Las Vegas Child Support Lawyer

Under Nevada's Revised Statutes, parents of a child have the obligation and duty to provide necessary maintenance, healthcare, education, and support to a child. When parents do not reside together, the parent with physical custody of the child may receive child support for a reasonable portion of the cost of care, education, and maintenance from the non-custodial parent.

When calculating child support, payments can be based on many factors, including:

• The age of the child
• The income of both parents
• The legal responsibility of the parents to the child
• The amount of time the child spends with each parent
• The cost of child care, healthcare, insurance, and education
• Any other necessary expenses for the benefit of the child, including transportation or extracurricular activities

Understanding the Child Support Calculation Process

Navigating child support can be complex, but understanding how child support amounts are calculated can empower you during this challenging time. In Nevada, child support is determined using a formula that considers various factors, including the income of both parents, the number of children, and the amount of time each parent spends with the children. Our experienced attorneys at Leavitt Law Firm are here to guide you through this process, ensuring that your interests and those of your children are well represented.

Key components of the child support calculation include:

• Gross Income: This includes wages, bonuses, commissions, rental income, and any other sources of income.
• Custodial Time: The amount of time each parent spends with the children can affect the support amount, as it impacts the financial responsibilities of each parent.
• Healthcare and Childcare Costs: Additional expenses for health insurance, daycare, and other necessary costs can influence the final child support figure.

By understanding these factors, you can better prepare for discussions about child support and ensure that you are receiving or paying a fair amount. At Leavitt Law Firm, we are committed to providing personalized legal support to help you navigate these calculations and advocate for your family's best interests.

Having Trouble Paying Child Support in Las Vegas? 

There could be many causes for financial hardship, including the cost of divorce, job hardship, or inability to work. If you are in need of child support to protect and provide for your child, we can be of assistance. On the other hand, if you are required to pay child support and are having a difficult time keeping up with payments, we can offer legal guidance as well.

Child support is an obligation that you must fulfill; falling behind on child support payments could put you in contempt of court. We have fought for clients in court and have reached amicable solutions through mediation since 1989! We can put our experience to work for you.

When your family is involved in a legal dispute, contact a Las Vegas child support lawyer who is dependable and skilled. At Leavitt Law Firm, we listen to our clients to make certain that the final child support order is mutually agreeable and we maintain the highest ethical standards while securing the best possible resolution for you and your family.

Understanding Child Support Modification in Nevada

As circumstances change, it may become necessary to modify an existing child support agreement. Whether you are seeking an increase or decrease in child support payments, our experienced Las Vegas child support lawyers can guide you through the process of seeking a modification.

Some common reasons for seeking child support modification include:

• Change in income
• Change in custody arrangement
• Medical expenses
• Educational expenses

It's important to understand the legal requirements and documentation needed to support a modification request. Our team can help you navigate the complexities of Nevada child support laws and advocate for a fair outcome that meets the best interests of your family.

Steps to Modify Child Support in Nevada

If you feel like you are paying too much or not receiving enough money in child support, you may have options.
Child support in Las Vegas, NV, is typically calculated using the formula found in NRS 125B.070. Still, the Las Vegas Family Court can deviate from this formula for reasons such as high health insurance costs, an abnormally large income, special educational needs, transportation expenses, and several other reasons listed in NRS 125B.080.
Once child support is calculated and the Las Vegas Family Court issues a child support order, that order is legally binding and effective against the person obligated to pay child support. Failure to pay a child support obligation may result in the person obligated under the order held in contempt of court. However, certain circumstances will allow the court to review a child support order and modify it accordingly.

Three specific situations warrant a child support obligation modification, all of which are grounded in a change in the parties' factual circumstances:

1. First, the Las Vegas Family Court may review a support order every three years if requested by a parent or guardian.
2. Second, the Las Vegas Family Court may review a support order upon a showing of changed circumstances. However, because the legislature uses the term "may" in the statute, the Las Vegas Family Court can exercise its discretion and is not required to review a support order upon changed circumstances.
3. Third, a Court is required to review a support order upon a change of 20 percent or more of the obligor's gross monthly income.
    

Because the Nevada Revised Statutes allow Family Court Judges to exercise broad discretion in modifying and ordering child support, it is vital that someone seeking child support or a child support modification hire an experienced Las Vegas divorce attorney. 

Las Vegas Child Support Frequently Asked Questions

 What happens if the other parent doesn’t pay child support?
If the other parent fails to make payments, legal actions such as wage garnishment, tax refund interception, or revoking professional licenses can be taken to enforce the order. An attorney can assist in enforcing these measures.

How long does child support last in Nevada?
Child support typically lasts until the child turns 18 or graduates high school, whichever is later. However, support may continue if the child has special needs that require ongoing care.

Can child support be agreed upon without going to court?
Yes, parents can reach a mutual agreement on child support terms outside of court. However, it’s recommended to have the agreement reviewed and approved by the court to ensure it’s enforceable.

How long does it take to resolve a child support case?
The timeline varies based on the complexity of the case. While some cases are resolved within weeks, others, especially contentious ones, may take several months.

Is child support taxable income for the receiving parent?
No, child support payments are not considered taxable income for the receiving parent. Similarly, the paying parent cannot deduct them from their taxes.

To speak with an experienced Las Vegas child support lawyer, give us a call at (702) 996-6052 or contact us online today.