Custody

There is a preference in Nevada for both parents to have a continuing relationship and frequent contact with the child, and to share the rights and responsibilities of child rearing after the parents have separated or ended their relationship.¹  However, in any court case regarding determining physical custody of a child, the sole (only) consideration that the judge will consider is what is in the best interest of the child.²  In Nevada, the judge will assume that awarding joint physical custody is in the “best interest of the child” if:

• the parents agree to it in court; or
• the parent seeking joint physical custody has demonstrated (or has tried to demonstrate but the other parent wouldn’t allow it) an intent to establish a meaningful relationship with the child.³ 

However, there is an exception for domestic violence victims.  Read Can a parent who committed violence get physical custody? to learn more.

¹ N.R.S. § 125C.001
² N.R.S. § 125C.0035(1)
³ N.R.S. § 125C.0025(1)