The doctor being investigated in Michael Jackson's death says he can't afford child support because he was forced to close his Nevada office after physical threats against him and his staff.

A family court in Las Vegas set a November 16 hearing to consider a recommendation that the doctor, Conrad Murray, be arrested for not appearing in court this month to explain $US13,000 ($A14,000) in unpaid child support to a California woman.

Murray's lawyer Chris Aaron says his client didn't receive notice about the hearing and can't pay his debts because of threats and media coverage of the pop singer's death.

Murray says in a signed affidavit dated October 15 he took a job as Jackson's personal physician to pay off the child support and other debts.