Understanding Child Support Enforcement in Nevada
When a parent fails to pay court-ordered child support in Nevada, enforcement actions can be swift and serious. The state has robust tools to ensure that children receive the financial support they need — and that non-paying parents face real consequences.
Who Handles Child Support Enforcement in Nevada?
The Nevada Division of Welfare and Supportive Services (DWSS) operates the Child Support Enforcement Program (CSEP). This state agency can help custodial parents enforce child support orders at little or no cost. Alternatively, you can work with a private family law attorney for more direct and personalized assistance.
Enforcement Tools Available in Nevada
Nevada law gives enforcement agencies and courts an array of powerful tools to collect unpaid child support:
- Income Withholding (Wage Garnishment): The most common method — support is automatically withheld from the paying parent’s paycheck by their employer.
- Bank Levy: Funds can be seized directly from the non-paying parent’s bank accounts.
- License Suspension: Nevada can suspend a delinquent parent’s driver’s license, professional license, or recreational license.
- Tax Refund Interception: State and federal tax refunds can be intercepted and applied to overdue support.
- Passport Denial: Parents who owe more than $2,500 in overdue support may be denied a U.S. passport.
- Property Liens: A lien can be placed on real estate and other property owned by the non-paying parent.
- Contempt of Court: A judge can hold a non-paying parent in contempt, which can result in fines or even jail time.
- Credit Bureau Reporting: Overdue support may be reported to credit bureaus, affecting the non-paying parent’s credit score.
What Counts as Child Support Arrears in Nevada?
“Arrears” refers to unpaid, past-due child support. In Nevada, interest accrues on overdue support at a rate set by law. Once arrears accumulate, they can be very difficult to eliminate — unlike ongoing support, arrears generally cannot be retroactively reduced or forgiven by the court.
Can Child Support Orders Be Modified?
Yes, but only prospectively (for future payments). If a paying parent has experienced a significant change in circumstances — such as job loss, disability, or a change in the child’s needs — they can petition the court to modify the support amount going forward. Modification will not eliminate arrears already owed.
What Should You Do If the Other Parent Isn’t Paying?
If you are not receiving the child support you are owed, take action promptly:
- Document the missed payments — keep records of what was owed vs. what was paid.
- Contact DWSS — enroll in the Child Support Enforcement Program for state assistance.
- Consult a family law attorney — an attorney can file a motion for enforcement or contempt on your behalf and pursue faster results.
Attorney Michelle Hauser at Hauser Family Law has helped many Las Vegas parents enforce child support orders and protect their children’s financial wellbeing. Contact us today to discuss your situation.