Child Support in Reno, Nevada: How Income Is Calculated
Child support can be one of the most contentious and stressful aspects of a divorce or custody case. Parents naturally want to make sure their children are financially supported, but disagreements often arise over how much support should be paid and what income should be included in the calculation.
In Nevada, child support calculations are governed by law, including the regulations found under NAC 425. While the formula itself may appear straightforward, determining the correct amount of income to use can become complicated very quickly.
What Counts as Gross Income for Child Support?
When determining child support, the court generally looks at the gross income of both parents. The question is: what exactly counts as gross income?
Depending on the circumstances, income may include more than a regular paycheck. Issues can arise involving:
- Salary or hourly wages
- Overtime pay
- Bonuses
- Commissions
- Self-employment income
- Business income
- Tips
- Recurring additional compensation
- Other sources of income
The way these forms of compensation are treated can have a significant impact on the final child support amount.
For example, a parent who earns substantial overtime or receives regular bonuses may have a very different support calculation than someone whose income consists only of a fixed salary.
Do Bonuses and Overtime Count?
One of the most common child support questions is whether bonuses and overtime should be included as income.
The answer depends on the specific facts of the case, including how regular or predictable that income is and how it fits within Nevada’s child support rules.
This is where experienced legal guidance can be especially valuable. A child support calculation based on an incomplete or inaccurate picture of someone’s income may result in an order that does not fairly reflect the financial circumstances of the parents.
What Happens if Your Income Changes?
Life does not always stay the same after a child support order is entered.
A parent may lose a job, receive a promotion, change careers, experience a reduction in hours, begin earning significantly more, or face another substantial financial change.
When there is a significant change in income or circumstances, it may be appropriate to review an existing child support order and determine whether a modification should be requested.
Parents should not simply assume that an existing support obligation automatically changes when their income changes. In many situations, legal action