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.

Navigating the Nevada Appellate Process: How to Protect Your Case After a Judgment

February 24, 2026
A trial court judgment isn’t always the final word. Whether you are seeking to overturn a ruling or need to defend a hard-won victory, the appellate process in Nevada is a specialized field requiring a smart strategy and a deep understanding of the Nevada Rules of Appellate Procedure (NRAP). At the Law Offices of Maximilian A. Stovall, we provide comprehensive appellate representation and support for cases in ALL Nevada counties. From the high-volume courts in Clark and Washoe to the rural districts in Elko, Nye, and beyond, we represent clients at both the District Court and Supreme Court levels. The Clock is Ticking: Nevada Appeal Deadlines In Nevada, appeals from district court are strictly governed by the Nevada Rules of Appellate Procedure (NRAP). Appeals from justice court follow many of the same principles contained in the NRAP, but are governed instead by the Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS) and local court rules. The most important thing to know is that most deadlines are jurisdictional, meaning if you miss them, the court cannot hear your case. Notice of Appeal: In most criminal, civil, and family law cases at the district court level , you must file your Notice of Appeal within 30 days of the written notice of entry of the judgment. For most criminal judgments at the justice court level , you must file your Notice of Appeal within 10 days of your judgment of conviction. Struggling to meet your deadline? Immediate action is required. While some post-trial motions can "toll" (pause) the clock, you should never assume you have extra time without a legal review of your case. How the Appellate Process Works in Nevada Nevada uses a "deflective" or "push-down" model for its two highest courts. Every appeal from a District Court starts at the Nevada Supreme Court, but it doesn't always stay there. The Notice of Appeal: Filed in the District Court where your case was heard. The Docketing Statement: A required filing that helps the Supreme Court decide where your case belongs. The "Push-Down" Model: The Supreme Court may keep the case or assign it to the Nevada Court of Appeals for a final decision. Briefing: This is where the real work happens. Both sides submit written briefs arguing why the trial judge was right or wrong. Oral Argument: In some cases, the Court will ask the parties to present an oral argument to accompany the written briefing. How to Preserve an Appeal (Before the Trial Ends) In most instances, you cannot appeal simply because you didn't like the outcome. An appeal is about legal errors. To preserve an issue for appeal, attorneys must protect the record through: Timely objecting on the record during the trial stage. Filing the necessary pretrial and trial motions. Requesting a clear ruling from the judge. If an issue wasn't raised in the trial court, the appellate court may refuse to consider it. Some issues not preserved at the trial level may be considered on appeal, but only under a lower standard that gives more deference to the trial court’s rulings. If you are currently in litigation and anticipate an appeal, now is the time to ensure your record is protected. Procedural Hurdles: Transcripts and Briefs A successful appeal relies entirely on the Record on Appeal. If it isn’t in the transcript, it didn’t happen. Requesting Transcripts: Under NRAP 9, you must file a Transcript Request Form within 14 days of the appeal being docketed. Brief Writing: An appellate brief is not a "re-do" of the trial. It is a highly technical document that must cite specific laws and pages of the trial transcript. If something wasn’t included in the record at the trial level, the appellate court will not consider it. This is not the time to bring in new evidence or arguments not before the trial court; you must present the appeal through the lens of what the trial court already considered. Support for Other Lawyers: We Write the Briefs Are you a trial attorney with a heavy caseload and a looming appellate deadline? Writing an effective brief requires hundreds of hours of research and a specific "appellate voice." We offer brief-writing services for other law firms. If you have the file ready to go but lack the bandwidth to draft a 30-page brief that complies with every NRAP requirement, we can step in as of-counsel or on a contract basis to handle the heavy lifting for you. Meet Our Appellate Attorney: Lucas Glanzmann Our appellate department is anchored by Lucas Glanzmann, who brings a unique insider perspective to every case. Judicial Clerkship Experience: After law school, Lucas served a two-year clerkship with the Nevada Supreme Court. In that role, he worked closely with justices to research complex legal questions and draft appellate decisions. His work contributed to both unpublished orders and published opinions, including decisions that meaningfully shaped Nevada law. Today, he focuses his practice primarily on appellate advocacy, bringing that depth of experience directly to our clients’ cases. Strategic Insight: Having reviewed briefs from the Court’s perspective, Lucas understands how appellate judges evaluate arguments—what captures attention, what builds credibility, and what weakens a case. He crafts appellate briefs that are precise, focused on the dispositive issues, and written in a style courts appreciate: clear, disciplined, and grounded in the record and governing law. Appeals Veteran: From complex civil litigation to criminal guilty verdicts, Lucas has the experience to navigate the District Court, Nevada Supreme Court, and Court of Appeals with precision. Ready to Move Forward? If you are facing an appeal, do not wait. Whether you are an individual looking for representation or an attorney seeking brief-writing support, the Law Offices of Maximilian A. Stovall is here to help. The Stovall Team’s First Step: Send us all documentation. We will conduct a thorough review of your trial record to determine your best path forward. If you are an attorney, we will likely require you to file the notice of appeal and request transcripts before we take over the appeal. Contact Us Today Call our Reno or Minden offices to discuss your appeal and ensure your rights are protected before the deadline passes.

Nevada Community Property & Asset Division

February 17, 2026
Community Property in Nevada: Who Gets What in a Northern Nevada Divorce? Nevada is one of only a handful of "community property" states. For couples in Reno, Minden, and Carson City, this legal distinction is the single most important factor in determining how your bank accounts, homes, and even your debts are divided during a divorce. At the Law Offices of Maximilian A. Stovall, we believe that understanding the rules of the road is the first step toward a fair financial future. Here is what you need to know about asset division in Northern Nevada. What is Community Property? In simple terms, community property includes almost everything—assets and debts—acquired by either spouse during the marriage. Under NRS 123.220, the law presumes that both spouses have an equal, 50/50 interest in this property, regardless of whose name is on the title or who earned the paycheck. Common examples of community property include: Income earned by either spouse during the marriage. Real estate purchased during the marriage. Retirement accounts and 401(k)s funded during the marriage. Debt, such as credit cards or medical bills, incurred while married. The Exception: Separate Property Not everything is split down the middle. Separate property belongs solely to one spouse and is generally not subject to division. This typically includes: Anything you owned before the marriage. Inheritances received by one spouse alone. Gifts given specifically to one spouse. Personal injury awards. The "Commingling" Trap: Separate property can quickly become community property if it is "commingled." For example, if you use an inheritance (separate) to pay down the mortgage on your family home (community), the lines become blurred. This is where a clear legal strategy is vital. How the Court Divides the "Community" While the starting point is a 50/50 split, a Nevada judge has the power to make an unequal distribution if there is a "compelling reason" to do so. This might happen if one spouse wasted community assets (marital waste) or if there are specific financial inequities that need to be addressed. The Role of Smart Strategy In Northern Nevada courts, the "division" isn't always about selling everything and splitting the cash. Smart legal representation focuses on: Offsetting Assets: Perhaps one spouse keeps the house while the other keeps the retirement account of equal value. Business Valuations: If you own a business in Reno or Minden, determining its value and how much of it is "community" vs. "separate" is a complex task. Debt Allocation: Ensuring you aren't stuck paying for debts your spouse incurred that didn't benefit the marriage. Protecting Your Future with the Law Offices of Maximilian A. Stovall Property division is often the most contentious part of a divorce. Max Stovall combines a calm, compassionate presence with a fierce dedication to ensuring his clients receive their fair share. We work to identify every asset, trace separate property, and ensure your financial interests are protected in court. Don't leave your financial legacy to chance. Contact Us Today If you are concerned about how your assets will be divided, contact the Law Offices of Maximilian A. Stovall for a consultation in Reno or Minden.