Frequently Asked Questions About Family Law in Nevada
At Ease Law understands that family law matters can be some of the most emotional and life-changing situations you’ll face. You probably have a lot of questions! Whether you’re navigating a divorce, fighting for custody, or resolving a complex family dispute, we’re here to serve as your compassionate guides every step of the way. With nearly 40 years of combined experience, our award-winning team is dedicated to finding real solutions for real people – tailored to your unique needs and goals.
The questions below are some of the most frequently asked we receive from clients, but they’re just a starting point. We believe in offering every family the support they deserve, with fully virtual consultations and personalized legal strategies that make your peace of mind our priority. Let us help you move forward with clarity and confidence.
Reach out today to schedule your free consultation and see how we can make a difference in your case!
Can custody orders be changed?
Yes, custody arrangements can be modified in Nevada under certain conditions. Life changes – such as a parent moving, changes in work schedules, or shifts in a child’s needs – may require revisiting the custody order. To modify custody, you must show the court that a substantial change in circumstances has occurred and that the modification serves the child’s best interests.
Our skilled Nevada custody attorneys help clients understand the modification process, gather necessary evidence, and advocate for adjustments that support both your child’s well-being and your rights. If you’re considering a custody change, contact us for a free consultation to discuss your options.
Can we create our own parenting plan without going to court?
Yes, Nevada encourages parents to work together to develop a parenting plan that suits their family’s unique needs. A mutually agreed-upon plan can cover custody schedules, decision-making responsibilities, and communication guidelines. When parents cooperate, it often leads to better outcomes for the children and less stress for the family. If you’re unsure how to create a plan or want help negotiating terms, our firm can assist with drafting agreements that protect your interests and the best interests of your children.
Do I have to go to court to get divorced in Nevada?
If you and your spouse are able to reach an agreement on all the issues without the need for the court to intervene (for example, if you reach a full agreement through mediation or negotiation between your respective attorneys), then you may not need to appear in court at all, even to finalize your divorce. However, this is specific to each individual case, so it may depend on your unique situation.
Is mediation like court?
No, mediation is not like court. Mediation is an informal meeting between two divorcing spouses and a neutral third-party mediator, in which the mediator facilitates discussion between the spouses with the goal of helping them reach agreement on all the issues, including custody, alimony, property division, and more.
Mediation is a collaborative process where the two parties work together, and the mediator cannot impose settlements, make judgements, or offer legal advice. On the other hand, going to court (litigation) is an adversarial process where the two parties and their respective attorneys are each advocating for their own interests to a judge, who does have the authority to issue judgements.
Wondering which is the right path for you? Contact our Nevada divorce attorneys today to book your free consultation and get answers to your questions.
How long does divorce take in Nevada?
There is no waiting period to finalize a divorce in Nevada, so technically, if you and your spouse are in a full agreement about everything (custody, property division, alimony, etc.) you can be divorced in just a few days. However, most uncontested divorce take a little longer for the Judge to review and sign off on the Decree.
A contested divorce (where the couple does not agree and must seek court intervention) could take much longer, even over a year in a case that is particularly complex. However, the exact timeline depends on the circumstances in each individual case.
How much does divorce cost in Nevada?
This will also depend on the specific details in your case. You will need to pay filing fees, attorney fees, and other costs! Uncontested divorces tend to be much cheaper, as involving litigated issues typically means added expenses. A person can expect to pay anywhere between $5,000 and $20,000, or even more in a particularly complex case.
Who gets to keep the house?
Nevada is a community property state, meaning that marital property is presumed to belong to both spouses equally, and therefore subject to an equal division. That being said, you and your spouse still have the option of reaching your own agreement about who – if anyone – will keep your home (and other assets).
However, if you can’t agree on your own, the court will have to step in to make the final decision about who will keep the house or if it should be sold and the proceeds divided. A judge will base their decision on factors like the income and earning potential of each spouse, how long the marriage lasted, other financial agreements that have been reached, and more.