Child Support in Nevada

The amount of child support depends on whether you have joint or primary physical custody, income, and number of children.

Child support is an essential part of ensuring the well-being of children whose parents are separated or divorced. In Nevada, child support is regulated by the Nevada Administrative Code (NAC), specifically NAC Chapter 425.


The NAC provides a formula for calculating child support based on the gross monthly income of each parent, the number of children involved, and the amount of time the noncustodial parent spends with the child. The amount of time spent with the child is referred to as physical custody and is either joint physical custody or primary physical custody (which is, that parent has over 60% of the time with their children).


Each parent has a child support obligation. If a parent has primary physical custody, the law assumes they are paying their child support because the child is living with them. The other parent, who only has visitation, must pay their full child support obligation to the parent with primary physical custody.


If the parties share joint physical custody, the parties subtract their child support obligation from the other, and the person who makes more money per month pays the other parent the difference in their obligations. 


The table below is an oversimplification of how the amount of a parent’s gross monthly income in Nevada is calculated. 


 One                       Two   

 $ 6,000.00  16%    $ 6,000.00  22%

 $ 4,000.00  8%      $ 4,000.00  11%

            extra 4%                 extra 6%

                           

Three                      Four   

 $ 6,000.00  26%    $ 6,000.00  28%

 $ 4,000.00  13%    $ 4,000.00  14%

           extra 6%                   extra 7%

                           

Five                          Six     

 $ 6,000.00  2%      $ 6,000.00  2%

 $ 4,000.00  1%      $ 4,000.00  1%

        extra 0.5%            extra 0.5%

 

If a parent has three children, 26% of the first $6,000 of their gross monthly income is set aside for child support. Then, 13% of the next $4,000 of their gross monthly income is set aside for child support. All money after this is set aside for child support at 6%. Assuming a parent has three children and makes $11,250 per month, his child support obligation would be $2,155.00 per month. (In case you’re wondering, for one child, it would be $1,330, for two it would be $1,835, for four it is $2,327.50, for five it is $2,493.75, for six it is $2,660.00).


We arrive at $11,250 by multiplying $6,000 by 0.26, which is $1,560. Then subtracting $6000 from $11,250, we still have $5250 left over. The next $4000 is multiplied by 0.13 for a total of $520. Then subtract that $4000 from the $5250, leaving us with $1250, which is multiplied by 0.06 for a total of $75. Add those amounts ($1,560.00 + $520.00 +  $75.00) and you have the child support obligation of $2155.


If you have three children and make $3750 per month, the math is much easier. Simply multiply $3750 by 0.26 and your child support obligation is a total of $975 per month.


Let’s look at three scenarios. This will be on the Bar Exam.


Under Nevada law, child support is typically calculated based on the level of physical custody, the gross monthly income of the parents, and the number of children involved.  In Scenario 1, the parents share joint physical custody, where they have two children, Father makes $25,000 per year, and Mother makes $130,000 per year. In Scenario 2, the parents share joint physical custody, Mother makes $45,000 per year, Father earns $50,000 per year, and they share six children between them. In Scenario 3, Mother has primary physical custody over the only child, Mother makes $145,000 per year, and Father makes $30,000 per year.


In Scenario 1, Mother’s child support payable each month is $1,351.67. This is because Father’s child support obligation is $458.33 and Mother’s is $1,810 and they share joint physical custody, so we subtract the two. If you’re following along but got a different number, you should remember we care about gross monthly income, not annual salaries. 


In Scenario 2, Father owes Mother $133.33 in child support each month. His child support obligation is $1,333.33 and her child support obligation is $1,200. Because there are six children the correct percentage to take from the parents’ income is 32% (28% from four children per NAC Chapter 425 then two percentage points per extra child, so 4%, so add 28% and 4% for the 32% multiplier) (with five children it would be 30%, at 40 children it would be 100%, in case you were really that far down into this rabbit hole, and if you’re here, I’m not even mad, please call me just to tell me you’re at this point this deep into the internet trying to research your child support issue. If you need this much help, I’ll work with you pro bono).


In Scenario 3, Father pays Mother $400 per month in total child support. Why? Because Mother has primary physical custody and Father needs to step up within his means and be a Dad. If joint, Mother would pay Father $963.32 with her child support obligation of $1,363.32.


It's important to note that the above calculations are only a general guideline, and the court may adjust the child support based on specific circumstances. Additionally, the court may consider other factors, such as the financial needs of the child and the financial resources of each parent, when determining child support obligations.


In conclusion, child support is an important obligation for noncustodial parents in Nevada. The NAC Chapter 425 provides a formula for calculating child support based on income, number of children, and physical custody. The amount of physical custody a parent has can significantly impact their child support obligation, with the obligation decreasing as physical custody increases. Parents should consult with a family law attorney to better understand their rights and obligations under Nevada law.

Driving with a Suspended License in Nevada: What Can Happen

By Max Stovall • October 22, 2025
If your driver’s license has been suspended in Nevada, getting behind the wheel might seem tempting — especially if you need to get to work, school, or take care of family. But driving on a suspended license is more than just a traffic violation. It’s a criminal offense with penalties that can make your situation much worse. Whether your case is in Douglas County, Washoe County, or anywhere else in Northern Nevada, here’s what you need to know about the risks, penalties, and possible defenses. Why Licenses Get Suspended in Nevada A suspension can happen for many reasons, including: DUI convictions or administrative suspensions Too many demerit points on your driving record Failing to pay traffic tickets or court fines Driving without insurance Certain criminal convictions, like reckless driving or vehicular manslaughter In many cases, you’ll receive notice from the Nevada DMV about your suspension, including the length of time and any steps you must take to reinstate your license. The Penalties for Driving While Suspended Driving with a suspended license in Nevada is usually a misdemeanor, but the penalties can be serious. For most cases, you could face: Fines: Up to $1,000 Jail time: Up to 6 months (though many first-time offenders receive probation instead) Extended suspension: The DMV will typically add more time to your suspension period If your suspension is related to a DUI, the penalties can be even harsher — including possible mandatory jail time and a longer extension on your suspension. How You Can Be Caught Police can learn about your suspension in several ways: Running your license during a traffic stop Automated license plate readers (ALPR) in patrol cars After an accident investigation Even if you’re driving safely, being pulled over for a minor infraction can lead to a suspended license charge if your driving privileges aren’t valid. Possible Defenses Depending on the circumstances, an attorney may be able to challenge the charge by showing: You were not aware your license was suspended (though this defense has limits) The DMV or court made an administrative error in suspending your license You were driving in a true emergency situation In some cases, your lawyer may be able to negotiate for a reduced charge — such as driving without a valid license — which carries lighter penalties. How to Reinstate Your License The best way to avoid a suspended license charge is to get your license reinstated before driving again. This usually involves: Paying any outstanding fines or fees Providing proof of insurance (SR-22 in some cases) Completing any required classes or court-ordered programs Waiting until the full suspension period has ended Local Defense for Suspended License Charges At Max Stovall Law, we represent clients facing suspended license charges in Douglas County, Washoe County, and across Northern Nevada. We know the local courts, the DMV process, and how to fight for reduced penalties — or get charges dismissed when possible. If you’ve been cited for driving with a suspended license, don’t wait for the problem to get worse. Contact us today for a free consultation and let’s start working toward getting you back on the road legally.

Reckless Driving in Nevada: More Serious Than You Think

By Max Stovall • October 8, 2025
Many drivers think of reckless driving as just another traffic ticket. In reality, Nevada treats reckless driving as a criminal offense — and the penalties can be just as serious as some DUI charges. Whether your case is in Douglas County, Washoe County, or anywhere else in Northern Nevada, a reckless driving conviction can affect your license, your insurance, and even your criminal record. What Is Reckless Driving in Nevada? Under Nevada law (NRS 484B.653), reckless driving means driving “in willful or wanton disregard of the safety of persons or property.” This is more than just speeding — it’s driving in a way that deliberately ignores safety. Examples can include: Excessive speeding far above the posted limit Aggressive weaving through traffic Street racing Running multiple red lights or stop signs Passing illegally in dangerous conditions Even a single act of extremely dangerous driving can qualify. Penalties for Reckless Driving The penalties for reckless driving in Nevada depend on whether it’s your first offense and whether anyone was injured. First offense (no injury): Misdemeanor criminal charge $250–$1,000 fine 8 demerit points on your driving record Possible jail time of up to 6 months (rare for first offenses, but possible) If someone is injured or killed: Felony charges , with the possibility of 1–6 years in prison Significantly higher fines Permanent criminal record Reckless Driving vs. DUI In some cases, DUI charges can be reduced to reckless driving as part of a plea deal. While reckless driving is still a criminal offense, it usually carries fewer long-term consequences than a DUI. However, this doesn’t mean a reckless driving conviction is “no big deal” — it still goes on your record and can lead to license suspension. How Reckless Driving Impacts Your Record Reckless driving is not just a traffic citation — it’s a misdemeanor or felony criminal offense, depending on the circumstances. A conviction will appear on background checks, can cause your insurance rates to spike, and may affect certain job opportunities that require driving. Demerit points also stay on your driving record for 12 months, and too many points can lead to a license suspension. Defending Against a Reckless Driving Charge An experienced Nevada defense attorney can challenge a reckless driving charge by: Questioning the accuracy of speed readings or other evidence Showing that your driving did not meet the legal definition of “reckless” Negotiating for a reduced charge, such as careless driving, which carries fewer penalties Every case is different, but having legal representation can make a big difference in how your case is resolved. Protect Your Record and Your License At Max Stovall Law, we represent clients facing reckless driving charges throughout Douglas County and Washoe County. We know how quickly a moment on the road can turn into a serious legal problem — and how to fight for the best possible outcome. If you’ve been charged with reckless driving, don’t take it lightly. Contact us today for a free consultation and start protecting your driving record and your future.