What is the Most Common Custody Arrangement in Nevada?
While not every situation is the same, the state of Nevada does have a preferred arrangement when it comes to ordering child custody. Unless there is strong evidence to order otherwise, the most preferred and common custody ordered in Nevada is what we call Joint Custody.
Joint Custody is an arrangement where both parents share both legal and physical custody. In other words, both parents will get fairly equal time with the child as well as equal rights in decision-making for the child. This arrangement usually entails reaching an agreement when it comes to the child’s education, medical care, treatment and even religious upbringing.
The judges look at many different factors when deciding custody matters but, ultimately, the ideology behind their decision-making is what is in the best interest of the child. Therefore, judges rarely make decisions based on what is best or most convenient for the parents, but rather what is in the best interest of the child. In Nevada, we have an assumption that it is in the best interest of the children to have equal access to and time with both parents. So that is the presumption that all courts here in Nevada start with.
Obviously not all situations are the same, and some scenarios warrant alternative custody arrangements. Deviations from a joint custody order occur when one of the parents is found to be unfit because of violence, neglect, or a multitude of other reasons that prove the parents may not be well suited to share joint custody of the child.
When you start a custody case, remember that the courts begin with the intention to order Joint Custody, therefore it is the burden of one of the parties to prove why the other party is not fit to share joint custody if that is indeed their position.
If you are considering divorce, or separating from the other parent of your children, do not hesitate to contact our office to discuss your specific situation in detail. Our office can be reached at (702) 998-1188, info@ljlawlv.com, or by scheduling a consultation online.
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