By Michelle Thomas and Darcy Plambeck
Have you ever wondered why child support court operates differently from family court? Understanding these distinctions—and the governing legal framework—can help practitioners more effectively navigate child support proceedings. The following overview provides practical explanations and tips for successful representation.
What is on the weekly child support calendar?
Child support court generally hears three types of matters each week:
- Order to show cause (enforcement) hearings: Mondays, Tuesday afternoons, Wednesdays, and Thursday mornings
- Modification hearings: Tuesday mornings
- Establishment hearings: Thursday afternoons
- Knowing the weekly calendar is essential for proper scheduling and client expectations.
Why can’t the District Attorney Family Support Division (“DAFS”) postpone initiating a case until family court is resolved?
The IV-D Child Support Program is governed by strict federal timelines under 45 C.F.R. § 303.4(d), which requires an order for support to be established within 90 calendar days of locating the noncustodial parent. In addition, NRS 425.3835(1) expressly provides that a court may not stay a child support proceeding due to any pending or prior action involving divorce, custody, or related family law matters.
Why can’t DAFS agree to continue a hearing?
Pursuant to NRS 125B.150(3), the DAFS does not represent any parent, guardian, or child. DAFS appears solely on behalf of the State of Nevada. As a result, DAFS cannot stipulate with only one party to continue a hearing. Any continuance must be stipulated to by both parties and submitted to the court, or requested individually by a party for the court’s consideration.
How do I appear in a child support case without a case number?
Many child support matters are enforced administratively, meaning no formal child support case number (R#) exists for filing an appearance. To obtain information, counsel may submit a letter of representation on firm letterhead to DAFSLegalGroup@ClarkCountyDANV.gov. Once an attorney is on file, DAFS will communicate exclusively with counsel rather than the represented party.
How can I obtain a child support payment record?
Either party may request a payment record by appearing in person at DAFS (1900 East Flamingo Road) or by calling 702-671-9200. Attorneys requesting records on behalf of clients must be the attorney of record, as described above.
How do I ensure a child support order is enforceable by DAFS?
To be enforceable, an order must include:
- Gross monthly income (GMI) and applicable percentage;
- A sum-certain dollar amount;
- A clear start date; and
Identification of which party is responsible for health insurance and childcare costs
Orders containing conditional language or varying monthly amounts cannot be entered into the NVKids system (the statewide child support computer system) and, therefore, cannot be enforced by DAFS. If health insurance is not addressed in a family court order, a child support court hearing will be required.
How do I draft a judgment for arrears enforceable by DAFS?
Judgments for arrears must clearly identify both principal and interest. For example:
The arrears period from November 1, 2022, through June 20, 2024, is reduced to judgment in the amount of $9,000.00, consisting of $7,000.00 in principal and $2,000.00 in interest.
If interest is not expressly included, the NVKids system cannot calculate or enforce past interest.
Can a client pay on only one child support case?
Respondents often have multiple active child support cases. Federal law establishes a mandatory distribution hierarchy under 42 U.S.C. § 657, which prevents a respondent from directing payments to only one case. Payments received by the State Collection and Disbursement Unit (SCaDU) are distributed automatically by NVKids according to federal requirements.
Why isn’t DAFS aware of family court proceedings?
DAFS does not receive automatic notice of orders issued in divorce or custody cases. To ensure coordination, parties or counsel should file relevant family court orders in the child support case and, when applicable, email copies to DAFSLegalGroup@ClarkCountyDANV.gov.
How do I contact a DAFS attorney?
Questions may be directed to the DAFS legal department at DAFSLegalGroup@ClarkCountyDANV.gov.
About the authors
Michelle Thomas serves as Chief Deputy District Attorney in the Criminal Division for Clark County, Nevada. Michelle has practiced in the criminal, juvenile, and child support divisions. Prior to law school, Michelle was a teacher. Her public service career reflects a commitment to justice, education, and serving families.
Darcy Plambeck serves as Deputy District Attorney in the DA Family Support Division (DAFS). Before joining DAFS, Darcy completed an externship at DAFS and practiced as a private attorney. Her passion for helping the families in our community brought her back to the District Attorney’s Office.
About the article
This article was originally published in the Communiqué (Apr. 2026), the official publication of the Clark County Bar Association. See https://clarkcountybar.org/about/member-benefits/communique-2026/communique-apr-2026/.
The articles and advertisements appearing in Communiqué magazine do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the CCBA, the CCBA Publications Committee, the editorial board, or the other authors. All legal and other issues discussed are not for the purpose of answering specific legal questions. Attorneys and others are strongly advised to independently research all issues.
© 2026 Clark County Bar Association (CCBA). All rights reserved. No reproduction of any portion of this issue is allowed without written permission from the publisher. Editorial policy available upon request.