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Child Support in Nevada

Child Support in Nevada

Nevada Child Support Guide for Single Mothers: Your Complete 2025 Handbook

Last updated: August 2025

If You Need Help Today

Emergency Situations:


  • Domestic violence: Call Nevada Coalition to End Domestic and Sexual Violence at 1-800-500-1556
  • Immediate legal help: Nevada Legal Aid at 702-386-0404
  • Crisis assistance: Nevada 211 (dial 2-1-1)
  • Emergency food: Three Square Food Bank at threesl.org

Quick Action Steps:

  1. Apply for child support today: Call Nevada DWSS at 800-992-0900
  2. Calculate your potential support: Use the Nevada Child Support Calculator
  3. Get free legal help: Contact Nevada Legal Aid
  4. Emergency financial assistance: Apply for Access Nevada benefits

Main Points

✅ Nevada switched to a tiered calculation system in 2020 – no more caps on high-income support orders¹

✅ Annual fee is $25 – waived if you never received TANF and $550+ collected annually²

✅ Joint custody adjustments – parents with 40%+ time each get different calculations³

✅ Two payment options: Way2Go Card or direct deposit (ReliaCard phased out March 2024)⁴

✅ Support until age 18 – or 19 if still in high school, can extend to 21 for disabled children⁵

✅ No application fee – child support enforcement services are free to apply⁶

Understanding Nevada Child Support in 2025

What Changed in 2020 and Why It Matters

Nevada underwent significant changes in 2020, shifting from fixed statutory formulas to a new set of administrative regulations using tiered percentage rates applied to the obligor’s gross monthly income, with different percentages for different income brackets. This major overhaul moved from simple percentage-based calculations to a more complex but fairer system.

Before 2020: Simple percentage of income with caps
Since 2020: Tiered income brackets with no maximum caps

Reality Check: The new system generally results in higher support amounts for high-income parents and more accurate calculations for varying income levels. However, it’s also more complex to understand without using the official calculator.

The previous statutory presumptive minimum ($100/month) and presumptive maximum cap were eliminated, and low-income cases are now handled by referencing federal poverty guidelines instead of a fixed $100 minimum.

Who Can Apply for Nevada Child Support in 2025

You can apply for child support services if you are:

  • A parent with physical custody of a child under 18
  • A legal guardian with custody
  • Someone owed back support for a child now over 18 (within certain time limits)
  • A relative caretaker with legal custody

Important: You don’t have to be a Nevada resident to apply for services in Nevada, but the other parent or child should have a connection to Nevada.

How Much Nevada Child Support Can You Actually Get?

Nevada’s 2025 Tiered Calculation System

Under the Nevada Child Support Guidelines effective 2020 and still in force as of 2025, the formula uses tiered percentage rates where the first portion of a parent’s income is assessed at one rate, the next portion at a lower rate, and so on.

2025 Nevada Child Support Percentages by Income Tier

Based on Nevada Administrative Code 425:

Monthly Gross Income Range 1 Child 2 Children 3 Children 4+ Children
$0 – $1,700 Refer to low-income schedule⁷ Refer to low-income schedule Refer to low-income schedule Refer to low-income schedule
$1,701 – $6,000 16% 22% 26% 28%
$6,001 – $10,000 8% 11% 13% 14%
$10,001+ 4% 5.5% 6.5% 7%

Real-World Example: How the Tiered System Works

Example: Non-custodial parent earns $8,000/month with 2 children

  • First $6,000: $6,000 × 22% = $1,320
  • Next $2,000: $2,000 × 11% = $220
  • Total monthly support: $1,320 + $220 = $1,540

Reality Check: This is significantly more than the old system would have calculated, especially for higher earners.

Joint Physical Custody Adjustments

In a joint physical custody arrangement (at least 40% of parenting time each), the parent with the higher income pays. The calculation involves:

  1. Calculate what each parent would pay under the standard formula
  2. The higher-earning parent pays the difference
  3. Adjustments for shared expenses may apply

Use the Official Nevada Child Support Calculator

The most accurate way to estimate your support is using the Nevada Child Support Guidelines Calculator⁸. This calculator:

  • Provides estimates under current 2025 guidelines
  • Generates worksheets for court filing
  • Accounts for joint custody adjustments
  • Includes additional expense calculations

What You’ll Need:

  • Non-custodial parent’s gross monthly income
  • Number of children needing support
  • Custody arrangement details
  • Monthly childcare and health insurance costs

How to Apply for Nevada Child Support Step-by-Step

Step 1: Gather Required Documents

Before applying, collect these documents:

  • Child’s certified birth certificate
  • Your photo ID (driver’s license or state ID)
  • Proof of income (3 recent pay stubs, tax returns)
  • Information about the other parent:
    • Full legal name and any aliases
    • Date of birth and Social Security number
    • Current address and previous addresses
    • Employer name and address
    • Phone numbers and email addresses
  • Any existing court orders (divorce decrees, custody orders)

Expert Tip: Even old or incomplete information about the other parent can be valuable. Nevada DWSS has extensive tools to locate parents using partial information.

Step 2: Submit Your Application

You have several ways to apply for Nevada child support services:

Option 1: Online Application

  • Visit Access Nevada
  • Note: As of February 3, 2025, you need to register for a new account before you can use Access Nevada to apply for benefits
  • Complete the online application
  • Upload required documents digitally

Option 2: Phone Application

Option 3: In-Person Application

  • Visit your local DWSS office during business hours
  • Find office locations at dwss.nv.gov
  • Bring all required documents

Step 3: Application Fees and Costs

Good News: There is no fee to apply for child support enforcement services, but there may be an annual fee of $25 for their services.

When the $25 annual fee applies:

  • You’re NOT currently receiving TANF benefits
  • DWSS collects $550 or more in support during the year
  • The fee is deducted after $550 has been collected

You DON’T pay this fee if:

  • You currently receive TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families)
  • You previously received TANF for the child
  • Less than $550 is collected in the year

Step 4: Work with Your DWSS Caseworker

Once DWSS receives your application, your caseworker will:

  1. Review your case and contact you for any additional information
  2. Locate the other parent using state and federal databases if needed
  3. Establish paternity if necessary through voluntary acknowledgment or court order
  4. Work to establish a court order for child and medical support
  5. Begin enforcement once an order is in place

Timeline Expectations:

  • Simple cases (other parent cooperative, paternity established): 60-90 days
  • Complex cases (location needed, paternity disputed): 6-12 months
  • Interstate cases: 3-9 months depending on other state cooperation

How You’ll Receive Your Nevada Child Support Payments

Nevada offers electronic payment methods through the Nevada State Collections and Disbursement Unit:

Way2Go Card® (New as of March 2024)

The Nevada Child Support Enforcement Program changed debit card vendors. Starting on March 1, 2024, all payments are automatically deposited to the new Way2Go Card prepaid Mastercard.

How it works:

  • Prepaid Mastercard, not a credit card
  • No bank account or credit check required
  • Funds are available within 2 business days of DWSS processing
  • Allow up to 10 business days for initial card setup

Services with NO fees:

  • Making purchases anywhere Mastercard is accepted
  • ATM withdrawals at Way2Go network ATMs
  • Customer service calls
  • Monthly account maintenance
  • Balance inquiries

Direct Deposit

Requirements:

  • Open checking or savings account at any U.S. bank or credit union
  • Completed Electronic Deposit Enrollment Form

Setup process:

  • Submit enrollment form to DWSS
  • Allow 5 business days for processing
  • Contact your bank to learn when funds become available

Important: If your direct deposit is rejected (account closed, frozen, etc.), you’ll automatically receive a Way2Go Card.

When Nevada Child Support Payments Don’t Come: Enforcement Tools

What Nevada DWSS Can Do to Collect Support

DWSS has various enforcement methods available under Nevada Revised Statutes and federal law:

Enforcement Method How It Works Timeline Effectiveness
Income Withholding Money taken directly from paychecks 1-2 pay periods Most effective (80%+ success)
State Tax Intercept State tax refunds seized Annual filing season Moderate
Federal Tax Intercept Federal tax refunds seized Annual filing season High for large refunds
License Suspension Driver’s, professional, recreational licenses suspended After 3 months non-payment High compliance rate
Credit Bureau Reporting Reports to all major credit bureaus monthly Immediate impact Long-term deterrent
Asset Seizure Bank accounts frozen/seized With significant arrears Very effective
Property Liens Liens placed on real estate, vehicles $500+ owed Prevents property sales
Passport Denial Federal passport applications denied $2,500+ owed Effective for travelers

What You Can Do to Help Enforcement

  1. Keep detailed records of all missed or partial payments with dates and amounts
  2. Report changes immediately in the other parent’s employment, address, or assets
  3. Stay in regular contact with your caseworker
  4. Document lifestyle inconsistencies if they claim inability to pay but show wealth

Reality Check: Enforcement can take time, especially if the other parent frequently changes jobs or moves. Stay patient but persistent with your caseworker.

Special Situations and Inclusive Support

LGBTQ+ Single Mothers in Nevada

Nevada has strong protections for LGBTQ+ families. Same-sex marriage has been legal since October 8, 2014, and state law recognizes the non-genetic, non-gestational mother as a legal parent to a child born via donor insemination, irrespective of the marital status of the parents.

Key Considerations:

  • Married same-sex couples: Both parents may have support obligations if both are listed on the birth certificate
  • Assisted reproduction cases: Legal parentage must be established before support can be ordered
  • Second-parent adoption: May be necessary to establish legal parentage

Discrimination concerns: If you face discrimination in the child support process, contact:

Additional Resources:

Native American and Tribal Connections

Nevada has 21 federally recognized tribes that span 28 reservations, bands, colonies and community councils, with state tribal lands totaling more than 1.6 million acres.

Major tribal groups in Nevada:

  • Washoe (Waší∙šiw): Around Lake Tahoe and Carson Valley
  • Northern Paiute (Numu): Throughout northern Nevada
  • Southern Paiute (Nuwuvi): Southern Nevada
  • Western Shoshone (Newe): Central and eastern Nevada
  • Mojave (Pipa Aha Macav): Southern tip of Nevada

Interstate tribal cases: If the other parent lives on tribal land, DWSS works with:

  • Tribal child support agencies that have cooperative agreements with states
  • Bureau of Indian Affairs for jurisdiction questions
  • Tribal courts that may have concurrent jurisdiction

Resources for Native families:

  • Nevada Department of Native American Affairs: dnaa.nv.gov
  • Nevada Legal Aid Indian Law Program: Assistance for tribal members
  • Inter-Tribal Council of Nevada: Coordination between state and tribal services

Contact for tribal cases: Nevada DWSS at 800-992-0900 can coordinate with tribal services.

Rural Families with Limited Access

Transportation challenges to DWSS offices:

  • Phone consultations available: Most services can be handled by phone
  • Online applications: Available through Access Nevada
  • Document submission: Most paperwork can be submitted by mail or fax
  • Mobile services: Some rural areas receive periodic visits

Internet access limitations:

  • Public libraries: Free internet and computer access in most rural communities
  • DWSS phone support: 800-992-0900 for application assistance
  • Community centers: Many provide computer and internet access

Additional rural resources:

  • Nevada 211: Dial 2-1-1 for local resource information
  • University of Nevada Cooperative Extension: Family resource information in rural counties
  • Rural Health Network of Nevada: Medical assistance programs

Single Fathers Seeking Child Support

Single fathers have identical rights under Nevada child support law. The application process, fees, and enforcement methods are the same regardless of gender.

Resources for single fathers:

  • Nevada Legal Aid: Same services available regardless of gender
  • National Parents Organization: Advocacy and support
  • Single Parent Support groups: Available through Nevada 211

Nevada Organizations and Programs That Provide Support

Nevada Division of Welfare and Supportive Services (DWSS)

What they do: DWSS is the state agency that administers Nevada’s Child Support Enforcement Program. Child Support Enforcement is a family-first program intended to ensure families self-sufficiency by making child support a more reliable source of income. They work with federal agencies to establish and enforce court-ordered financial and medical support.

Services provided: Locate non-custodial parents using state and federal databases, establish paternity through voluntary acknowledgment or genetic testing, create and modify child support orders, enforce payment through wage withholding and other tools, distribute collected support payments, and provide payment processing services.

How to contact: Statewide line 800-992-0900, Northern Nevada 775-684-7200, Southern Nevada 702-486-1646, with offices throughout Nevada providing in-person services.

Application process: Apply online at Access Nevada, by phone, or in person with required documents. No application fee, but $25 annual fee may apply after $550 collected.

Nevada Legal Aid

What they do: Nevada Legal Aid provides free civil legal services to low-income Nevada residents, including comprehensive family law representation for child support, custody, domestic relations, and protective order cases. They offer both direct representation and self-help resources.

Services provided: Legal representation in family court, advice and consultation for child support issues, assistance with modification requests, help with enforcement problems, domestic violence legal advocacy, and extensive online self-help resources.

Who qualifies: Households at or below 125% of federal poverty guidelines, with priority given to domestic violence survivors and cases involving children.

How to apply: Call 702-386-0404 for Las Vegas, 775-329-2727 for Northern Nevada, or visit nevadalegalaid.org for online screening.

Three Square Food Bank

What they do: Three Square is Southern Nevada’s only food bank and food rescue organization, providing food assistance to families facing hunger throughout Clark, Nye, Esmeralda, and Lincoln counties. They operate mobile food pantries and partner with local agencies to distribute emergency food.

Services provided: Emergency food boxes, mobile food pantries in underserved areas, school backpack programs, senior food assistance, and nutrition education programs for families with children.

Who qualifies: Any individual or family experiencing food insecurity, regardless of immigration status. No income requirements for emergency food assistance.

How to access: Visit threesl.org to find mobile pantry locations and times, or call 702-644-3663 for assistance finding local food resources.

Nevada Department of Health and Human Services

What they do: Nevada DHHS administers multiple assistance programs for families, including SNAP food assistance, Medicaid health coverage, and temporary cash assistance. They coordinate with DWSS for families receiving benefits who are automatically referred for child support services.

Services provided: SNAP food assistance for eligible families, Medicaid and Nevada Check Up health coverage, temporary assistance for needy families (TANF), childcare assistance for working parents, and utility assistance through energy programs.

Who qualifies: Eligibility varies by program based on income, family size, and specific circumstances, with most programs serving families at or below 130-200% of federal poverty level.

How to apply: Online applications at Access Nevada provide streamlined access to multiple programs, or visit local DHHS offices. Phone assistance available at 800-992-0900.

Common Questions Single Mothers Ask About Nevada Child Support

About Applying and Eligibility

Q: Do I have to be a Nevada resident to get child support through Nevada DWSS? A: No, you don’t have to be a Nevada resident, but there should be a connection to Nevada – either the other parent lives here, works here, or the child was born here. DWSS can work with other states if the non-custodial parent lives elsewhere.

Q: What if I don’t know where my child’s father is? A: DWSS has extensive tools to locate parents including employment databases, tax records, credit reports, motor vehicle registrations, and social media searches. Provide any information you have, even if it’s years old – previous addresses, employers, relatives’ names, or social media profiles.

Q: Can I apply for child support if I was never married to the father? A: Absolutely. Marriage is not required for child support obligations. DWSS can help establish paternity through voluntary acknowledgment or genetic testing if needed.

Q: What if the father claims he’s unemployed or can’t afford to pay? A: Nevada courts can “impute income” based on earning capacity. If someone is voluntarily unemployed or underemployed, support can be based on what they could earn with their education, training, and experience.

About Calculations and Amounts Under the New System

Q: How does the new tiered system work compared to the old percentage system? A: The new system uses tiered percentage rates where the first portion of income is assessed at one rate, the next portion at a lower rate, and so on. For example, with one child: first $6,000 at 16%, next $4,000 at 8%, amounts over $10,000 at 4%. This generally results in higher support for high earners.

Q: Is there still a maximum amount of child support in Nevada? A: The previous statutory presumptive maximum cap was eliminated. There’s no automatic cap on high-income support obligations now, though courts can still limit excessive amounts.

Q: Can I get retroactive child support for years before I applied? A: Yes. The court can order the obligor to pay retroactive child support for the past four years or from the child’s birth if they’re under four.

Q: What counts as “income” for Nevada child support calculations? A: Gross income includes wages, salaries, bonuses, commissions, overtime, tips, self-employment income, rental income, retirement benefits, unemployment benefits, workers’ compensation, Social Security benefits, and any other regular income source.

About Joint Custody and Special Situations

Q: How does joint physical custody affect child support? A: In a joint physical custody arrangement (at least 40% of parenting time each), the parent with the higher income pays. The calculation involves determining what each parent would pay under the standard formula, then the higher earner pays the difference.

Q: What if my child now spends more time with the other parent than when we got the original order? A: If custody arrangements have significantly changed (to 40%+ time with the other parent), this may qualify for a modification. You’ll need to petition the court and provide evidence of the new custody schedule.

About Payments and Problems

Q: How do I switch from Way2Go Card to direct deposit? A: Complete an Electronic Deposit Enrollment Form and submit it to DWSS. Allow 5-10 business days for the change to take effect. If direct deposit fails, you’ll automatically receive a Way2Go Card.

Q: What should I do if I receive a child support payment that seems wrong? A: Contact DWSS immediately at 800-992-0900. While DWSS works to correctly post payments, errors can occur. Keep detailed records of all payments received.

Q: How long does it typically take to receive my first child support payment? A: Timeline varies significantly:

  • Cooperative cases with wage withholding: 6-10 weeks after order is entered
  • Cases requiring parent location: 3-6 months
  • Contested paternity cases: 6-12 months
  • Interstate cases: 3-9 months depending on other state cooperation

About Enforcement and Legal Issues

Q: What if the other parent quits their job to avoid paying child support? A: DWSS has multiple enforcement tools beyond wage withholding. They can seize tax refunds, suspend licenses, report to credit bureaus, freeze bank accounts, and pursue federal criminal charges for willful non-payment. Job changes must be reported to the Nevada New Hire Directory.

Q: Can DWSS help with custody, visitation, or parenting time issues? A: No. DWSS only handles financial and medical support. For custody or visitation issues, you’ll need to contact Nevada Legal Aid, a private attorney, or file directly with the family court.

Q: What happens to child support if the other parent moves to another state? A: DWSS can work with child support agencies in all 50 states under the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act. The Nevada order remains enforceable, and the other state will assist with enforcement.

Q: Does child support automatically stop if the other parent goes to jail? A: No. Incarcerated parents (6+ months) won’t accrue support debt unless they have other income, but the obligation doesn’t automatically terminate. They may petition for a temporary modification.

About Modifications and Changes

Q: How do I modify my child support order if circumstances change? A: You can request a modification if there’s been a material change in circumstances, such as a 20% or more change in income, a change in custody arrangement, or if it’s been 3 years since the last review. Contact DWSS or file a petition with the court.

Q: What if I disagree with the child support amount the court ordered? A: You have the right to appeal within 30 days of the order. Contact Nevada Legal Aid at 702-386-0404 for assistance with appeals, or consult with a private family law attorney.

Complete Nevada Child Support Resources and Contact Information

Nevada DWSS Main Contacts

Statewide Services:

Legal Help and Advocacy

Free Legal Services:

Domestic Violence Legal Support:

LGBTQ+ Legal Support:

Financial Assistance Programs

State Benefits:

Utility and Housing Assistance:

Emergency Help and Crisis Support

Immediate Safety:

  • Nevada Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-500-1556
  • National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
  • Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
  • Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988

Child Services:

Online Tools and Calculators

Official Nevada Resources:

Benefits Screening:

Accessibility Services

Language Support:

  • Nevada Language Line: Available through DWSS offices for interpretation services
  • Spanish-speaking DWSS Staff: Available at most regional offices

Disability Accommodations:

Tribal Resources

Native American Support:

About This Guide

Compiled by the ASingleMother.org Editorial Team

The ASingleMother.org team has been researching and writing comprehensive benefits guides for single mothers across all 50 states since 2020. Our editorial team regularly updates these guides by reviewing official government sources, contacting state agencies, and incorporating feedback from hundreds of single mothers who have used these programs.

This Nevada guide represents over 5 years of experience helping single mothers navigate the child support system. We verify information with official sources including Nevada Division of Welfare and Supportive Services, Nevada Courts, Nevada Legal Aid, USDA, and HHS to ensure accuracy.

Information compiled from official Nevada Division of Welfare and Supportive Services, Nevada Courts, Nevada Legal Aid, and federal sources. Last verified: August 2025.

The ASingleMother.org editorial team welcomes feedback on this guide. If you find outdated information or discover new resources, please contact us at info@asinglemother.org so we can help other single mothers with accurate, current information.

Disclaimer

This guide provides general information about Nevada child support law and procedures as of August 2025. It is not legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws and program details can change, and individual situations vary significantly.

Always:

  • Verify current information with Nevada DWSS at 800-992-0900
  • Consult with an attorney for legal advice specific to your unique situation
  • Keep detailed records of all communications, payments, and missed payments
  • Report changes in your circumstances to DWSS promptly
  • Review your case regularly through Access Nevada or by contacting your caseworker

The information in this guide:

  • Is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional legal advice
  • May not apply to every individual situation or case
  • Is subject to change without notice as laws and regulations are updated
  • Should be verified with official sources before making legal or financial decisions

Limitation of liability: While we strive for accuracy, this guide cannot cover every possible scenario or exception to Nevada child support law. For the most current information and case-specific guidance, always contact Nevada DWSS directly or consult with a qualified family law attorney.

For the most current information, contact Nevada DWSS at 800-992-0900 or visit dwss.nv.gov/Support.

Footnotes and Sources

¹ Nevada Child Support Laws 2025: Updates, Calculations, Tools – Willick Law Group
² Nevada Self-Help Center – Child Support Enforcement
³ Nevada Child Support Guidelines Calculator
⁴ Nevada DWSS – Receiving Payments
⁵ Nevada Child Support Laws 2025 – Willick Law Group
⁶ Nevada Courts Self-Help Center
⁷ Nevada Administrative Code 425 – Low-Income Schedule
⁸ Nevada Child Support Guidelines Calculator – Official State Tool

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