How the Nevada Child Support Formula Works
Nevada multiplies the obligor’s gross monthly income in three bands, the first $6,000, the next $4,000 and everything above $10,000, by percentages that depend on the number of children, starting at 16%, 8% and 4% for one child, with no income cap.
The tiers
The base child support obligation is the sum of percentages applied to the obligor’s monthly gross income in three bands (NAC 425.140):
| Number of children | First $6,000 | $6,001 to $10,000 | Above $10,000 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 child | 16% | 8% | 4% |
| 2 children | 22% | 11% | 6% |
| 3 children | 26% | 13% | 6% |
| 4 children | 28% | 14% | 7% |
| Each additional child | +2% | +1% | +0.5% |
What counts as gross income
Gross income includes salary and wages (and overtime if substantial, consistent and accurately determinable), interest and investment income, Social Security disability and old-age benefits, pension and annuity payments, workers’ compensation and personal injury awards that replace income, unemployment insurance, voluntary retirement and deferred compensation contributions, military allowances, undistributed business income, alimony and most other income. It excludes child support received, foster care payments and means-tested benefits (NAC 425.025).
The obligor
If a party has primary physical custody of a child, he or she is the obligee and the other party is the obligor, and the obligor’s obligation is determined (NAC 425.115). The obligee’s own income does not enter the base formula.
Imputed income
If the court finds that an obligor is underemployed or unemployed without good cause, it may impute income, considering assets, residence, work history, skills, education, age, health, record of seeking work and the local job market (NAC 425.125).
A worked example
Three children and an obligor with $12,000 of gross monthly income:
| Band | Amount |
|---|---|
| First $6,000 at 26% | $1,560 |
| Next $4,000 at 13% | $520 |
| The $2,000 above $10,000 at 6% | $120 |
| Base child support for three children at $12,000 | $2,200 |
With one child and $10,000, the obligation is 16% of $6,000 plus 8% of $4,000, $1,280; with two children and $6,000 it is $1,320. The Nevada child support calculator reproduces these.
What to gather
Pay records and tax returns for the obligor, proof of any overtime, business income records and a list of the children.
No cap
The last band continues without limit, so higher earners pay proportionally to their income, subject to any deviation the court makes with findings.
Frequently asked questions
What income does Nevada use for child support?
The obligor's gross monthly income before taxes.
Does the custodial parent’s income count in Nevada?
Not in the base formula, which uses only the obligor's income.
Is overtime income in Nevada child support?
Yes, if it is substantial, consistent and can be accurately determined.
Can a Nevada court impute income?
Yes, to an obligor who is underemployed or unemployed without good cause.
Is the Nevada guideline amount mandatory?
The guidelines presume the child's needs are met; a court that departs must make findings and state the guideline amount.
Official sources
- Nevada Administrative Code chapter 425: child support guidelines
- 2026 Nevada low-income child support schedule
- NRS 125B.145: review and modification of support orders
A local family law attorney can review your situation — many offer a free consultation.
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.