Child Support Is Statutorily Set
As part of every child custody case, child support is a necessary topic. Hanratty Law Group has deep knowledge of Nevada’s child support laws. We can advocate for the financial needs of your child through this process. Please note that the child support law will change in the near future.
What Do I Need To Do?
If you want to request financial relief, you must file a Financial Disclosure Form (“FDF”), which is available on our downloadable forms section. An FDF is a financial statement that provides the court with a statement of your income, your and the children’s monthly obligations and debts and assets. Our attorneys can help you complete this document. An FDF is mandatory in all cases involving children and must be accompanied by three pay stubs unless unemployed.
In a joint physical custody arrangement, the court will review the FDF of both parties. The court will calculate child support by multiplying the gross monthly income of each party by the percentage corresponding with the number of children. After determining the amount of child support each party would owe in a primary custody case, the court subtracts the difference and applies presumptive maximum guidelines to set child support. There are factors providing for an upward and downward deviation in child support.
A common myth is if the parties have joint custody there is no child support to be exchanged. Although this is true is some situations, child support is determined based upon income in both joint and primary physical custody cases.
In a primary physical custody arrangement, the court will utilize the FDF of the noncustodial party by multiplying their gross monthly income by the percentage corresponding with the number of children. After determining the amount, the court will apply the presumptive maximum guidelines. There are factors providing for an upward and downward deviation in child support.
How Do Courts Determine The Right Amount Of Child Support?
Child support is calculated according to the gross monthly income of each party. However, please keep in mind that Nevada child support and custody laws are in flux. For the most accurate information, you should ask your attorney about how current laws affect your case.
Before the court applies the presumptive maximums to the child support, the amount of child support depends on the number of children as follows:
- One child requires 18% of monthly income
- Two children require 25% of monthly income
- Three children require 29% of monthly income
- Four children require 33% of monthly income
- Each additional child raises the total amount owed from monthly income by 2%
The court has the authority to increase or decrease child support according to certain circumstances. These factors can include the number of dependents, the special needs of the child, which parent provides health insurance, child care expenses, necessary expenses to benefit the child, the relative income of each parent and transportation costs.
Our Compassionate Attorneys Can Advocate For You
Our law firm understands why child support may be essential to you and your child’s well-being. We are prepared to make your needs clear to the court and stand up for your family. You may call our Summerlin office at 702-570-9287 or contact us online at any time of the day.
