This is the next post in my series discussing issues which Las Vegas military members often face when filing for divorce or sorting out a family law dispute. My last post provided information regarding options for dividing a military pension during a divorce. In this post I will explain how military income is calculated for the purpose of determining child support.
Every branch of the military has its own guidelines that servicemen may turn to in order to help calculate child support prior to an official court order. However, all military members must abide by state guidelines once a child support amount has been set, which is often more than the military’s calculations. Nevada has a uniform formula for calculating child support which takes into account factors such as both spouse’s income, the number of children the couple has together, and certain deductions such as children from other relationships, adult dependents, and union dues.
What becomes complicated when it comes to military members is calculating the service member’s exact salary. In order to calculate a military income all forms of “income” must be included. This includes base pay, housing allowance, pay differentials for hazardous assignments, food allocations, and other nonmonetary compensation. Because the IRS does not tax military housing and food allowances it is easier to get a more accurate number from the member’s Leave and Earnings Statement (LES) which shows a comprehensive breakdown of most of the information needed.
If you or your spouse is in the military then it is important for your child that both parents are contributing their fair share to the child’s well-being. Our office is experienced in helping military members and their spouses provide the courts with all of the information necessary in order to set a fair payment amount. Contact my office today to speak with a Las Vegas divorce lawyer.
