Child Custody
In most cases, Las Vegas courts consider the best interests of the children and will award joint physical custody to the parents, giving them each equal rights to their children.  The courts want to make sure that the minor children have a continuing relationship with both parents.

Jurisdictional Requirements
Nevada child custody laws are governed by Nevada’s Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction Act.

• Considers the state where the child has lived for at least 6 months
• Makes sure one parent and the child have family and/or friends.

Mediation
Las Vegas’ Clark County District Court offers a mediation program.  This program deals with:

• Child custody  - visitation and holiday schedule
• Both parents agree to a custodial arrangement
• If an agreement is reached, the mediator will prepare a Parenting Plan
  • Parents must sign and then judge will sign
• If agreement cannot be reached, a trail will be held and the District Court Judge will determine the outcome
  

Relocation
Nevada Law requires that a parent wanting to relocate with children must get written consent from the other parent or the Court before leaving the state.

Child Support

• Nevada child support is calculated by using the gross monthly income of you and your spouse.
• If you are requesting financial help, you must complete and file an Affidavit of Financial Condition (AFC).
  • This statement shows the court your monthly income, obligations, debts and assets.
• Also under consideration is the type of custody arrangements you have.
• The percentage used to determine child support is according to how many children you have:
  • 1 child      = 18%
  • 2 children = 25%
  • 3 children = 29%
  • 4 children  = 33%
  • each additional child = 2%
• Per the Nevada Revised Statutes, the court can increase or decrease child support according to how many children you have, if there are special needs, health insurance, child care, etc.

Alimony
Most Las Vegas divorce cases will award alimony. Alimony payments are made in specific amounts and paid over a specific period of time.

Alimony is determined by:

• The length of the marriage
• The ages, health, and earning capacities of each party
• The financial status of each party after the divorce

Property Settlement
Nevada is a community property state.  Property settlements include tangible and intangible assets.

Tangible Assets – Physical Assets

• Banks accounts
• Homes
• Vehicles – includes boats
• Own a businesses
• Financial - investments, stocks, pensions, 401Ks, IRAs, etc.

Intangible Assets

• Patents
• Copyrights
• Stock options

Prior to Marriage
Assets owned before the marriage took place and have been kept sole and separate during the marriage, will be considered sole property of that spouse.

However, sole property that has increased in value during the marriage can be considered community property.

Conclusion
This is a very stressful time in your life and the lives of your family.  An experienced attorney at the Family Law Offices of “Insert Attorney Name” in Las Vegas will make your life much easier.

Our goal is to provide you with aggressive representation.  We have the experience and determination to get you through this so you can get on with your life.