to become self-supporting (the most commonly awarded form)
• Permanent (general) alimony — Ongoing support without a fixed end date, typically reserved for long-term marriages where the receiving spouse cannot reasonably achieve self-sufficiency

Factors in Alimony Determinations

Under NRS 125.150, the court considers:

• The financial condition of each spouse
• The nature and value of each spouse’s property
• Each spouse’s contribution to jointly held or individually held property
• The duration of the marriage
• The income, earning capacity, age, and health of each spouse
• The standard of living during the marriage
• The career the receiving spouse had before the marriage
• The level of education, training, or marketable skills each spouse possesses
• The contribution of either spouse as a homemaker
• The property awarded to the receiving spouse in the divorce

Nevada courts do not consider marital fault when awarding alimony.

Modification and Termination of Alimony

Alimony may be modified upon a showing of a changed circumstance that warrants adjustment. Alimony generally terminates upon the death of either party or the remarriage of the recipient. The court may also modify or terminate alimony if the recipient cohabits with another person in a relationship analogous to marriage.

When to Seek Legal Guidance

Nevada’s percentage-of-income formula for child support is relatively straightforward in standard cases, but joint custody arrangements, high-income situations, tip income disputes, and deviation requests add complexity. Alimony determinations involve significant judicial discretion and depend heavily on the facts of each case. If you are evaluating child support or alimony in Nevada, consider scheduling a free consultation to discuss your options with a qualified professional.

Frequently Asked Questions

What child support model does Nevada use?

Nevada uses a percentage-of-income formula under NRS 125B.070 and NAC 425.140. The percentages follow a tiered system based on gross monthly income. For the first $6,000/month: 16% for one child, 22% for two, and 26% for three. Reduced percentages apply at higher income tiers.

Until what age does child support last in Nevada?

Child support in Nevada generally continues until the child turns 18, or until age 19 if the child is still enrolled in high school. Nevada does not require parents to contribute to post-secondary education expenses.

What triggers a modification of child support in Nevada?

Under NRS 125B.145, a change of 20% or more in the obligor’s gross monthly income is presumed to constitute a change of circumstances sufficient to warrant modification. Either parent may also petition for modification based on other substantial changes.

How does joint custody affect child support in Nevada?

When parents share joint physical custody (each parent having the child at least 40% of the time), Nevada courts apply an offset formula. Each parent’s theoretical support obligation is calculated, and the parent with the higher income pays the net difference. This can result in significantly lower support than the standard formula.

Are tips counted as income for child support purposes in Nevada?

Yes. Tips are included in gross monthly income and must be fully disclosed. Given the importance of the service and gaming industries in Nevada, tip income is a common issue in child support cases. Courts may examine tax returns, employer records, and industry averages to verify reported tip income.

Does fault matter in Nevada alimony decisions?

No. Nevada courts do not consider marital fault when determining alimony. The analysis focuses entirely on financial factors such as each spouse’s income, earning capacity, the duration of the marriage, and the standard of living during the marriage.

How This Guide Was Researched

This guide was developed through a detailed review of NRS 125B.070 (child support obligation), NAC 425.140 (the tiered percentage schedule effective February 2020), NRS 125B.080 (deviation factors), NRS 125B.145 (the 20% modification threshold), and NRS 125.150 (alimony). The joint physical custody offset formula was analyzed based on NRS 125B.070(1)(b) and Clark County and Washoe County family court procedures. Enforcement mechanisms were verified against published materials from the Nevada Division of Welfare and Supportive Services (DWSS). Nevada Supreme Court decisions on tip income, imputation of income, and alimony standards were consulted for current application.

Sources and Legal References

• NRS 125B.070 — Child support obligation and percentage-of-income formula
• NAC 425.140 — Tiered percentage schedule (effective February 2020)
• NRS 125B.080 — Deviation factors allowing departure from the formula
• NRS 125B.145 — 20% income change threshold for modification
• NRS 125.150 — Alimony (spousal support) factors and community property division
• Nevada DWSS — Division of Welfare and Supportive Services enforcement procedures

Official Nevada Resources

• Nevada Self-Help Center — Divorce
• Nevada Divorce Forms

For more about how we research our guides, see our editorial policy and sources methodology.

Related Guides

• Divorce in Nevada — The 6-week residency, community property, and no waiting period
• Custody in Nevada — Joint custody presumption and the 40% threshold
• Nevada divorce residency requirements — Establishing Nevada residency for divorce
• How child support is calculated — National overview of calculation models
• How alimony works — National overview of spousal support
• Property division in divorce — How courts divide assets and debts
• Child support enforcement — How states enforce support orders
• Child support calculator — Estimate your potential obligation