Child Support

Reno Child Support Lawyer

Creating Fair Agreements for the Children’s Best Interests

A parent’s responsibility to their child does not end upon divorce. Nevada law requires parents to continue supporting their child for as long as necessary so they can continue to maintain the standard of living they had before the separation. Child support payments are taken from a percentage of a parent’s monthly income before taxes.

Our Reno child support lawyer, Kelli Anne Viloria, has significant experience in these matters, as well as child custody and complex family law matters. We know how to uncover details that affect child support and ensure a fair arrangement is created that protects the best interests of the child. We can also help you file for a modification of an existing arrangement if you feel circumstances have changed.

Are you looking to start the child support process? Call Kelli Anne Viloria today at (775) 476-5642 or contact us online to meet with our Reno child support attorney. We serve clients in Sparks, Carson City, Incline Village, North Valleys, Sun Valley, Fallon, Fernley, Washoe County, Carson City County, Douglas County and across northern Nevada. 

How is Child Support Determined?

Child support is determined by a set of guidelines that take into account the number of children, the income of each parent, and any special needs of the children. These calculations are usually fairly straightforward, but there are some circumstances that can make the process more complex.

Extenuating circumstances in child support cases may include:

  • A parent is self-employed or under-employed
  • A parent is hiding income
  • The custodial parent’s financial need
  • A parent’s health insurance plan
  • Private schooling
  • A parent’s financial situation significantly changes

In Nevada, child support ends when a child reaches 18 or until they graduate high school if they are under 19. If you want to change an existing child support arrangement, you will either have to work out an agreement with the other parent or prove to a court that a change in circumstances concerning you, the other parent, or the child justifies an amendment to the arrangement.

How Do You Start the Process of Child Support?

There are several steps to starting the process of acquiring child support:

  • You must first open a case. This can be done in person or by completing forms online through your local child support services website.
  • The second step is to locate the parent of whom you seek support from, as this will speed up the process.
  • If you haven't already, you must establish paternity
  • File a case within the court to obtain a court order
  • Have the court order enforced

How Long Must You Pay Child Support in Nevada?

The state requires that financial support be paid until the child turns 18. This can be extended to 19 if the child is still in high school. Additionally, if the child is mentally or physically disabled, the support can be extended indefinitely. Only the court can remove the disability status from the child, which would result in the payments ceasing.

If the child voluntarily files for emancipation, then he or she would not be eligible for child support. Emancipation can be defined as the process where a child under the age of 18 is declared an adult by a judge. A minor in Nevada can petition to the court if the following exist:

  • He or she is at least 16 years old
  • He or she is a current resident of Nevada
  • He or she is married or living separately from the parents

Can a Child Support Case be Closed?

Yes, it is possible to close a case with the Department of Child Support by asking for a voluntary case closure,. Keep in mind, not all child support cases can be closed, even if both parents ask for it. If the parent and child are on state assistance, such as Medicaid, the case won't be closed. Closing the case means disallowing the services the Department provides, including finding the noncustodial parent, pursuing late payments and enforcing spousal support. If you decide to close your case, you will then be responsible for collecting support on your own.

Contact a Reno Child Support Lawyer Today

These are sensitive legal issues and the courts will always make decisions based on what they believe is in the best interests of the children. You will need to keep this in mind as you plan your strategy. Having litigated numerous cases like this before, our lawyer can help you demonstrate how your child support plan is the best arrangement for to children.

Contact Kelli Anne Viloria today to schedule a consultation!