Child Support Attorney in Las Vegas
Arranging Fair Payments to Help Your Financial Situation After Divorce
Nevada laws are set up to ensure children are given the same love, attention, and financial support as they did during the marriage. Most parents want this, too, though sometimes this can get lost when there are too many decisions, big emotions to manage, and fears regarding stability and finances after divorce.
The courts are no longer biased toward one gender over the other and review various factors when considering a child custody arrangement and appropriate child support payments. The state requires both parents of a child under 18 to provide the necessary financial support, health care, education, and maintenance.
A Las Vegas attorney helps remind spouses how child support in Las Vegas, NV, works, what to expect and how it is calculated. As a dependent spouse or sole custody provider, you might be worried about covering expenses depending on your earning capacity. We will ensure you get a fair amount to care for your family, whether in joint or sole custody.
As we’re abreast of the local and state laws, we will ensure you are up-to-date regularly. Child support laws in Nevada were recently revised in 2020, and there is no longer a minimum on child support payments.
We pride ourselves on being in tune with our clients and their needs as they go through some of the most challenging life events, such as divorce. Contact our child support lawyers; we will help you prepare for the outcome financially. Call: (702) 935-4144.
How is Child Support Calculated in Las Vegas, NV?
The court considers parents’ financial contributions and other factors when setting child support payments. This also includes evaluating the custody arrangement, whether sole or joint. Before a child support order is put in place, a judge looks at:
- Cost of health insurance
- Cost of childcare
- Any special education needs
- The child’s age
- Parent’s legal responsibility
- Value of services contributed by both parents
- Public assistance
- Expenses related to the mother’s pregnancy
- Travel-related expenses
- Amount of time the child spends with each parent.
- Other necessary expenses
- Relative income of both parents
Child support payments are not set in stone forever. After a child support order has been in place for three years, a parent or parents can revisit the agreement and ask the court to modify the contract based on current income levels or any financial changes.
To help set expectations, work with our family law lawyer to review your potential child support payments based on your current income if you believe you have to pay child support. As a high-income earner, you will likely spend some child support in the short- or long-term until your children are 18 if you were the sole provider.
Can Child Support Payments Be Modified?
A child support modification can be requested by the custodial or non-custodial parent if there is a change in income or a substantial life change. You and your spouse can review your child support agreement every three years to ensure it remains current.
In Nevada, a child support order can be legally revised after one or both parties request a modification of the order or approval of a change between both people. An example is if there is a minimum 20 percent change in income.
Another reason to relook at a child support order is if the custody agreement changes or if life events arise, such as job loss, an injury, disability, or health issues. Getting remarried will likely change your alimony payments—giving or receiving—though you are still financially responsible for your child.
Regarding child custody arrangements, if you shift from primary physical custody to joint custody (or vice versa), this change in events will also require a child support modification to ensure the sole provider can cover expenses related to caring for the children.
Any disputes or disagreements related to child support payments should be directed to an experienced child support attorney. In your child support case, we will ensure a fair arrangement and always put your children’s best interests first.
In Joint Custody Situations, How is Child Support Determined?
The court wants both parents to be involved in their children’s lives after the divorce. In Nevada, a parent is entitled to child support if a child or children lives with them more than 60 percent of the time. A parent is also entitled to child support if the parents share custody in Nevada and the other parent is the high-income earner.
To determine child support when both parents have shared custody, you calculate the support for each parent and offset both amounts. The parent paying the higher amount gets a reduction in the amount they receive.
For example, if a parent’s custody amount is $600 per month and the other parent pays $250, the higher-earning parent will subtract the $250 from the monthly payment and submit $350, or the difference.
On the other hand, special needs children are exceptions to the rule. There is more to consider financially regarding medical bills, treatment, health insurance premiums, education, and other necessary expenses. This can be worked through with a child support attorney.
If you feel you are paying too much child support or not getting enough child support, it’s time to engage an experienced child support lawyer with Fuller Law Practice to revisit your arrangement and propose a revised agreement.
How Can a Child Support Lawyer Help Me?
There are many ways child support attorneys with Fuller Law Practice can be of service and offer value before, during, and after divorce proceedings regarding child support issues. Child support payments can be a source of contention, just as divorce’s many other financial consequences become a reality.
We can help organize child support payments and advise on potential calculations to help with financial planning, determine appropriate terms of child support agreements, and child support enforcement if your former significant other is not following through.
Failure to pay child support is a crime in Nevada and is punishable with jail time, possible license suspension, wage garnishment, or additional fines. There are opportunities to amend the situation with make-up payments, though you never want to get too deep into debt regarding your child support duties.
With any changes, always contact an attorney first to avoid legal troubles or issues with your former spouse so they can get ahead of the situation before it becomes a problem.
At Fuller Law Practice, we know the challenges you’re against and the emotional stress involved in divorce and child support. We want to help you succeed in your child support case and ensure minimal disruption to your family as you make this challenging transition.
Our law firm is here to help. Contact Fuller Law Practice and schedule a consultation for guidance regarding your child support case. Call: (702) 935-4144.