Each state has several enforcement tools in its toolbox to collect child support from non-custodial parents and Nevada is no exception.
If a parent is ordered to pay child support and he or she cannot afford to pay it, or they choose not to pay it, then Child Support Enforcement (CSE), a division of the Nevada Department of Health and Human Services, will take measures to collect the child support.
One way CSE collects child support arrears is through the suspension of driver licenses and professional licenses; however, all states use this method when necessary. Nevada is not special or unusual in this regard.
Note: A paying parent must pay the full amount of child support unless they get a downward modification, even if their circumstances have changed.
License Suspensions for Arrears
According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, “All 50 states have statutory or administrative provisions that restrict, suspend, or revoke licenses for failure to pay child support.” Which types of licenses are suspended for failing to pay child support?
They include the following:
- Driver licenses,
- Professional licenses (e.g. real estate license, notary license, law license, etc.), and
- Recreational licenses, such as a hunting or fishing license.
Each state has its own criteria in regards to how much a non-custodial parent must owe in back child support before a license suspension is triggered.
Generally, once the threshold has been met, due process procedures kick in before the parent’s license can be suspended.
Typically, before a license is suspended for past-due child support, the non-custodial parent will receive a notice about the delinquent arrears, and they’ll be given the opportunity to pay the full balance of the arrears or enter into a payment plan with CSE, or they’ll be given the option to object to the allegations through a hearing.
What Does Nevada Law Say?
Here in Nevada, the laws pertaining to business, driver, occupational, professional, and recreational license suspensions are covered in sections 425.500 through 425.560 of the Nevada Revised Statutes.
Under Nevada law, a license suspension is triggered when the delinquent parent owes $1,000 but not less than two months of support.
Related: 2018 Child Tax Credit Changes
Do you need help with a delinquent child support matter in Las Vegas? Whether you’re a paying or receiving parent, our firm can help. Contact our child support law office to get started.