In the United States, we have an array of licenses. We have driver’s licenses, professional licenses, occupational licenses, recreational licenses, etc. When someone has a “professional license,” it ensures an individual has met industry requirements in the areas of knowledge and experience. Professional licenses acknowledge a professional’s expertise and recognize their abilities in a given field.
Many professions are regulated on the state level, and many licensed professions require that an individual successfully complete a formal postsecondary education as a prerequisite for them to enter a specific profession. Generally, the authority that recognizes professional qualifications is the applicable state licensing authority in the jurisdiction where the professional intends to practice. Since such licenses are state-regulated, professionals usually need to obtain professional licenses in each state they wish to work.
Examples of professional licenses are in the following fields:
- Accounting (CPA)
- Architecture
- Athletic/Personal Training
- Audiology
- Aviation (including the pilot)
- Barbering and Cosmetology
- Chiropractic
- Clinical Psychology
- Counseling
- Dentistry
- Dietetics and Nutrition
- Engineering
- Law
- Massage Therapy
- And much more
Are you working in an occupation that requires a license? Under Nevada law, people who work in certain fields must have a professional license to lawfully practice. Examples of occupations that require licenses include doctors, lawyers, nurses, building contractors, therapists, and electricians to name a few.
Impact of Child Support on Professional Licenses
According to the National Conference of State Legislators (NCSL), “All 50 states have statutory or administrative provisions authorizing the suspension or revocation of various licenses for failure to pay child support. The licenses affected generally are drivers, occupational, professional (e.g., law), business, and recreational (e.g., hunting and fishing).”
As with the majority of states, in Nevada, professional licenses can be suspended for the failure to pay child support. As such, the delinquency threshold is $1,000 and not less than two months past-due. In addition to professional license suspensions, driver’s, business, occupational, and recreational licenses can be suspended when a paying parent meets the criteria above.
Has your professional license been suspended or is it at risk due to child support arrears? If so, reach out to Ford & Friedman for immediate assistance.