Family Law Services
1. Divorce (learn more about starting a divorce in Las Vegas)
Annulment
Separation
2. Child Custody
3. Support
Spousal support
Temporary spousal support
Modification of spousal support
Child support
Child support review (increase/decrease)
Child Support collections
D.A. enforcement
Child Support collections
Collect interest on child support
4. Child custody modification
5. Relocation with children
6. Visitation
7. Juvenile guardianship
8. Paternity
Establish
Visitation
Custody
Child support
Reimburse birthing expenses
9. Grandparents rights
10. One (1) time (unbundled court) appearance
11. Termination of parental rights
12. Stipulations and Orders
13. Uncontested matters
14. Domestic violence
Protective Order applications
Protective Order extensions
Protective Order hearings
Child support is governed by statute and, like child custody, can become complicated.
Although the basic formula, as currently established is 18% of the noncustodial parent’s gross income (before taxes and deductions) for one (1) child, 25% for two (2) children, 29% for three (3) children, 31% for 4 children and an additional 2% for each additional child, there are deviations from the formula that can be considered.
The minimum child support allowed is $100.00 per month, per child. The maximum for each child is determined by the gross income of the noncustodial parent as set out in the statute, with a cap (or limit) that is adjusted annually and is indexed to the Consumer Price Index.
The child support statutes can be found at NRS 125B.070 and NRS 125B.080. Minimally, you are entitled to have child support reviewed every three (3) years or at any time if there is a substantial change of circumstances (such as the loss of a job or the legal responsibility for the support of another family member or another child). It is the responsibility of the parties to request a review and modification of the child support.
For the most recent child support guidelines, see the Nevada Supreme Court Web page at http://www.nvsupremecourt.us/aoc/support.php.
To help you resolve the issue of child custody, the Family Court offers mediation for parents. This is a confidential service. If you want to mediate custody, there is a 1-page form available at the Family Mediation Center (FMC) to start the mediation process. Complete the form and leave it for your judge to sign. Once your judge signs the form, FMC will contact you to schedule a mediation appointment.
The standard for granting custody in Nevada is “the best interest of the child.” Nevada presumes both parents are suitable for custody, unless there are instances of domestic violence, drug use/abuse, child neglect, (See NRS 125.480). The Family Mediation Center (FMC) has forms available, designed to help parents work out their child custody issues without the interference of anyone else.
Neither parent has an advantage for custody because they are “mom” or “dad.” Mothers are not granted custody because of the tender years (young age) of the child.
If you have a question about child custody, you should seek the opinion of an attorney before seeking formal court intervention. Learn what custody options are available to you before you leap.
Lawyers use two (2) different types of child custody definitions. The first is “legal custody.” Joint legal custody means that both parents have the right to make decisions about your children’s lives. If parents share joint legal custody, they should consult with one another and discuss the issues and decisions that affect your child’s life. Should your daughter enroll in the Brownies or go to tutoring after school? Should your son be a Cub Scout or take hockey lessons public or private school? Summer camp or not? This is a collaborative effort on the part of both parents to help raise their children.
The second type of custody is referred to as “physical custody.” This defines where the child lives day in and day out. Primary physical custody means the child lives primarily with one parent. Joint physical custody means the child divides their time (perhaps evenly) between both mom and dad’s home.
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