Sep 27, 2024

Answers from a specialized divorce lawyer in Reno, NV.

Ensuring that a child’s financial needs are met after a divorce means setting up a way for the noncustodial parent to contribute to the child’s upbringing. Here’s a short overview from Barber Law Group in Reno, NV – Key steps in the process of establishing child support after a divorce.

Determine Your State’s Child Support Guidelines

Each state has specific formulas or guidelines that outline how child support is calculated, and these guidelines take into account both parents’ incomes, the number of children, and the custody arrangement. Nevada uses a specific formula that calculates child support based on the paying parent’s gross monthly income and the number of children. You’ll need to familiarize yourself with these guidelines to understand how much child support might be required, and a Nevada lawyer will be able to help you make all the needed calculations..

File a Child Support Petition

Your attorney will need to file a petition for child support with the family court, often as part of your divorce or custody proceedings. This petition formally requests the court to establish child support payments based on the parents’ financial information and other factors.

Provide Financial Information

You’ll need to provide detailed financial information, including your income, tax returns, and expenses related to your children, such as healthcare and childcare costs, healthcare expenses, educational needs, and extraordinary medical costs. This will help the court decide if your calculations are appropriate if you and your ex come to an agreement or calculate how much child support should be paid if you don’t.

If you and the other parent cannot agree on a child support amount, the court will hold a hearing to determine the appropriate amount. Both parents will present their financial information, and the judge will then make a decision based on state guidelines and the best interests of the child.

Obtain a Court Order

Once the court reviews the case, it will issue a formal child support order, which legally binds the paying parent to provide financial support. This order will detail how much should be paid, how often, and other specifics, such as contributions to healthcare or education costs.

Monitor and Enforce Payments

After the court issues the child support order, the paying parent must make payments as specified. If payments are missed, you can seek enforcement through the court, which may involve wage garnishment, asset seizure, and more.

Work with a Family Law Attorney

Dealing with the child support process on your own can be challenging, especially during the emotional upheaval of divorce. A family law attorney will not only help you understand Nevada’s child support guidelines but also properly calculate your needs and file the appropriate paperwork with the court. If your ex-spouse contests the amount of support or fails to make payments, a lawyer can represent your interests and advocate for the needs of your children.

If you are going through a divorce and need help with child support, contact Barber Law Group in Reno, NV.