It doesn’t matter what the nature of the relationship is between parents: each is responsible for helping to meet their child’s needs. After a divorce or in another situation where parents live apart, child support payments are mandated under Nevada law. From my office in Las Vegas, the Miley Law Firm, P.C. advocates for both paying and recipient parents in matters where child support rates are set. I also handle actions where one party seeks to modify or enforce an existing order.
HOW IS CHILD SUPPORT DETERMINED IN NEVADA?
From the outset of a child support matter, my firm provides knowledgeable guidance to clients so that they have personalized answers to key questions and concerns regarding:
- Who pays — In cases where one parent has primary physical custody, the other parent is required to make child support payments. When a joint custody arrangement is in place and the son or daughter spends roughly the same amount of time in each home, the higher-earning parent typically is obligated to pay child support.
- How support is calculated — Nevada law sets a percentage of a paying parent’s gross monthly income that has to go toward child support. The rate is determined by how many children are covered by the arrangement. For example, a noncustodial parent with one son or daughter would have to devote 18 percent of his or her income to child support. With two children, the rate increases to 25 percent. Maximum amounts per child are set by statute.
- How disputes may be resolved —Though the formula for setting child support amounts might seem straightforward, numerous complications can occur that lead to friction between parents. If concerns exist about a parent who is hiding income or intentionally avoiding work to reduce their child support obligation, my firm will promptly review the facts and seek an appropriate resolution.
Once a son or daughter turns 18 (or 19 if they are still in high school), the Nevada statute does not mandate child support payments. However, each situation is unique and parents might opt to make arrangements to address education costs or other expenses incurred after their son or daughter reaches adulthood. I work with clients to establish fair, enforceable terms that serve the interests of young people and their parents.
SKILLFUL LITIGATOR INITIATES ENFORCEMENT ACTIONS WHEN APPROPRIATE
Nevada law gives custodial parents several ways to enforce child support orders when payments are late or incomplete. If you did not receive full payment, I will act promptly to obtain the required funds and advise if steps should be taken through the district attorney’s office or court to garnish wages, seek a license suspension or employ some other enforcement measure. My firm also represents noncustodial parents who are unjustly being accused of shirking their obligation.
PROVEN ADVOCATE HANDLES CHILD SUPPORT MODIFICATION REQUESTS
Child support rates are designed to be fair to everyone involved, but changes that occur in the lives of the parties could justify a modification. If the paying parent’s income has changed enough so that the resulting monthly child support amount would be adjusted by at least 20 percent, you can seek a modification. Courts can also modify child support terms if the existing order is at least three years old or if custody responsibilities have shifted. You should remember that no matter how persuasive the argument might be for a child support revision, you cannot implement changes on your own. My firm will evaluate the likelihood of a modification approval and petition the court for a new order if the situation warrants it.
Contact an effective Nevada attorney regarding your child support issue
The Miley Law Firm, P.C. represents parents in all types of Nevada child support proceedings, including enforcement and modification actions. To schedule a meeting about your situation, please call 702-942-0600 or contact me online. My office is located Las Vegas.
