Las Vegas Child Custody Lawyer

Protecting Your Parental Rights

Child custody decisions shape your child’s future, and your relationship with them. Whether you’re establishing custody for the first time or modifying an existing order, Mabel Law Group helps parents navigate the process with clarity, compassion, and strong advocacy.

We understand that custody cases aren’t just legal issues. They affect your home, schedule, finances, stability, and peace of mind. Our goal is to help parents create fair, child-centered arrangements that support long-term stability and healthy co-parenting.

How Legal & Physical Custody Work in Nevada

Nevada law begins with a presumption that parents share Joint Legal Custody and Joint Physical Custody unless and until a court orders something different. Understanding the difference between the two is essential:

Legal Custody

Legal Custody refers to the right to make major decisions about a child’s life, such as:

• Where the child attends school
• Which pediatrician or specialist do they see
• Medical decisions, including vaccines
• Religious or educational choices
  
  

Parents typically share Joint Legal Custody, meaning both parents must communicate and make decisions together.
However, a parent may request:

• Sole Legal Custody — one parent makes all major decisions

Partial Sole Legal Custody — one parent has authority over specific areas (e.g., education only)

Physical Custody

Physical Custody refers to the time the child spends with each parent.

To be considered Joint Physical Custody, the child must spend at least 40% of their time with each parent.
Common examples include:

• Example 1: Monday–Wednesday with one parent, Thursday–Sunday with the other
• Example 2: Alternating week-on, week-off
• Example 3: Split weekdays with alternating weekends
  
  

A parent has Primary Physical Custody when the child spends more than 60% of their time with them.
Examples include:

• Example 1: Monday–Friday with one parent, weekends with the other
• Example 2: School year with one parent, holidays/summer with the other
  
  

If you need to change an existing custody arrangement, the court requires a formal modification request based on specific legal standards.

How Nevada Courts Determine Custody

When deciding custody, Nevada courts focus on the best interests of the child. Judges consider:

• Each parent’s involvement and caregiving history
• The child’s routine, needs, and stability
• Each parent’s ability to co-parent
• Safety issues, including domestic violence or neglect
• Emotional bonds with each parent
• Practical factors like distance, school, and work schedules
  
  

No two families are the same and no single factor controls the outcome. Mabel Law Group helps parents understand how these evaluations work in real Clark County courtrooms.

Our Approach to Custody & Support

Custody and child support are deeply connected. Mabel Law Group approaches both with:

• Clear explanations of Nevada law
• Realistic expectations based on court trends
• Child-centered planning that prioritizes stability
• Strong advocacy during mediation or litigation
• A calm, supportive environment during an emotional process
  
  

We help parents establish parenting plans that protect their rights and support their child’s long-term well-being.

If your case involves moving out of Nevada or changing schools:

Visit the Relocation (Move-Away) page for detailed guidance.