Las Vegas Child Support Lawyer
Helping Families in Clark County, including Overton, Moapa Valley, Mesquite, Laughlin, Las Vegas, and North Las Vegas
Under Nevada law, the term “child support” is defined as the financial contribution made by one parent to help support his or her child.
NRS 125B.020 provides that the parents of a child have “a duty to provide the child necessary maintenance, health care, education, and support.”
Under NRS 125B.030, the custodial parent may recover child support for the period of separation but before the action to establish support or the divorce.
The child support obligation continues to run until the child’s 18th birthday, or if the child is still enrolled in high school, on the child’s 19th birthday.
If you are facing a divorce or paternity action involving child support, our experienced Las Vegas child support lawyer at Mills & Anderson can help.
Our law firm represents both mothers and fathers in child support and child custody cases throughout Clark County, including Las Vegas, and North Las Vegas, Nevada. Call us at (725) 999-6468 or reach us online today to get in touch with our lawyers and discuss your case.
Establishing Paternity
Paternity can be established under Nevada law in several ways, as follows:
- If the baby’s mother is legally married to a man on the day the baby is born, a legal presumption arises that her husband is the father (this presumption can be rebutted, however).
- If the mother was married to a man and was divorced less than ten months before the date that the baby was born, her husband at the time of the baby’s conception is the presumed father (this presumption is also rebuttable). This rule also applies if the mother is widowed within ten months before the baby is born.
- In either of the foregoing cases, no third party is allowed to voluntarily acknowledge paternity unless either the husband consents in writing or a court concludes that the husband is not the father (through court-ordered DNA testing, for example).
- If the mother was unmarried at the time of conception and the date of birth, the biological parents can establish paternity if they both sign a voluntary acknowledgment of paternity and file it with the state. An adversarial hearing can also determine paternity and is most commonly done with court-ordered DNA testing. If a putative father is served with a complaint to establish paternity by the mother or a support enforcement agency, he must respond to the complaint if he wishes to challenge the allegation that he is the father. If he does not, the court will presume he is the father, and he will be legally liable for child support. Let a trusted Las Vegas child support attorney answer all your questions.
Why Choose Mills & Anderson?
Personalized Service. Proven Results.
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Comprehensive Legal SolutionsFrom family law and estate planning to business law, we provide trusted legal guidance for every stage of life.
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Experienced, Collaborative TeamEvery case benefits from the combined knowledge of our attorneys, giving you thoughtful strategies and well-rounded legal support.
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Personalized Attention
You'll work directly with your attorney and a dedicated paralegal, ensuring responsive communication and a legal strategy tailored to your needs.
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Honest, Practical Guidance
We provide straightforward advice, explain your options clearly, and focus on solutions that protect your future—not just resolve today's issue.
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Se Habla Español
Our Spanish-speaking attorney is here to provide clear, compassionate legal guidance, making quality representation accessible to more members of our community.
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Accessible & ResponsiveWe make it easy to get the answers you need with prompt communication and nearly immediate access to our team during business hours.
Can I Withhold Visitation If the Other Parent Fails to Pay Child Support?
Between the parties, the court-ordered parenting plan is the law. Visitation should never be withheld because the other parent has failed to pay or is late in paying their child support obligation. In situations where an obligated parent is in violation of a child support order, the custodial parent should continue to follow the set parenting plan and take any child support matter through the courts. Should you withhold the child from the other parent, you will be in violation of the court-ordered parenting plan and could face negative consequences, including a finding of contempt against you.
Similarly, noncustodial parents cannot withhold child support payments in response to the other’s breach of the parenting plan. In the event a custodial parent withholds the child, the noncustodial parent should continue making all child support payments. Know that willful breach of a parenting plan may be grounds for modification. Should the noncustodial parent seek to modify custody, they should contact an experienced family law attorney to help determine their best options.
Modification of Child Support Obligations Ordered
A job loss, illness, or bankruptcy does not change a parent’s obligation to pay child support. A child support order can only be changed by bringing a motion before the court and by showing a substantial change in circumstances. Even when a substantial change in circumstances can be shown, the court in Clark County, NV, might still find the parent responsible for continuing to pay the child support payments.
Additionally, the court cannot modify or void payments that were missed under the existing order. Under Nevada law, once payments for child support or alimony accrue, the court cannot modify or void those arrearages.
Therefore, it is important to request the modification downward (reduction) of the child support obligation when it becomes apparent that a substantial change in circumstances has occurred. The Eighth Judicial District Court, Family Court Division, in Clark County, Nevada, may review a child support award upon a showing of changed circumstances. The court is allowed to modify the award if doing so is in the child’s best interest. Rivero v. Rivero, 125 Nev. 410, 431, 216 P.3d 213, 228 (2009); see also NRS 125B.145(4). A child support order in a divorce or paternity case can also be modified upward (increased) when a substantial change in financial circumstances occurs that warrants such a change in a prior order. If your circumstances have changed, contact our skilled Las Vegas child support lawyers today for advice on how to best handle support modifications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Child support can be a complex topic, and we understand you may have many questions. That’s why we’ve put together this FAQ section to address some of the most common concerns. For personalized guidance tailored to your situation, don’t hesitate to give us a call or reach out online today.
How Can a Las Vegas Child Support Lawyer Help Me?
A Las Vegas child support lawyer can help you understand your rights and responsibilities under Nevada law. They assist with calculating child support, negotiating agreements, and representing you in court if disputes arise. They also help modify existing child support orders if circumstances change significantly.
What Should I Bring to My First Meeting with a Child Support Lawyer?
Bring all relevant documents, including financial records, previous court orders, and details about your child’s expenses. These help the lawyer understand your situation and provide tailored advice.
The Difference Is Personal
Hear From the Families We’ve Helped
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“His integrity and morals are exemplarily. Mr. Anderson is extremely knowledgeable of the law. He is prepared and fights for his clients. Mr. Anderson has always kept me informed as to the progress of my case.”Jodi
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“Dan is the consummate professional with a deep background in contractual law. His steady manner guided me through the process and he never wavered even during times when I was a bit emotional.”Charles
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Meresa B.
Had a great experience when working with Byron Mills during both of our hearings and everything leading up to it. His staff was very attentive and quick to respond to any questions or concerns we had. Would highly recommend Mills and Anderson!
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“They are very knowledgeable, answered any, and every question I had. Very professional, detail oriented, well prepared, and honest throughout the entire process.”Kasey
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“If you want to get the job done right you need to check out their office. Thank you so much guys, I appreciate the help.”Marlen G.
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“Going through a divorce is a very difficult process and they managed to make it a smooth transition for me. I felt so comfortable and their communication skills are excellent. Whenever I called or emailed I received a prompt response.”Marjaana M.
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“He was well prepared to discuss our situation and had reviewed all the materials I had sent him in advance. He was also very accommodating as the issue was time sensitive.”Ryan L.
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Mills and Anderson family law is excellent, including his staff, especially Mary O'Donnell. We have an adoption case with them and we got granted just over a month. Thank you very much for all of you!Maung S.
