Child Support Past 18 in Nevada: High School Graduation and Age Limits

By the FigureMyTax Editorial Team · How we calculate

In Nevada, child support ends at 18 if the child is no longer enrolled in high school, and otherwise at 19, unless a contract provides otherwise. A child with a handicap that began before majority can be supported longer.

What is the child support age limit in Nevada?

Eighteen if the child is no longer enrolled in high school, otherwise 19. Unless a contract providing otherwise has been executed under NRS 123.080, the obligation for care, education, maintenance and support of a minor child created by a custody order ceases when the child reaches 18 if no longer enrolled in high school, otherwise when the child reaches 19 (NRS 125C.0045(9)(b)).

What if the child is still in high school at 18?

Support continues until the child reaches 19 if the child is enrolled in high school at 18; keep enrollment records, because the statute turns on enrollment.

Try your own date in the Nevada child support end date calculator.

Is the Nevada extension automatic?

The statute ends the obligation at 18 or 19 on its terms, but the paying parent can dispute enrollment. Keep school letters showing the child is enrolled and the expected graduation date.

Who counts as a dependent child for Nevada enforcement?

A person not emancipated, self-supporting or in the armed forces who is under 18, or under 19 and a high school student (NRS 425.300). That matches the 18-or-19 rule in the support order statute.

Can Nevada parents agree to a different date?

Yes. The statute applies unless a contract providing otherwise has been executed under NRS 123.080 (125C.0045(9)). Put any agreement in writing and ask the court to include it.

What if the child turns 18 during the school year?

If the child is enrolled in high school when he or she reaches 18, support continues until the child reaches 19, not just to the end of the school year (NRS 125C.0045(9)(b)). A child who turns 18 in January and graduates in June is covered to the 19th birthday.

What if the child graduates early or drops out?

Support ends at 18 if the child is no longer enrolled in high school. Tell the court or the office in writing and keep proof of the date, because withholding does not stop by itself.

Does a GED or homeschool count as high school?

The statute says enrolled in high school and does not define it in the text we read. If your child is in a GED or homeschool program, ask the court early and keep records of the program.

Can the amount change while the child is 18?

Yes, under the same review rules: a 20% or more change in a parent’s gross monthly income is deemed changed circumstances requiring a review (NRS 125B.145(4)), and notice fixes the start date.

Do I have to file to end child support at 18 or 19?

The statute ends the obligation, but withholding keeps running until it is stopped. Ask the court or the district attorney in writing and keep proof of the child’s birth date. See how to modify child support in Nevada.

Do arrears end when child support ends?

No. A parent who is delinquent when the child becomes emancipated continues to pay as ordered until the arrears are paid (NRS 125B.100). See the Nevada child support arrears calculator and how long arrears last.

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.