Nevada Divorce with Children
Everything you need to know about divorce with children in Nevada — custody types, child support guidelines, parenting plans, and protecting your children through the process. Updated for 2026.
Types of Custody in Nevada
Legal Custody
The right to make major decisions about your child's education, healthcare, religion, and welfare.
Physical Custody
Determines where the child lives on a day-to-day basis and the parenting time schedule.
"Best Interests of the Child" Factors
Nevada courts consider multiple factors when determining custody arrangements:
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Child Support in Nevada
Nevada uses a percentage of gross income model under NRS § 125B.070. The non-custodial parent's gross monthly income is multiplied by set percentages: 18% for one child, 25% for two children, 29% for three children, 31% for four children, and an additional 2% for each additional child. For gross monthly income between $0 and $6,000, the percentages are slightly adjusted (16% for one child, 22% for two, 26% for three). Presumptive maximum amounts apply for high-income earners per NRS § 125B.080. Courts may deviate from guidelines based on factors in NRS § 125B.080 including the cost of health insurance, child care expenses, special educational needs, and the age of the child.
Official Nevada child support calculator →Factors Considered
Additional Forms Required (Children)
| Form | Name |
|---|---|
| Custody, Visitation and Child Support Order | Custody, Visitation and Child Support Order |
Mandatory Parenting Course
Nevada requires both parents to complete a parenting education course when filing for divorce with minor children.
Under EDCR 5.07, both parents in any domestic relations action involving minor children must complete a Seminar for Separating Parents (commonly called the COPE class — Children of Parents Experiencing Separation). The course lasts 3-5 hours and costs approximately $40 per person. The divorce decree typically cannot be signed until both parents provide proof of completion. Online options are available.
Typical cost: $40
Protect your children through the process
Divorce.ai helps you create a child-focused parenting plan and prepares all custody-related Nevada forms.
What Goes in a Parenting Plan?
A comprehensive parenting plan should cover:
Regular Parenting Schedule
Week-by-week schedule of where the child lives and when transitions occur.
Holiday & Vacation Schedule
How holidays, school breaks, and vacation time are divided between parents.
Decision-Making Authority
Who makes decisions about education, healthcare, extracurriculars, and religious upbringing.
Communication Rules
How the child communicates with the non-custodial parent (phone, video calls, etc.).
Transportation & Exchange
Who handles pickups/dropoffs and where exchanges occur.
Dispute Resolution
How disagreements about the parenting plan will be resolved (mediation first, then court).
Relocation Rules
Notice requirements and procedure if either parent wants to move.
Tips for Protecting Your Children During Divorce
Never speak negatively about the other parent in front of your children. It puts them in the middle and can harm your custody case.
Maintain routines. Keep school, activities, and daily routines as consistent as possible during the transition.
Communicate openly with your children in age-appropriate ways. Let them know the divorce is not their fault.
Consider counseling. A child therapist can help children process their emotions during this time.