College and Adult Child Support in Nevada: Post-Secondary and Disabled Children

By the FigureMyTax Editorial Team · How we calculate

We found no Nevada provision for court-ordered college support, but a parent must support a child with a handicap beyond majority until the child is no longer handicapped or becomes self-supporting.

Does child support cover college in Nevada?

We found no provision in the sections we read that lets a court order support for college. The statute ends the obligation at 18, or 19 for a high school student (NRS 125C.0045(9)). Parents can agree by contract to pay for college and ask the court to include the agreement in the order.

Is there child support for a disabled adult child in Nevada?

Yes. A parent shall support beyond the age of majority his or her child with a handicap until the child is no longer handicapped or until the child becomes self-supporting, but the handicap must have occurred before the age of majority (NRS 125B.110(1)).

What counts as a handicap?

An inability to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment that can be expected to result in death or has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months (125B.110(4)). Bring medical records that date the onset.

When is the child self-supporting?

For this section, if the child receives public assistance beyond the age of majority and that assistance is sufficient to meet the child’s needs (125B.110(2)). The section does not affect eligibility for benefits from sources other than the parents (125B.110(3)).

Is a handicapped child covered by the 19 rule?

The handicap rule is separate from the 18-or-19 rule. A child with a handicap that began before majority can be supported past 18 or 19 even though the custody order ends then (NRS 125B.110 and 125C.0045(9)).

Does the handicap rule need a court order to apply?

The statute states the duty directly: a parent shall support the child beyond majority (NRS 125B.110(1)). In practice, ask the court to include it in an order and to set the amount, because the statute does not say how much.

Can I get help paying for a disabled adult child’s care?

The handicap section does not impair the child’s eligibility for benefits from sources other than the parents (NRS 125B.110(3)), so apply for benefits as well as asking for support. Keep every award letter.

Does the child’s own public assistance end the duty?

Only if the child receives public assistance beyond majority that is sufficient to meet the child’s needs, which makes the child self-supporting for this section (125B.110(2)). Other benefits do not change eligibility from other sources (125B.110(3)).

Can parents agree to pay for college in Nevada?

Yes. Put the amount, the schools, grade conditions and an end date in writing and ask the court to approve it so it can be enforced.

What are the age limits for a given birth date?

After those dates, college help comes only from a contract, and a handicapped adult child is covered by the handicap rule.

What about unpaid support from before?

It stays owed: see how long Nevada arrears last and the Nevada child support end date calculator.

Frequently asked questions

Official sources

• NRS 125C.0045: custody and support orders; termination
• NRS 125B.110: support of a child with a handicap
• NRS 425.300: dependent child
• NRS 125B.050 and 125B.100: limitations and arrears after emancipation

This is general information, not legal advice. It is based on the cited Nevada statutes, rules and court opinions, and every case turns on its own facts. Confirm how the law applies to your situation with a licensed Nevada attorney.